New Hanover County weighs tax options

NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY) — As teachers call for higher pay, New Hanover County leaders are considering how to fund potential increases while balancing the county’s budget.

During a meeting on Thursday, the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners discussed whether to raise property taxes or use existing funds to cover rising costs.

Budget staff presented two scenarios. One would increase the tax rate from 30.6 cents to 32.6 cents per $100 of property value. The other would keep the current rate and use nearly $4 million from the county’s general fund.

County Manager Chris Coudriet said relying on the fund balance could violate the county’s fiscal policy.

Vice Chair Dane Scalise pointed to rising costs across the area, saying it is the board’s responsibility to protect taxpayers.

“There isn’t a lot that you and I can do about what the City of Wilmington does or what Duke Energy does, but we can set the tax rate for this county, and I think that our citizens are looking for us to be the one institution, the one body, that says ‘We’re not going to contribute to the pressure you’re under from every other direction,'” said Scalise.

The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to meet again on May 4th at 4 p.m., where public comment is expected.