NC legislature pushes to limit counties' property tax authority

Forsyth commissioners push back, warn of 'danger of losing our right to property tax'

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Republican-controlled North Carolina General Assembly is moving to reform and potentially limit each county's authority to set residential property tax rates, drawing pushback from local governments like the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners who argue this would undermine their ability to fund core services.

Why it matters

Residential property taxes are increasingly in the spotlight as the Republican-controlled legislature has reduced the corporate tax rate, leaving property, sales, and hotel occupancy taxes as the primary revenue streams for local municipalities and counties. This has led to concerns about the affordability of home ownership, particularly for lower-income and fixed-income residents.

The details

A bipartisan 21-member House committee on Property Tax Reduction and Reform has been formed to develop recommendations and potential legislation ahead of the 2023 short session. The committee's work has drawn the attention and opposition of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, as well as a cautionary word from the N.C. Association of County Commissioners.

  • The House select committee on Property Tax Reduction and Reform meets for the third time at 10 a.m. on Feb. 16.
  • Senate leader Phil Berger has asked a 10-member, all-Republican group of senators to "consider policy proposals to rein in the runaway property tax practices being implemented across the state."

The players

Forsyth County Board of Commissioners

The county governing body that oversees property tax rates and budgets for Forsyth County.

Gloria Whisenhunt

A Republican Forsyth County Commissioner who expressed concern about the legislature's efforts to limit the county's property tax authority.

House Speaker Destin Hall

The Republican leader who formed the House committee to reform and potentially limit property tax authority for counties.

Phil Berger

The Republican Senate leader who has asked a group of senators to consider policy proposals to address rising property taxes across the state.

Kevin Leonard

The leader of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners who told the House committee that 81 counties have conducted property revaluations since 2021.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.