Counties across the Triangle are in the midst of difficult decisions about their budgets.

In Orange County, the Manager's proposed budget totals about $325 million, about a 6% increase from the prior year. 

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It includes a 3.75-cent increase per $100 of assessed value. 

For a home valued at $450,000, that amounts to a $150 increase, and for a home valued at $500,000, it's an increase of about $187.50. 

Commissioners were concerned about those numbers.

Commissioner Phyllis Portie-Ascott said she’s heard concerns from residents. 

“That's what people are saying to me – I cannot afford a tax increase at all,” Portie-Ascott said. 

Four of the Commissioners agreed to ask the county manager to come back with other scenarios, including one with no property tax increase, and one with a 2 cent property tax increase. 

"I can bring back packages of reductions, but at the end of the day, this will come down to values, and what the board values and what is not as highly valued,” County Manager Travis Myren said. 

Commissioners will also be able to offer their own amendments during the budget process.

“Somebody's bull is going to get gored in this process, maybe a lot of somebodies,” Commissioner Earl McKee said. “That's what we get paid for. That's why we're sitting here is to make hard decisions, whether they're popular or not." 

Wake County is also considering a 2-cent property tax increase. That would amount to about $90 more for a $450,000 home. 

Both counties point to the state’s lack of a budget and possible legislation as reasons for their decision-making. 

“Legislators are advancing proposals that would limit local governments’ ability to respond to a changing environment, pay for state mandates, and fund local priorities by potentially placing limits on property tax revenue,” Myren wrote in the budget documents for Orange County. 

In the North Carolina House, legislators are discussing a proposed cap on how much counties can raise property taxes, while in the state Senate, legislators are considering a moratorium on property reappraisals. 

Orange County has multiple budget meetings and hearings scheduled, including opportunities for public input. You can find more information here.