Gaston County approves budget, lowest property tax rate in decades

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — The Gaston County Board of Commissioners, on Tuesday, approved its lowest tax rate in decades as part of its 2024 budget.

The property tax rate is 61 cents per $100 of assessed value.

That’s a 20-cent drop from the current rate, which the board says is the largest property tax cut in Gaston County history.

Lynn Essary and his wife have lived in their home north of Dallas for 20 years.

“(It’s) what they call a forever home,” Essary said. “I don’t see us going anywhere else.”

However, a few months ago, they were stunned when the home’s value shot up to around $300,000.

“We thought our property taxes were going to go up to match that value and that was scary,” he said.

His fear went away when he heard about Tuesday night’s vote.

Commissioner Tom Keigher presented the motion to set the tax rate.

“Probably the lowest tax rate in Gaston County since the 50s and by far the biggest drop ever,” Keigher said.

The drop will help most residents.

Keigher said his home, which is on a golf course with a clubhouse, went up $200,000 in value.

“My actual tax bill for the upcoming year will be $300 less,” he said.

Keigher warned that the savings are for those near or below a 42% increase in value and only if homeowners are in unincorporated areas.

Cities have additional tax rates.

“If cities don’t follow suit, folks unfortunately should see a significant increase,” he said.

Belmont’s city council is considering a 2-cent decrease in taxes.

Gastonia is considering a 5-cent drop.

Mount Holly’s revenue-neutral rate is 35 cents. City officials are looking at setting a rate at 40 cents.

Those measures can change and must be approved before taxpayers can fully understand home much that could cost them.

The budget also included funding for the museum.

There was large community support for keeping the Gaston County Museum funded.

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