BURGAW, N.C. (WECT) – Pender County commissioners voted 4-1 to approve a $136 million budget that keeps the tax rate steady but raises the base water rate and increases funding for schools and county employees.
On Monday, June 15, county leaders voted to keep the tax rate at 73.75 cents per $100 of property value. This county said the decision was made in anticipation of the enactment of SB 889, a law that temporarily suspends property tax reappraisals.
The budget also fully funds employee pay increases and the county’s “Way Forward” compensation initiative, which includes a market study and step corrections. Raises include a 3% cost-of-living adjustment and a 1.25-step increase for eligible employees…