Wake County/32% Property Tax/2008

[VickiR]

In Wake County, we assess taxes every 8 years. Considering that our property values typically rise each year, it seems like we should be assessing our taxes a bit more frequently.

I also heard that there was to be a tax increase. Seems like the estimate was on a $200,000 home, the bill would go up about $150 per year? Did anyone else hear this estimate?

My personal thoughts are that with the growth we have and have always had, property values should be assessed more often than the 8 years. Is it possible that I'm the ONLY person who thinks the taxes SHOULD be raised???

Ok, throwing things is not nice!!! Vicki

[NCHomeFinder]

My family relocated to NC from FL about three years ago. We used to live just outside Tampa, and right after we bought our house we got slammed with the tax hike. We were concerned about state income tax here, since there is none in FL, but it was offset somewhat by other factors - such as lower property taxes. Right now, in the city of Raleigh, the taxes run just about 1% of the home's value. If it is increased even 16%, that will still only be 1.16% - and that's if the county AND city taxes increase that much. This is still significantly lower that what we paid in Florida. Also, our insurance is absurdly cheaper here. I don't agree that higher taxes will pay for growth - I believe they will stop it, and even result in loss of revenue. Wake county has done a great job managing the growth - not perfect, of course, but better than many areas. I went back to Florida and got lost trying to get to the mall that used to be 5 minutes from my house, and there were new 800 unit subdivisions with only one two-lane ingress/egress - that is uncontrolled growth. Do I miss my friends and family? yes. Would I move back? no.

[I'minformed2]

Vicky, anyone who has lived here for more than 5 years knows that taxes should be raised....it's just that not everyone wants to admit it. They are changing the reassessment period from 8 years to 4 years, that will probably help.

[VickiR]

Originally Posted by i'minformed

Vicky, anyone who has lived here for more than 5 years knows that taxes should be raised....it's just that not everyone wants to admit it. They are changing the reassessment period from 8 years to 4 years, that will probably help.

Well by now, i'minformed, you should know that I always tell it like it is. I don't care if people do not want their taxes raised...its time. And all this bellyaching about the schools being overcrowded? Well its time to build more new schools and its my understanding that this costs big bucks!

Vicki

[I'minformed2]

I know.... I was agreeing with you.

[CaliBoy]

Raise the taxes, fine. But make sure the greedy politicians spend it wisely. From what I've seen in many political arenas, as the pot grows, so does spending. I'd like to see a real 'business' plan before anything gets raised... and not just spending the increased revenue on schools (but on other programs like law enforcement in higher crime areas) and, certainly, not just for schools in the well-to-do areas. The more impoverished areas need better incentives for quality instructor to serve and teach them, so that the less fortunate can get a better education.

Ugh, I got sucked into a political argument. A no-no. Eh.

[NYer]

Originally Posted by CaliBoy

Raise the taxes, fine. But make sure the greedy politicians spend it wisely. From what I've seen in many political arenas, as the pot grows, so does spending. I'd like to see a real 'business' plan before anything gets raised... and not just spending the increased revenue on schools (but on other programs like law enforcement in higher crime areas) and, certainly, not just for schools in the well-to-do areas. The more impoverished areas need better incentives for quality instructor to serve and teach them, so that the less fortunate can get a better education.

Ugh, I got sucked into a political argument. A no-no. Eh.

One interesting part of the bond issue was that millions were slated to improve the older schools in the established neighborhoods. Some argued that teh expenditure could be lessened by putting the $$ only into new schools.
I am glad that (at least on paper) since all neighborhoods pay, all will be getting improved schools.