posted September 26, 2007 by Dr. Terry Stoops, Joseph Coletti, Dr. Michael Sanera
The Greene County commissioners are asking voters to approve a quarter-cent sales tax increase on November 6. But the county has about $8.2 million over and above its base budget to meet its needs.
posted September 26, 2007 by Joseph Coletti, Dr. Terry Stoops, Dr. Michael Sanera
The Macon County commissioners are asking voters to approve a 200 percent increase in the real estate transfer tax on November 6. But the county has about $21.6 million over and above its base budget to meet its needs.
Over the past six years, Goldsboro’s city owned and operated golf course experienced operational losses of over $2.5 million. The city unfairly competes with seven private courses in the area.
Over the past four years, Burlington’s city owned and operated golf course experienced operational losses of over $1.2 million. The city unfairly competes with 14 private courses in the area.
Counties across the state are adopting Adequate Public Facilities Ordinances (APFOs) that require homebuilders to pay fees of up to $14,953 for each new home built.1 County commissioners favoring these ordinances argue that they allow public services to keep pace with population growth. Opponents believe that APFOs actually place an unfair burden on homebuilders and homebuyers because APFOs can significantly increase home prices.
Over the past four years, Burlington’s city owned and operated golf course experienced operational losses of nearly $700,000. The city unfairly competes with 14 private courses in the area.
Over the past five years, Wilson’s city owned and operated golf course experienced operational losses of over $1 million. The city unfairly competes with eight private courses in the area.
Over the past seven years, Lexington’s city owned and operated golf course experienced operational losses of over $1.3 million. The city unfairly competes with 18 private courses in the area.
Unfortunately for North Carolina’s students, most of the adult debate over schools has focused on where to find the money to build the schools to accommodate its rapidly growing student population. Last year several NC counties passed bonded indebtedness of nearly $1.5 billion and presently counties and the state are discussing more bonds totaling an additional $3.6 billion.
The Johnston County Growth Management Committee (GMC) believes that rapid growth has outstripped the county’s ability to keep up with essential public services. To solve this problem, the GMC is recommending "smart growth" policies. The GMC is urging the County Commission to limit home building in rural areas to one home to an average of two acres. This is a 203 percent increase in the average lot size.