Southport residents asked for input on proposed tax increase

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — People living in Southport will have the opportunity to voice their opinion about a possible tax increase this week and next.

The city’s budget proposal calls for a possible 14% tax increase which would be a three cent increase from the current city tax rate. City Manager Kerry McDuffie says it would generate money for capital items.

Those items include new police cars, repairs to city buildings, upgrades to parks and other additional projects. It is a proposal that would help places like the Franklin Square Gallery get much needed repairs.

“Well we have serious damage on the roof, which if you’ve been there you can see it,” Associated Artists of Southport President, Penny Omerod said. “And then the siding is the old harp wood pine and it is starting to fall apart towards the bottom.”

The first public meeting to discuss the budget proposal is this Thursday, June 8th. It will be followed shortly by the second public meeting set for Monday June 12th.

For more details on the proposed budget and the schedule, click here.