A developer proposes rezoning a parcel from a low density residential zone to a commercial zoning district. The neighbors would be satisfied with some of the uses allowed in the more intensive district, but are wary about others. The staff … Read more
One of the more controversial “local government” issues addressed by the North Carolina General Assembly this year is the proper role of municipal governments in providing cable and Internet services. This issue is not new. Several bills relating to municipal … Read more
In this blog post about citizen information, I noted that some local governments had obtained local legislation to protect email subscriber lists from some kinds of public access. Effective April 21, 2011, that law now applies to all local governments. This … Read more
Does Anytown, N.C.—a town with fewer than 50 employees—owe to its employees the leave rights set out in the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)? The answer is No, I think, but it takes a little explaining to get … Read more
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
A tornado has ripped through Coatesville, damaging its water and sewer system, tearing the roof off of town hall, destroying the police department’s vehicles, and leaving tons of debris in its wake. The town declares a state of emergency and … Read more
UPDATE February 2017: In 2013 the North Carolina General Assembly enacted legislation requiring voters to show photo ID at the polls and providing for provisional voting by voters who failed to do so. In July 2016 the federal Fourth Circuit … Read more
Quick Quiz: Which of the following constitutes an installment finance agreement under North Carolina law? 1. The Village of BlueSky purchases a fire truck for $350,000. To pay for the truck, the town enters into a financing agreement with a local … Read more
A city contracts with a private company to collect solid waste within the city. If not for this contract, city employees would carry out this function. The only connection between the city and the company is the contract. It’s a … Read more
Last month my blog concerned the way the term “subdivision” is defined in the North Carolina General Statutes for purposes of city and county land subdivision regulation. This month’s blog is a follow-up and concerns the four exceptions to the … Read more
When local governments wish to fund additional services for portions of their jurisdictions beyond those provided elsewhere, they can turn to special tax districts to raise the needed revenue. My finance expert colleague Kara Millonzi recently offered two excellent posts … Read more