Leland residents rally in response to proposed tax increase ahead of Thursday’s town council meeting

LELAND, NC (WWAY)– A group against a proposed tax rate increase for Leland homeowners held a rally this afternoon. 

It’s no secret that Leland residents are not thrilled by the proposed 17% tax rate increase, and today’s rally is just one of several that have been held over the last several weeks. 

“We’re not gonna take it! We’re not gonna take it! We’re not gonna take it!”   

No, we’re not going to take it. That’s the motto of Leland residents against a proposed 17% tax rate increase.   

“The Leland Town Council has awakened the giant in each of us.”   

Dozens of residents came together outside Leland Town Hall Tuesday afternoon to voice their opinions about the proposed tax increase, and the town’s budget as a whole. 

“The will of the people should be the basis for the authority of government. They blatantly ignore our interests and distort reality by trying to convince us that their way, is the best way.”  

“Our three goals, zero tax percent, cancel the town hall expansion, and cut the bloated payroll,” said rally organizer Rhonda Florian.  

“The people in this building, have decided that all of us are going to pay for their aspirations to come true. Without asking us if that’s what we want.”  

Despite the size of the proposed increase being lowered from 70% to 17% per one-hundred dollars of valuation at the last council meeting, residents still believe this is unfair, and plan to continue to push their demand for a 0% increase at Thursday’s town council meeting.   

“We feel that they need to do what the rest of us are having to do in these really tough times. Learn how to make do with what you have,” said Florian. 

“Are we going to see this to its conclusion?! Yes we are! Are you ready to stand up? Yes!”   

“We’re not gonna take it,” chanted the residents.    

WWAY did reach out to the Town of Leland about the concerns raised at today’s rally.   

Town Council Member Bill McHugh says he didn’t attend the rally, but emphasized that he is glad that people have the right to voice their concerns.  

Those at the rally say they look forward to what may come of Thursday’s meeting.