The Beaufort City Council Race Intensifies as Property Tax Accusations Surge

The Beaufort City Council Race Heats Up Over Property Tax Claims

As the election day of November 5 approaches, the city of Beaufort finds itself in the midst of a heated debate surrounding local property taxes. The race for two seats on the City Council has turned fervent, with challengers Josh Gibson and Julie Crenshaw accusing longtime incumbents Neil Lipsitz and Mitch Mitchell of raising property taxes. The clash has sent ripples through the community, sparking conversations among residents about their financial responsibilities.

Accusations Fly at the Community Forum

At a recent forum held at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, around 100 locals gathered presumably to get a better grip on the political landscape of their city. The atmosphere was thick with tension as the candidates took to the stage. The focal point of the evening was the contentious issue of property taxes—a topic many homeowners take to heart.

During the discussion, incumbents Lipsitz and Mitchell firmly denied the claims raised by their opponents. “We did not increase taxes for property owners,” Mitchell declared in front of the audience, labeling the accusation a lie. However, Gibson jumped in with his own experiences, pointing to the property tax bills he and his neighbors have seen, asserting, “If it’s more dollars than it was before, then it went up.”

Understanding Property Taxes in Beaufort

To unravel this dispute, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamentals of how property taxes are calculated. Beaufort County works with two primary variables: the millage rate and the assessed value of properties.

Millage Rate: As defined by the city’s website, the millage rate is the tax rate set by various taxing jurisdictions, including the city and the school district. For instance, if your property is assessed at $100,000, a millage rate of 73.9 means your tax bill is approximately $739.

Assessed Value: According to financial experts, the assessed value is typically a percentage of the fair market value. Beaufort County regularly reviews property values to keep pace with changing market conditions. Thus, if your house appreciates, your assessed value goes up—and so does your property tax bill.

The Tax Figures: A Deeper Dive

As the forum progressed, Gibson pointed out that his property taxes had spiked by 9% last year alone. “Anyone who checks their own bill will find increases, too,” he stated, suggestively directing blame towards the incumbents, calling them the “people who voted for those tax increases.”

But Lipsitz and Mitchell strongly refuted this narrative, with Lipsitz going so far as to express his offense at the accusation. “We’re stuck between a rock and a hard place with rising inflation. If we roll back taxes, what services do you want cut—fire, police, or public works?” he questioned, illustrating the complex nature of fiscal governance amidst climbing costs.

A Call for Budget Reviews

Both challengers, especially Crenshaw, indicated their support for Mayor Phil Cromer’s attempt to reduce the millage rate during budget discussions. They argued that the City Council could find areas to decrease spending, suggesting the council’s approval of the recent $55.7 million budget was too extravagant.

Yet, incumbents pushed back, highlighting the importance of maintaining essential city services. As Crenshaw pointed out, “There’s wasteful spending that can be eliminated.” The challenge for the council ahead is clear; issues ranging from failing infrastructure to handling rapid growth will require wise fiscal decisions.

Conclusion: A Community Divided on Finances

As Beaufort prepares to cast its votes, it remains to be seen how these evolving narratives will shape the council’s future. The next two weeks will be crucial, as residents weigh the importance of tax bills against the services that sustain their city. With passionate debates dominating the forum scene, each candidate must address not just the accusations at hand but also the financial realities facing their constituents.