The Gastonia City Council voted unanimously at its meeting on May 19, 2026, to adopt a resolution opposing proposed state legislation that would limit the ability of local governments to manage property tax revenue.
Council members said the proposed constitutional amendment could significantly impact municipalities’ ability to fund essential public services, respond to emergencies, and plan for future growth.
“Local governments are responsible for providing many of the services residents depend on every day,” said Mayor Richard Franks. “As elected officials, we are the ones who are directly accountable to the people we serve and are best positioned to make decisions based on the needs of our community.”
Property taxes are the City’s most stable and locally controlled source of revenue for funding core government services, including police, fire protection, infrastructure maintenance, sanitation, parks and recreation, and other community services. Unlike enterprise services funded through user fees, many general government operations rely almost entirely on property tax revenue.
Council expressed particular concern about the potential impact on public safety services, especially law enforcement, which require consistent and predictable funding for staffing, training, equipment, and emergency response capabilities.
According to the resolution, the proposed amendment would impose limits on the growth of local property tax revenues and could require voter approval for local governments to exceed those limits. City leadership stated that such restrictions could force municipalities into delayed investments, reduced service levels, and increased long-term costs for residents.
“We are simply asking state leaders to recognize that limiting property tax revenues is not going to reduce the need for services,” said City Manager Michael Peoples. “It will reduce our ability to provide those services effectively and efficiently.”
The resolution also argues that additional constitutional restrictions are unnecessary because North Carolina law already governs how property values are established and places limits on local tax rates. Council noted that the North Carolina General Assembly already has the authority to amend those statutes if changes are needed.
The City’s resolution will be shared with members of the local legislative delegation, the North Carolina General Assembly, and statewide municipal advocacy organizations.
###
Gastonia, N.C., just minutes west of Charlotte, is one of the area’s best places to live and work with an ideal combination of location, size and livability. Gastonia is the largest of Gaston County’s 13 municipalities and one of the largest cities in the Charlotte metropolitan area. Selected as an All-America City three times, Gastonia’s desirable quality of life is the result of its beautiful natural surroundings, friendly neighborhoods, responsive government and vibrant business environment.