Beaufort City Council Candidates Clash Over Rising Property Taxes Ahead of November election

Beaufort City Council Candidates Clashing Over Property Taxes

As the November 5 election draws closer, the city of Beaufort is buzzing with a heated debate among the candidates vying for two open seats on the City Council. Incumbents Neil Lipsitz and Mitch Mitchell are facing off against challengers Josh Gibson and Julie Crenshaw in a contest that has quickly turned divisive, particularly when it comes to the issue of property taxes.

A Public Forum Sparks Confusion

At a lively forum held on Monday at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, which attracted approximately 100 residents, the candidates clashed over accusations surrounding property tax increases. Gibson and Crenshaw assert that residents are being burdened by rising property taxes, while Lipsitz and Mitchell vehemently deny raising taxes for property owners, calling the accusations “lies” in front of an engaged crowd.

“I cannot sit here idly being accused of having raised your taxes,” said Mitchell, defending his track record. “We did not.” Gibson, however, was not swayed by their reassurances, insisting, “If it’s more dollars than it was before, then it went up.”

Understanding the Tax Dynamics

To unpack this issue, it’s essential to understand the factors that influence a homeowner’s property tax bill in Beaufort. Millage rate plays a crucial role, defined as the tax rate set by local jurisdictions. According to the city’s website, “A mill equals 1/1000 of the assessed value of the property.” So, if a property is assessed at $100,000, a single mill would value at $100.

The assessed value of a home, on the other hand, is determined as a percentage of its fair market value. Beaufort County conducts periodic reviews to keep these assessments in line with market conditions. So, when the market value of a home rises, so does its assessed value during the reassessment phase.

This established, the calculation for property taxes is not overly complicated: it’s the product of the assessed value and the millage rate. While local governments can change the millage rate, they have less control over the property values that fluctuate with the market.

Facts from the City Manager

Interestingly, Scott Marshall, the Beaufort City Manager not present at the forum, later clarified to the local press that the tax rate of 73.9 mills didn’t actually go up for 2024. It even decreased by 4.3 mills compared to the previous fiscal year. However, he noted that a countywide reassessment completed in 2023 led to increased property valuations, which translated into higher tax bills for many residents.

A Divided Stage

During the forum, the stage was almost emblematic of the candidates’ divide. Mitchell and Lipsitz stood on one side, while challengers Gibson and Crenshaw occupied the opposite end. Gibson pointed out that his own property taxes increased by a staggering 9% last year, and questioned if other participants had experienced similar hikes. He stated, “The people who voted for those tax increases are Mitch and Neil. There’s no denying that.”

In response, Mitchell dismissed the claims, highlighting that the raises stemmed not from the City Council but rather from the countywide property reassessment. Lipsitz expressed frustration with the narrative that he believes misrepresents the facts.

Addressing Budget Concerns

The debate quickly morphed into a discussion about the city’s budget, with Gibson suggesting the City Council could have taken measures to curb spending to counterbalance the tax hikes. Earlier in the year, Mayor Phil Cromer attempted to initiate a dialogue on budget cuts but found resistance from council members. “If we roll back the taxes?” Lipsitz retorted. “What services do you want cut—fire, police, or public works?”

The Stakes Ahead

As the race intensifies, the successful candidates will face significant challenges in their four-year terms, dealing with pressing issues like the deteriorating infrastructure at Waterfront Park, the management of the city’s marina, and the impacts of rapid growth in the region. The election results will ultimately reflect how the residents feel about their current leadership and the proposed direction for Beaufort.

What’s clear is that with just a few weeks until the election, residents are charged with the monumental task of making an informed decision that could shape the city’s future.