I was reading through the agenda for today's Board of Commissioners meeting when I found that the Town was looking to expand their Downtown service district into nearby residential neighborhoods. I initially thought it would be beautification, but I found that the increased services, which the residents would probably not use, would increase property taxes for homeowners in the expanded district by hundreds or thousands of dollars, in addition to other municipal, county, state, and federal property taxes. So I composed a public comment, because if they were going to come for them, it was precedent for everyone else in town.

I was not the only person to speak in Public Comment on this issue. Over a dozen people who live in the proposed extension spoke out it.


"Mr. Mayor and Commissioners, good evening. 

My name is Abby Black. I live at 520 S Main Street, here in Wake Forest.

  I’m speaking tonight because I’m concerned about the property tax rate hike for those within the municipal service district extension. 

According to the analysis case studies, found on Attachment D in the agenda, if the properties were taxed at the current Municipal Service District tax rate of 0.14%, they would generate an additional $41,519 in revenue annually. 69% of that $41,519 will come from the residential neighborhood behind the post office and community library, meaning that, collectively, they will see a $28,648 property tax increase. Broken down further, 115 home owners will see their property tax increase by $249. 

Does the increase in property taxes for those who live in that selected area return enough benefit for those residents, and the Town at large? 

If Wake Forest is seeking to expand their levying powers over Downtown for increased tax revenues, will that then set a precedent throughout Wake Forest for an increase in homeowner taxes on parcels near the S-Line, or in other areas of town that are - or may be - slated for improvement and growth? 

Will these improvements for the town be carried by an ongoing, sliding portion of hard-working residents who already pay high property taxes levied by the county, state, and federal governments?

I am deeply concerned about the pattern this municipal service district extension will set into action for every resident of Wake Forest. 

I request that the Board of Commissioners withhold their approval, and instead offer public open houses, social media surveys, and feedback forums so residents have adequate time to gather information in order to weigh in on this important matter. 

Thank you for your time."

I believe that when 100% of reisdents, of which there were over 12, are vehemently against the proposition, the Commissioners were politically cornered. One Commissioner wanted to push the expansion out a year, and a second didn't want to table it, but the remaining three signaled they would vote in favor of residential opinion. Thus, it was 3-0 (two Commissioners abstained) and the service district expansion was terminated.