NC lawmakers advance ballot measure on local property taxes

North Carolina legislators have put a constitutional amendment on the November 3 ballot that would let the General Assembly limit how fast local property tax levies can grow. County leaders warn the move could squeeze funding for schools, emergency services and other local functions if revenue growth falls behind expenses.

Why it matters: - The proposed amendment could give state lawmakers more control over a major local funding source. - County and city leaders say property taxes help pay for schools, transportation, public safety, water and sewer systems, health services and elections. - Local officials warn a cap on levy growth could force service cuts or reduce local governments’ ability to respond to community needs.

What happened: - The North Carolina Legislature voted to place two constitutional amendments on the November 3, 2026 ballot. - House Bill 1089, titled the Constitutional Amendment Property Tax Levy Limit, would direct the General Assembly to pass laws limiting how much property tax levies may increase. - The amendment text says the legislature may include exceptions.

The details: - The proposal does not spell out what the limits would be or when they would take effect. - Local officials say that lack of detail has intensified opposition across the state. - Wake County Commissioners Chair Don Mial said the change could make it harder to fund community amenities and services. - Wake County Manager David Ellis said that if the N.C. General Assembly fully funded state obligations, Wake County could have lowered its property tax rate by 19 to 30 cents. - Ellis said that would have saved the owner of a $450,000 home between $850 and $1,000 a year. - The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners represents commissioners in every North Carolina county and has strongly opposed efforts to cap local property taxes. - The NC Budget and Tax Center says property taxes are the largest source of revenue for North Carolina counties and cities. - The NC Budget and Tax Center is pointing voters to research on how the amendment could affect local budgets and services.

Between the lines: - Supporters of the amendment are framing property tax growth as something the state should limit. - Opponents argue the issue is not local spending alone, but also whether the state fully funds its own obligations. - The debate sets up a broader fight over who should control local revenue policy: state lawmakers or locally elected officials.

What’s next: - Voters will decide the amendment on Nov. 3, 2026. - If approved, the General Assembly would be able to write the limits in future legislation. - Local governments across North Carolina are likely to keep pressing against the proposal before Election Day.

The bottom line: - The ballot measure could reshape how much control North Carolina counties and cities keep over property tax revenue, with real consequences for local services.