Roanoke Rapids weighs a 4-cent property tax hike as budget pressure grows
Roanoke Rapids is weighing a 4-cent city property tax hike in its FY 2026-27 budget. The rate is still only proposed, and residents pushed back June 2.
Roanoke Rapids is weighing a proposed 4-cent city property tax increase, from 64.1 cents to 68.1 cents per $100 of assessed value, in its FY 2026-27 budget. City Manager Kelly Traynham told the council the change is part of the draft budget, not a final decision, and said city staff are still working to close the gap between expected revenue and spending.
Under the plan, the higher rate would raise about $560,640 in extra property tax revenue. Even with that increase, the city would still use $1,601,054 from undesignated fund balance to balance the budget. Traynham said the rate change, other revenue and reserve use would help fund operations after cuts were made to reach the recommended spending level.
The proposed operating budget totals about $21.1 million for FY 2026-27, about 6% above the current year’s plan. Revenue estimates for the coming year are lower than the current budget, adding to the pressure on city finances.
Residents push back at the June 2 hearing
At the June 2 public hearing, most of the residents who spoke opposed a tax increase, according to RRSpin’s report. Some comments focused on roads, parks and other maintenance needs, while others questioned spending levels in areas such as public safety.
That matters because the council still has not adopted the budget. The 68.1-cent rate is only a proposal unless the council approves it.
What happens next
The city still must finalize the budget before the new fiscal year starts on July 1. The council’s meeting schedule shows more regular meetings before then, leaving room for revisions before the deadline.
For homeowners, the proposal would mean a higher city tax bill if it passes. For renters and business owners, it is another sign that Roanoke Rapids’ budget pressure has not gone away, even with cuts and reserve use in the plan.
