The revenue-neutral tax rate is a bundle of contradictions. It is intended to make the property tax reappraisal and rate-setting process more transparent, but instead it often muddies the waters. The rate is required to be calculated and published by … Read more
When the General Assembly convened on January 26 and the Republican party held a majority in both chambers for the first time in over a century, everyone expected things to be different: new leadership, revamped procedures, and shifting legislative priorities. … Read more
UPDATE: Legislation changing the organizational and governance options for NC local public health agencies was enacted in June 2012. The legislation, commonly called House Bill 438, is summarized here. When I wrote this post I focused mostly on a different … Read more
UPDATE: Legislation changing the organizational and governance options for NC local public health agencies was enacted in June 2012. The legislation, commonly called House Bill 438, is summarized here. More information and resources about the implementation of this legislation in … Read more
A recent discussion among local government attorneys concerned whether a city may adopt an ordinance that requires abutting property owners to mow or otherwise maintain the grassy strip that often lies between a public sidewalk and the curb. The discussion … Read more
UPDATE September 2013: Click here for the 2013 sequel to this blog. What is a public nuisance? A public nuisance is a condition or activity involving real property that amounts to an unreasonable interference with the health, safety, morals, or … Read more
An email to the town clerk requests electronic copies of the job descriptions for all town positions that are currently filled, and a list of all current town employee salaries. It asks for a response by return email. The email … Read more
A developer needs a rezoning to increase permissible densities on a tract in order build a project that may well be good for the community. The neighbors have legitimate concerns about the impact this more intensive development would have on … Read more
After a contentious and stressful budget season, Carolina County’s governing board adopts its annual budget ordinance on June 13, 2011. The budget reflects tough decisions by the board about how to allocate limited resources among competing priorities. However, because the … Read more
Given the dire economic news of late, it’s no surprise that the General Assembly and local governments are trying to get creative with local property taxes. Consider the suggestion from one county to levy a more progressive property tax, with … Read more