Pittsboro's taxes may jump

PITTSBORO -- The town's proposed $4.84 million budget would raise property taxes 5.6 percent next year.

Under the 2007-08 spending plan, the town tax rate would rise 2.1 cents to 39.4 cents per $100 of assessed property value. That means the owner of a $200,000 home in Pittsboro would pay $788 in town property taxes next year.

With a potential 2-cent increase bringing the countywide tax rate to 61.7 cents per $100, the combined tax bill on that $200,000 house would be $2,022.

Last year's town budget was $3.86 million.

If the proposed spending plan is approved, it would be Pittsboro's first tax-rate increase in three years.

The Town Board will review the budget next week. Mayor Randy Voller said he might like to see money earmarked for a new recreation director position go to hire an another assistant planner instead.

"Pittsboro is at the epicenter of growth pressures in Chatham County," he said.

Interim Town Manager Paul Messick prepared the budget. He has been filling the position left open when Sam Misenheimer was fired in February after his arrest on charges of driving with a revoked license and resisting a state trooper.

Voller says the town has had 37 applicants for the position, which it hopes to fill by September.

BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS

* A 3.5 percent cost of living increase for all town employees.

* Three new police officer positions, including a rape and domestic violence officer.

* Four new police patrol cars.

* A 5 percent increase in water and sewer rates.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

The Pittsboro Town Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed budget at 7 p.m. Monday at Town Hall, 635 East St.

Residents also may submit written comments by noon Monday to Town Clerk Alice Lloyd.

The budget is online at www.pittsboronc.org/boc/index.asp.