LILLINGTON, N.C. — Harnett County commissioners are exploring whether additional property-tax relief could be offered to senior citizens and veterans, but county leaders say more financial information is needed before any decisions are made.
The subject was discussed during the Board of Commissioners’ September 8 meeting.
County Asked to Calculate Potential Cost
Commissioner Duncan Jaggers encouraged the county to explore additional relief for residents age 65 and older, saying the goal would be to help elderly homeowners remain in their homes.
Other board members asked the county’s finance staff to first calculate how much revenue could be lost under different exemption proposals. County staff reported that approximately 1,300 to 1,400 senior residents currently participate in available property-tax relief programs.
Vice Chairman Matt Nicol also requested financial information on the potential impact of expanding relief for veterans.
Not every commissioner expressed support for a broad exemption. Commissioner Barbara McKoy raised concerns about including all veterans without considering individual income levels or financial need.
No Property-Tax Changes Approved
The discussion remains preliminary. Commissioners did not vote to approve a new exemption, and property owners should not expect an immediate change to their current tax bills.
The requested financial analysis is expected to help the board determine how broader exemptions could affect county revenue and funding for public services. Commissioners could also consider contacting members of the North Carolina General Assembly about possible legislative changes.
Data-Center Rules Also Moving Forward
During the meeting, commissioners also received an update on proposed development standards for data centers. The county’s steering committee is expected to hold one additional meeting before completing a draft of the regulations.
The proposal is expected to undergo an outside review before being presented to commissioners, potentially in November.
The Harnett County Board of Commissioners’ next meeting is scheduled for September 15 at 9 a.m.
Source: Sandhills News.
