Oakland Interim Mayor Seeks Property Tax Hike to Address Budget Shortfall

Several local governments across the U.S. are considering property tax increases to address budget deficits and fund essential services amid economic challenges. Buncombe County proposed a 3.26-cent tax hike to generate additional revenue for a $435 million budget prioritizing education, public safety, and human services while managing post-disaster economic impacts. The Knoch School District faces a $653,000 deficit and is contemplating up to a 3.771-mill tax increase, which would still keep it among the lower tax rates in Butler County. Montgomery County initially proposed a 3.4% property tax increase but faced backlash, leading the council to explore raising the income tax rate instead, a move opposed by residents and local business groups. Oakland's interim mayor proposed a property tax hike to address a nearly $270 million budget deficit, alongside eliminating 400 city positions and maintaining significant funding for police and fire services. These measures reflect the difficult balance local officials are trying to strike between fiscal responsibility and community impact amid uncertain economic conditions.