Washington Council Members TYRE, HORTON, and PERREAULT Strike $5 Million Property Tax Cut Before Debate | Eastern NC Now

    WASHINGTON, N.C.     The Washington City Council on Monday night voted to strike ten property tax reform items from its June 8 agenda before any of them could be debated, removing more than $5 million in proposed taxpayer relief from the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget discussion. Council Member Anthony Tyre moved to remove the items, and was joined in the vote by Council Members Antwan Horton and Pretend Republican Max Perreault. Council Member Joe Davis voted against the motion. The adopted Fiscal Year 27 property tax rate of $0.465 sits approximately 23 percent above the revenue-neutral rate of $0.3775; the rate this Council formally recommended on February 9, 2026, by a 3-2 vote. The Council's February recommendation was not implemented by the Manager's recommended budget.

Context

    Davis' reform package would have reduced Washington's property tax rate from $0.485 toward $0.147; the largest proposed property tax reduction in NC history. Over the same period during which Washington's population has declined approximately 2% and median household income has slipped approximately 4%, the city's payroll has grown approximately 70% and property tax revenue has grown approximately 53%. Davis' reform items, all placed on tonight's agenda, sought to return city operations to staffing and overhead levels consistent with the lowest levels since 2018.

Statement from Council Member Davis

    "Tonight, a Pretend Republican joined the far left of this Council as usual precedent to remove over $5 million in tax relief from Washington families before this Council was even permitted to debate it. Pretend Republican Max Perreault chose Anthony Tyre and Antwan Horton over every homeowner, retiree, and renter in this city. The largest proposed property tax cut in Washington's history was struck before a single item could be debated on its merits."

    "Washington's property tax rate now sits 23 percent above the revenue-neutral baseline this Council itself recommended in February and promised to give upon election. That is a 23 percent tax increase from where every Washington homeowner should have been paying after the 2025 revaluation. Tonight's vote keeps it that way."

    "I will not stop. The families, retirees, and renters of Washington deserve a Council that returns their money. This fight continues."

Background

    Joe Davis is an Unaffiliated member of the Washington, NC City Council, elected November 2025. He campaigned on a platform of faith, family, and freedom, with a top-line commitment to a 30 percent or greater property tax reduction. He is a lifelong Washington native and a small business owner.