Leland steps back on steep tax increase following backlash

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — Budget discussions are underway in Leland following significant backlash from the community over a proposed 70-percent tax rate increase. Town council convened for a budget workshop on Tuesday night, with hundreds of residents in attendance.

Public comment was not permitted during the meeting, but that didn’t stop some individuals from voicing their opinions loudly during the discussions. This led to Mayor Brenda Bozeman having to use her gavel multiple times.

No final decisions were reached during the meeting. However, the council directed staff to look into what services could be funded with a 27-cent rate rather than the proposed 39-cent rate. Priorities for funding seemed to be with roads and infrastructure as well as public safety.

Town Manager David Hollis says staff will share an update on the new budget during the agenda meeting on Monday, April 15. Staff may have a new presentation prepared as early as the council’s next regular meeting on Thursday, April 18.

Councilman Bill McHugh acknowledged that the initial proposal aimed at expanding services was ambitious but has now been recognized as excessive.

“We’re going to move forward at a much lower level and try to phase these service improvements in over the years, revisiting them every year and that will allow us to look at things like economic conditions and be able to make better decisions for them moving forward,” said McHugh.

In an effort to ease the burden on Leland residents, council is looking into changing the current “fire fee.” Town residents, along with county residents who are in Leland’s fire district pay a fire fee. However, only Leland residents are faced with the cost of new fire equipment when it is needed.

During the next Fire Fee Committee meeting, Mayor Bozeman is going to ask the county to look into options that would help alleviate the strain on Leland residents. The meeting will take place at Leland Fire Station 51 on Wednesday, April 17 at 2 pm.

Nevertheless, many residents, including Heide Wargo, remain skeptical about the council’s decision-making.

“I still hope they come up with a good solution even though I seriously doubt it,” said Wargo. “I have no confidence in the council right now.”

In response to the proposed tax hike, residents are organizing a demonstration at Town Hall this Saturday at 10:30 am to voice their opposition to the 70-percent increase.