A proposal that would stop North Carolina counties from implementing new real estate appraisals is expected to go before state lawmakers Tuesday.
The state Senate on is expected to vote on Senate Bill 889, which would block county governments from implementing new property taxes based on new appraisals. At least a dozen counties — including Guilford and Harnett — are scheduled to reappraise properties this year, according to the state Department of Revenue.
Republican Senate leader Phil Berger, who introduced the legislation, is calling for a “moratorium” on reappraisals while legislators explore other ways to reduce property taxes longterm. Local officials have expressed concern about legislation that limits their ability to generate revenue when the state’s population — and its needs — are growing.
Republicans hold a majority in the state Senate and usually pass bills proposed by Berger. Several high-ranking Republicans have already signaled their support. Sen. Brent Jackson, a Sampson County Republican who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, said too many North Carolinians are experiencing “sticker shock” when they receive their revaluations in the mail.
“The General Assembly has worked tirelessly to spend taxpayer dollars wisely, and we need our counties to follow suit,” Jackson said in a statement.
The bulk of local government spending goes to public safety, schools and health programs — and a significant percentage of that money comes from property taxes. At the same time, home prices rose in all 71 counties that implemented property revaluations in the past three years, according to the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners. While each of those counties lowered their property tax rates, many property owners still ended up paying more in taxes because their county didn’t keep the rates revenue-neutral, Kevin Leonard, the head of the association, told lawmakers this year.
Wake County completed its most recent revaluation in 2024 and isn’t planning for another one until 2027. Durham County conducted its latest revelation in 2025 and its next is scheduled for 2029. Orange County’s next revaluation is set for 2029, while Cumberland County’s is eyeing another in 2033.
If passed by the Senate, Berger’s bill would need approval from the House of Representatives before going to Gov. Josh Stein for consideration.
House Republicans are pursuing a separate idea for addressing rising property taxes. A House committee…
Read More: Property reappraisal ‘moratorium’ poised for vote in NC Senate :: WRAL.com
