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County’s tax rate is likely to be 36 cents
By Lynn Hotaling
While it’s not the 35-cent tax rate mentioned in February, the 36 cents per $100 valuation mentioned Monday (May 24) should sound better to taxpayers than the 39 cents reported last week.
Jackson County Manager Ken Westmoreland released the 36-cent figure during Monday’s budget hearing and said it’s based on the most up-to-date information and is likely to be the final number.
If the tax rate is set at 36 cents per $100, it will represent a 12-cent decrease from the current rate of 48 cents per $100 valuation, though it will generate an equal amount of revenue.
Commissioners pledged in February to keep Jackson County revenue neutral in the wake of state-mandated property revaluation that saw local property appraisals skyrocket.
Westmoreland has prepared a draft $48.6 million budget for the coming fiscal year. Copies of the draft document are available for public inspection at his office and at public libraries in Sylva and Cashiers.
Only two people spoke during Monday’s public hearing.
Bob Cochran, director of Jackson County’s Department of Social Services, asked commissioners to consider implementing a merit pay system as a means of rewarding and maintaining the most effective and productive employees.
Michael Cartwright, Jackson County librarian, asked that commissioners consider allocating funds to both county libraries in a lump sum rather than making separate line items for each public library.
Commissioners plan at least one more budget work session and special meeting Thursday, June 3, at 6 p.m. before voting on next year’s budget.
The budget will likely be considered during the June 3 special meeting or during the board’s Monday, June 15, regular session.
In action during their May 11 meeting, commisioners decided that “Webster Complex” will be the name of the 30-acre tract off N.C. 116 that will house a new Department of Social Services and other county agencies.
Commissioners rejected “Jackson County Services Complex,” the name proposed by the county’s appointed planning board, on April 13.
County leaders in February asked citizens to submit proposed names for the government complex and offered a prize (a $100 gift certificate) to the person who proposed the chosen name. The planning board considered those suggestions before recommending Jackson County Services Complex.
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