Sunset Beach leaders talking tax hike

SUNSET BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Systems like Subtropical Storm Ana can erode beaches. Town leaders like Mayor Ron Watts say a storm like that can erode their bank account too, but a proposed property tax hike can fix that.

“$250,000 in our reserves to be used in the future as needed, whether storms come by or we need to working to improve beach accesses,” Watts said.

Watts says Sunset Beach doesn’t have many issues with erosion, but they want a plan in place. Beach protection is just one part of this year’s town budget that could mean a five and half cent property tax increase.

“Going somewhere on average of an annual fee from $470 tax to the town to about $580,” Watts said. “An average home is looking at $100 to $200 tax increase.”

Watts says a big part of this tax hike proposal is the fact property values have decreased by 18 percent. The tax revenue is needed to balance that out.

“Property revaluation in Brunswick County went through would take our town back up to revenue neutral,” Watts said.

Watts says while no one likes paying for higher taxes something needs to be done.

“These factors are coming out and the majority of the council think we should go ahead and plan for it,” Watts said.