Sawrey Appointed To Senate Select Committee On Property Tax Reform

RALEIGH, N.C. — Senator Benton Sawrey (R – Johnston) has been appointed by Senate Leader Phil Berger (R – Rockingham) to serve on the Senate Select Committee on Property Tax Reform. This new committee is tasked with evaluating proposals to address growing concerns about skyrocketing property tax bills and opaque decision-making by local elected officials.

In May, the Republican-led General Assembly approved a Constitutional Amendment for consideration during the general election that would limit property tax increases across the state. A recent poll found North Carolinians overwhelmingly support the Constitutional Amendment – nearly 80%.

 “I want to thank Benton for stepping up to deliver for his constituents,”Sen. Berger said. “The General Assembly passed several measures to address concerns about rising property taxes during the short session, but there is more to do for long-term relief. This committee will provide valuable insight and feedback as we rein in local policies that drive up property tax rates and consider proposals to ease the tax burden for all North Carolinians.”

The committee’s work will build on the 2026 legislative session’s accomplishments, including the Constitutional Amendment. That session saw Senate Republicans introduce and pass a measure to implement a one-year moratorium freezing property values at the previous rate in certain counties conducting reappraisals. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 992, “Truth in Taxation,” which requires transparency when a local government tries to raise the tax rate beyond revenue neutral.

“Rising property values should not give local governments a blank check to raise your tax bill,” Sen. Sawrey added. “Families across North Carolina have seen how rapid growth and reappraisals can create uncertainty for homeowners, farmers, and small businesses. Taxpayers deserve a system that is transparent, predictable, and accountable. That is the perspective I’ll bring to the new Senate Select Committee on Property Tax Reform.”

Other members of the committee include Chairs Sens. Lisa Barnes (R-Nash), Tom McInnis (R-Moore), and Buck Newton (R-Wilson), and Sens. Ted Alexander (R-Cleveland), Dan Blue (D-Wake), Bob Brinson (R-Craven), Jim Burgin (R-Harnett), Jay Chaudhuri (D-Wake), Kevin Corbin (R-Macon), Dave Craven (R-Randolph), Carl Ford (R-Rowan), Brent Jackson (R-Sampson), Steve Jarvis (R-Davidson), Michael Lazzara (R-Onslow), Julie Mayfield (D-Buncombe), Tim Moffitt (R-Henderson), Gladys Robinson (D-Guilford), Benton Sawrey (R-Johnston), Eddie Settle (R-Wilkes), and Caleb Theodros (D-Mecklenburg).