Several Mayors in Brunswick County are teaming together to stop a proposal that would increase taxes based on property value.BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) - Several mayors in Brunswick County are teaming together to stop a proposal that would increase taxes.
Almost every mayor in Brunswick County was in the same room Wednesday for their quarterly scheduled Mayors Meeting in Leland.
They talked about a proposal from the county which would eliminate the current fire fee system and create a new fire tax system.
This proposal is spearheaded by county commissioners Pat Sykes and Scott Phillips.
The fire tax system would be based on tax value. If approved, residents could have to pay more taxes based on the value of their property.
According to the proposal, all forms of property would be taxed, including houses, cars, boats, etc.
The idea is to generate more money into an all inclusive fund for fire services and then spread that money across the county's various fire stations.
If approved, county commissioners would control Brunswick County fire department's budgets. But not everyone thinks that's a good idea.
Most mayors in Brunswick County say they are against the proposal, because it would take money away from those who need it.
Sunset Beach Mayor Richard Cerrato says this is just another way for the government to raise taxes.
"The plan is not well thought out," said Cerrato. "At some point, we will have to do more with less."
However, at least one mayor is in favor of the new plan. Navassa Mayor Eulis Willis says his fire department could use more money.
"We are at the bottom of the totem pole when it comes to our resources," said Willis. Willis wants to see more money in his fire department to expand their services.
Commissioners plan to present this proposal to local fire chiefs over the next coming weeks.
A decision could be made as early as July 1 of this year.
Meanwhile, mayors in Brunswick County are encouraging each other to speak out against the proposal and rally support from the citizens of their respective communities.
Mayors in Brunswick County agreed to start writing letters to county leaders in opposition of the proposal.
Copyright 2013 WECT. All rights reserved.
