North Carolina Commissioner Warned Voters on Tax Measure

Sampson County Commissioner Eric Pope urged residents to research the upcoming property tax amendment.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in City Hall

North Carolina Commissioner Warned Voters on Tax Measure

Live Poll

Do you trust state lawmakers more than local commissioners to manage property tax levy limits?

Sampson County Commissioner Eric Pope has encouraged voters to thoroughly research a constitutional amendment regarding property tax levy limits appearing on the November 3 ballot. The measure, established by Session Law 2026-5, requires the General Assembly to create laws limiting local tax increases.

Why it matters

Commissioner Pope warned that the amendment language is vague and could significantly impact the local authority that county commissioners currently hold over budgets and tax rates. If passed, the amendment mandates that the state legislature enact future laws defining specific limits and potential exceptions to tax increases.

The ballot question asks if voters favor a constitutional amendment requiring the General Assembly to limit property tax levy increases. The proposal does not set a specific numeric cap but grants the legislature authority to determine future limits and exceptions.

The players

Eric Pope

Eric Pope is a Republican Commissioner representing District 2 in Sampson County.

The details

The amendment adds language to the North Carolina constitution requiring the state legislature to regulate how local governments increase tax levies. While the measure directs the General Assembly to establish these limits through future laws, it does not prevent counties from lowering their tax rates.

October 15, 2026: Early voting begins for the ballot referendum.
November 3, 2026: The constitutional amendment appears on the ballot.

Political Context

The proposal has faced scrutiny from local officials who argue that shifting tax control to the state legislature undermines local governance. Critics contend that centralizing fiscal power may prevent counties from adequately funding essential services during periods of economic volatility.

If the amendment passes, your future property tax burdens could be subject to new state-level caps and regulations dictated by the General Assembly. Voters should weigh whether they prefer local control over tax rates or the potential for statewide limitations on levy increases.

The takeaway

Voters are encouraged to review the full text of the amendment to understand how it might change the financial landscape of their county. Understanding the distinction between local authority and state mandates is critical for evaluating the long-term impact on community budgets.