Stephanie Walker

As a New Hanover County Commissioner, I understand the desire to offer tax relief – especially after a property revaluation. On average, home values in our county increased 63%, and the rise was even higher in some beach areas. This isn’t abstract to me – it’s something I’m experiencing personally as well.

However, a race to the lowest possible tax rate is not responsible governance. Good governance means balancing fiscal prudence with the need to protect services that make New Hanover County a safe, vibrant, and attractive place to live – the very things we value most.

Some advocate setting the tax rate at or below the revenue-neutral level, which maintains last year’s revenue without considering inflation, population growth, or the rising costs of providing essential services. But it’s important to recognize: revenue neutral is not impact neutral.

While a bare-bones rate might seem appealing politically, it does not meet the genuine needs of our growing community. It overlooks the reality faced daily by our essential departments and the people they serve:

• Public safety officers responding swiftly when lives are on the line
• Senior centers combating isolation and fostering wellness
• Parks and green spaces providing enjoyment to families year-round
• Libraries offering critical access to education and technology
• Veterans services ensuring our heroes are never forgotten
• Public school support, like right-sizing teacher pay, addressing capital needs, and expanding access to Pre-K

These aren’t just budget line items – they represent real people and essential services that define our community.

Recently, all five commissioners united to preserve a 61-acre tract of land for long-term public benefit. Such visionary investments reflect our shared values, but they also come with ongoing costs to maintain and develop them responsibly. This is consistent with other important projects the county has undertaken, such as:

• Two new fire stations – one on Gordon Road and one in Castle Hayne.
• Two new libraries, including the new Main Library as part of Project Grace and a branch library in Northchase.
• A new park, Hanover Pines, and expansions at Smith Creek Park, Northern Regional Park, and Echo Farms Park.
• Two new business parks – Blue Clay Road Park and Holly Shelter Road Park
• A new museum as part of Project Grace
• The Healing Place, a new 200-bed recovery facility for drug, alcohol, and substance use disorders
• STAR Center medical detox and transitional housing facility
• Market Street and Middle Sound Loop Connector bike and multi-use trails

We have the capacity – and the responsibility – to balance tax relief with maintaining excellent services. Investing the least in these projects is a disservice to us all.

Due to careful financial stewardship, New Hanover County has maintained a AAA bond rating for over 12 years from the top 2 rating agencies in the country, placing us among a very small number of elite counties nationwide with this distinction. A AAA bond rating is the highest rating available, indicating exceptional creditworthiness, strong financial management, and the lowest risk to investors. Our county departments aren’t making unreasonable demands; they’re advocating responsibly for the resources they need to serve our community effectively. In the past, county staff have even forgone raises to avoid added costs to the taxpayer. They understand the value of our money. 

This budget should honor our employees with fair staffing, safe conditions, and manageable workloads. It should respect our citizens by preserving the quality of service they’ve come to rely upon – and already pay for. And yes, we can still responsibly lower the tax rate without compromising what truly matters.

It’s important to note that, despite all the noise, our tax rate has not yet been finalized and will most likely come down significantly. Over the coming weeks, we will hold open, transparent discussions to ensure our budget aligns with fairness, community needs, and fiscal responsibility. I encourage public participation and feedback during this process.

As your commissioner and a fellow taxpayer, I am committed to finding a compromise that strikes that balance between relief for the individual and benefit for the community at-large, but let’s reject the idea that cheaper is always better. Instead, let’s embrace a thoughtful approach that prioritizes sustainability, quality services, and responsible stewardship.

County Commissioner Stephanie Walker is a lifelong resident of New Hanover County who is serving a four-year term on the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners through December 2028.