Residents urge board to find cuts and explain why taxes might rise

Dozens of residents used the board's public comment period Sept. 18 to describe personal strains from inflation and rising property assessments and to press commissioners for spending cuts rather than tax increases.

Speakers repeatedly told the board they are facing higher grocery, fuel and insurance costs alongside stagnant wages. "My property tax has gone up 50% in the last 5 years," Solomon said, describing a jump from about $2,000 to $3,000 in annual bills. Multiple commenters asked for a clear, line‑item explanation of proposed spending and a public accounting of exemptions and abatements.

Several speakers raised specific policy concerns: appeals and reassessments for large commercial properties (carpet mills), tax abatements and TADs that residents said appear to shift the burden to homeowners, the growth of chicken houses near neighborhoods and PFAS contamination in parts of the county. Lisa Adams summarized widespread frustration: "Show us where the money is going." (speaker 21)

The board's chair and staff repeatedly offered to provide spreadsheets and a complete exemptions list to anyone who requests it by email; no formal votes were taken and the board said it will continue the discussion at scheduled follow‑up meetings.