Town of Leland Proposes Tax Rate Increase of 70%
As I am sure you are aware, the Town of Leland is proposing to raise the tax rate from .23 cents per $100 of assessed value to .39 cents per $100 of assessed value — a 70% increase. I unfortunately cannot attend the budget open house, but I have submitted the following questions and I urge my neighbors to speak out.
Town Reserve
1. Does the Town have an official reserve policy? If yes, what percentage of the budget is designated to go into the reserve?
2. What is the existing amount of funds in the reserve and what percentage are they of the Town budget as of now and in the projected budget?
Town Debt
1. Does the Town have an official debt policy? If yes, what is the percentage of debt to the general fund?
2. What is the existing amount of Town debt? What is the amortization period for the debt?
Road Repaving
1. Is there a study outlining the conditions of Town maintained roads and a priority list based upon condition?
2. Has the Town of Leland sought any funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law or any other federal/state program to assist in paving roadways?
3. Why is cash being used to pay for an asset that will be in the ground forever?
4. What guarantees are there that funds raised for road repair through general fund taxes are not diverted for other uses?
Vehicle Replacement
1. Does the Town have a vehicle replacement policy?
2. If yes or no, does the Town require that the most fuel efficient vehicles be purchased for Town employee use?
3. Does the Town allow employees to take vehicles home? If yes, what policies are in place to not only govern the use, but what departments, etc.
General Question
1. Has the Town ever undertake a study to understand the impact of residential development on overall Town services, budget, etc. including the impact on County services e.g. schools
Overall Comment
The proposed budget and tax rate would increase the property taxes on my home in Brunswick Forest by nearly $1,000 annually. While I appreciate that Leland is the fastest growing Town in the fastest growing County in North Carolina, it is in my opinion that to raise taxes by 70% to pay cash for capital that will be in the ground forever is not sustainable and not in the best interests of the residents nor the Town itself.
