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In the November 3, 2026 election, North Carolina voters will be asked to consider a proposed constitutional amendment related to local property taxes.
If approved, the amendment would require the North Carolina General Assembly to establish limits on future increases in local governments' property tax revenues. The amendment does not set a specific cap or formula. Instead, it directs state lawmakers to determine those limits through future legislation.
The Town’s position is that decisions regarding local property taxes should remain at the local level rather than having limits established by the legislature. In doing so, the Council emphasized that local budget and tax decisions are currently made through a public process that includes public hearings and direct public input. Additionally, there is uncertainty about whether a legislatively imposed limit would allow the Town to generate sufficient revenue to maintain services and meet community needs.
A vote FOR the amendment would require limits on property taxes by local governments, with the details to be determined by the General Assembly.
A vote AGAINST the amendment would maintain the current system, under which local property tax decisions remain with locally elected officials who are accountable to St. James voters.
We encourage voters to learn more about the measure before casting their ballot on November 3, 2026.
Click here for more information about the Town's budget and how local tax dollars are used. You'll find our current budget, which explains in plain language how local tax dollars help fund Town services, projects, and operations.
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