In a unanimous vote, members of the Four Oaks Town Council approved a 4 cents increase in their property tax rate this week, which is equal to a 10 percent increase in their ad valorem tax rate.
Effective July 1st, the tax rate will increase from 38 cents to 42 cents per $100 valuation, which is a 10 percent increase. Prior to voting, Mayor Linwood Parker said he has always been opposed to tax increases but this increase was inevitable to meet the needs of residents, including additional funding for public utilities and the police department.
Residents will also be paying more for town services. The base rate for water, sewer and garbage service will increase from $56.20 to $58.70 per month. The service fee to reconnect a meter for non-payment will rise from $50 to $75. Utility deposits will also increase from $125 to $150, according to Town Clerk Sherry Hudson.
No major capital expenditures are included in the 2016-17 fiscal year budget Hudson said, however an additional $58,000 is included to upgrade the police departments radio system. The county is switching to a new radio system and police departments across Johnston County are having to update their radios prior to October 1st. Funds are also included for water tank repairs.
The total 2016-17 budget is up $172,731, or about 8 percent, from $2,245,081 to $2,417.812.
