Local Politics · Orange County
Orange County Leaders Oppose Proposed Property Tax Cap Amendment
Orange County Commissioners passed a resolution earlier this month expressing concerns over three proposed North Carolina constitutional amendments on the 2026 ballot, including one requiring limits on local property tax increases. Chair Jean Hamilton stated that recent tax increases resulted from property revaluation rather than rate changes, and that state funding cuts are shifting costs to counties for schools, public health, elections, courts, and sheriff operations. Senator Jonah Garson said county commissioners across party lines in his district oppose the amendments, while State House Rep. Renee Price noted the amendment does not specify what limits will be set, leaving local leaders uncertain about future budget planning.