Beaufort’s Property Tax Debate Heats Up Ahead of Election
As the clock ticks down to the November 5 election, Beaufort is buzzing with discussions about property taxes, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for the four candidates vying for two seats on the City Council. Incumbents Neil Lipsitz and Mitch Mitchell are on one side of the argument, firmly denying any allegations that they raised local property taxes. On the other side are challengers Josh Gibson and Julie Crenshaw, who contend that despite the incumbents’ claims, residents are indeed feeling the pinch of higher property taxes.
A Clashing Forum
This debate reached a turning point at a recent forum held at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, where about 100 community members gathered to listen to the candidates. Gibson was quick to point out that property tax bills have increased for many homeowners, including his own, which saw a 9% increase last year. His response to the incumbents’ denial was clear: if homeowners are paying more than they did before, then “it went up,” he insisted.
On the opposite side, Mitchell and Lipsitz remained resolute, insisting it was an unfair accusation. “I cannot sit here idly being accused of having raised your taxes,” Mitchell declared passionately, insisting that the city’s tax rate had not increased from the previous year. In fact, they highlighted that the tax rate saw a decrease, going down by 4.3 mills from fiscal year 2023 to fiscal year 2024.
Understanding the Numbers
To truly grasp the complexities of this situation, it’s important to break down how property taxes are determined. It all boils down to two main factors:
- Millage Rate: This is the tax rate set by various taxing authorities. Essentially, a mill equals 1/1000 of a property’s assessed value. If a piece of property is valued at $100,000, the mill value is $100.
- Assessed Value: This value is calculated as a percentage of your property’s fair market value and is reassessed periodically to reflect current market conditions.
The crux of the issue lies in the fact that while the city can control its millage rate, it has minimal influence over the market-driven assessed values of properties. This year, Beaufort County reassessed property values, which had a noticeable effect on many homeowners’ tax bills, leading to stark differences between city-level tax decisions and county assessments.
The Candidates’ Perspectives
During the forum, tensions flared as Gibson pressed the incumbents about their role in rising taxes. Mitchell and Lipsitz stood firm in their stance that any increases in property tax bills were due to the county’s reassessment and should not be blamed on their city votes. “There’s no denying that,” Gibson shot back, pointing fingers at them, citing their responsibility in the matter.
On the another hand, Crenshaw, the other challenger, joined in with her own critique, stating she would have backed the Mayor’s attempt to cut the millage rate. She expressed discontent over what she described as wasteful spending by the current council, especially after they approved a hefty $55.7 million budget for 2025.
Community Impact
The implications of this debate aren’t trivial. The two candidates who emerge victorious will serve four-year terms and will be tasked with addressing major issues, from managing the city’s underwater infrastructure at Waterfront Park to strategizing on the growing pressures of development and how to effectively run the local marina.
As residents weigh their options, the battle over property taxes is shaping up to be a major deciding factor for voters. With both sides presenting compelling arguments, it’s anyone’s guess how this will play out in just two weeks. With many in the community feeling the impact of rising costs, the question remains: who will truly stand up for Beaufort’s residents in these contentious debates?
