Haywood County Holds Public Hearing on Budget
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It was a night of anger and desperation in Haywood County, Thursday, as taxpayers fought having to pay more than they already are while their elected leaders say there is no other way. During a public hearing, those who live in Haywood County were asked to speak their minds and they did. Everyone who spoke out were adamantly opposed to a new 20-cent property tax increase. Close to a hundred people packed the courthouse all worked that a tax rate that would end up being $2.58 is just too much for property owners already struggling. But their frustration level was met by county commissioners’ who are facing a quickly approaching deadline to pass a balanced budget. Still most taxpayers say there must be another way. “We the citizens of this county are asking you to leave the tax rate where it is and to balance the budget with the $47 million you currently have,” pleaded Larry Fitts who lives in Haywood County. The Haywood County Commission will meet again Monday to vote on the current budget proposal. They must have a budget passed by October 1 or risk losing state funding for the county school system. County commissioners say the biggest change in their budget is the new and pricey Criminal Justice Complex.
