Letter to the Editor: Kinston Must Lower Property Tax Rates Now
The recent property revaluation has delivered a crippling blow to Kinston homeowners, and our City Council has a duty—and the legal authority—to provide immediate relief. According to North Carolina General Statute 159-15, it is absolutely possible for the City Council to reduce the tax rate now to address this massive increase in our tax base. They must act before January 1st.
The City Council was reportedly advised that the average tax increase would be around $400. However, this is simply not the case. My property value increased by 100%, but my resulting tax bill is up 300%. I am not alone. This is not a slight adjustment; it is an unsustainable tax burden threatening the financial stability of our community.
We listened as Councilwoman Solomon dared to ask if rates could be decreased, and we heard the disappointing opposition. Finance Director Donna Goodson claimed "nothing can be done" because the bills have already gone out and confusingly suggested that a large, non-repayable grant constituted a "windfall of money" that mitigates the need for tax relief. Taxpayers’ money and grants are separate issues, and one should not offset the other.
Councilman Suggs repeated this opinion as if it were fact before joking that "someone needs to win the Mega Millions." Mayor Pro Tem Hardy chimed in with unsolicited budgeting advice, stating he told people not to "buy those TVs when times were good." Our tax bills are no joking matter, and we don't need lectures on personal finance; we need our elected officials to govern responsibly and provide tax relief so we can budget effectively.
The law is clear. G.S. 159-15 gives the City Council the power to act. A precedent has already been set in Eastern North Carolina: Johnson County and Carteret County both lowered their tax rates following high revaluations. Johnson County notably lowered its rate to a revenue-neutral rate of $0.49.
If the Kinston City Council truly cares about the well-being and longevity of its residents, they will use their authority to give us relief. We have a short window of time. I implore every Kinston resident to make your voice heard—attend the upcoming City Council meeting and speak, or email your comments so they will be read aloud. The Council must listen and take action now.
Raine Tyndall, Kinston NC
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