Council Member Joe Davis to Push for Property Tax Cut of More Than 50% at Monday’s Meeting | Eastern NC Now

    Plan could return up to $4 million to Washington taxpayers; Davis urges residents to attend and speak Monday, June 8

    WASHINGTON, N.C.     When the Washington City Council meets Monday, June 8, Council Member Joe Davis will press for a package of fiscal reforms he says could cut the city's property tax rate by more than half — from the current $0.485 to the low $0.20s per $100 of valuation — and return up to $4 million to taxpayers. Davis is urging residents to attend the 5:30 p.m. meeting at City Hall and speak in support.

    Davis points to a widening gap between the cost of city government and the community paying for it. According to city budget documents, the General Fund's ad valorem property tax revenue has risen from about $4.5 million to $6.9 million — roughly 53% — since the 2020-21 budget year.. Over a similar period, Davis says, city payroll grew from about $10 million to $17 million. Meanwhile, U.S. Census and American Community Survey figures show Washington's population has slipped from roughly 9,900 to 9,700 and median household income has edged down to about $40,000.

    “Government grew. Our town didn't,” Davis said. “Families and retirees are stretched thin, and they're paying more even though the rate went down. It's time to return that money to the people it came from.”

    Davis's plan would lower the rate through a combination of departmental restructuring and consolidating the city's Emergency Medical Services with Beaufort County, which already operates EMS throughout the county and residents already pay for. Davis says consolidation would preserve the service while running it more efficiently. He estimates the full package could return up to $4 million to taxpayers — about $650 a year on a $250,000 home — and notes that renters could benefit as property owners pass along savings.

    The proposal also directs $123,905 to four parent-led youth sports leagues and gives those leagues the ability to raise up to $20,000 each through banner sponsorships. Davis says he is working to secure an additional $5,000 for the local special-needs sports programs.

    “This is the residents' money, and we have a real chance to give it back,” Davis said. “But it only happens if people show up Monday and tell the Council they want it — even a ten-second comment makes a difference. If the room is full, we win this. If it's empty, nothing changes, taxes remain outrageous.”

    Public meeting: The Washington City Council meets Monday, June 8 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting is open to the public, and residents may sign up to speak during the public comment period.

    About: Joe Davis is a member of the Washington City Council, a lifelong Washington resident, and a local business owner. This release reflects a proposal Davis is bringing forward in his individual capacity as a council member and does not represent adopted City of Washington policy.

    Media contact:

        Joe Davis, Washington City Council
        Phone: 252.721.3025
        Email: jdavis@washingtonnc.gov
        Facebook / Instagram: VoteJoeDavisNC