Morrisville considers property tax increase

Morrisville, N.C. — City leaders on Tuesday are scheduled to vote on a proposed budget that could increase property taxes.

Morrisville commissioners are proposing largest tax increase in Wake County. The budget being considered includes a $3.4 million spending increase.

Based on Wake County's property reassessment, homeowners in Morrisville saw property values go up by 38 percent. With Morrisville's proposed tax rate, homeowners could have a 19 percent increase in their property tax bill.

Mayor Jan Faulkner said the increase is necessary to help the city keep pace with other Wake County towns.

“Without it, we’ll have to stop programs, not fund some roads and not develop downtown,” Faulkner said.

Homeowner Peggy Medlin said she can’t afford the proposed tax increase. If commissioners move forward with the plan to increase property taxes, Medlin said her bill would jump from $800 to more than $4,000.

“I don’t know how long I can stay here. I’m a caregiver and I have to stay to take care of my 95-year-old mother. I don’t have a choice,” Medlin said.

Residents attended a meeting at city hall last week to voice their opinions on the tax.

Commissioners will meet at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the budget. Commissioners can choose to approve the budget, reject it or ask the staff to start from the beginning, Faulkner said.