HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-20 RESOLUTION BY HARNETT COUNTY BOC REQUESTING LOCAL STATUTORY ACT THAT WOULD ALLOW THE COUNTY TO MAKE SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR SCHOOL CAPITAL PROJECTSHarnett RESOLUTION NO.2026-20
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NORTH CAROLINA
RESOLUTION BY THE HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REQUESTING
A LOCAL STATUTORY ACT THAT WOULD ALLOW THE COUNTY TO MAKE SPECIAL
ASSESSMENTS FOR SCHOOL CAPITAL PROJECTS
WHEREAS, the County of Harnett (hereinafter referred to as the "County") has experienced
exponential growth with numerous residential subdivisions bringing thousands of new residents to the
County; and
WHEREAS, additional services are required to meet the needs of the growing population,
including the construction of new schools to alleviate school overcrowding created by new development;
and
WHEREAS, Chapter 115C Article 37 of the North Carolina General Statutes requires the County
to fund capital outlay expenditures for schools, including the construction of new school facilities; and
WHEREAS, Article 9 of Chapter 153A of the North Carolina General Statutes does not grant local
governments the authority to make special assessments to offset the costs of school construction; and
WHEREAS, Article 9A of Chapter 153A of the North Carolina General Statutes authorized
counties to impose assessments on school projects upon receipt of a petition of a majority of the affected
land owners, but this authority expired effective July 1, 2025; and
WHEREAS, in the absence of authority to make special assessments or charge impact fees, the
County must utilize property and sales tax revenue to fund school construction projects; and
WHEREAS, the ever-increasing cost of such construction requires additional property and sales
tax revenue from established residents to meet the educational needs created by new residents; and
WHEREAS, the anticipated school construction and renovation costs over the next two years to
meet demand generated by population growth is currently estimated to exceed two hundred million
dollars; and
WHEREAS, requiring new residential development to contribute to the costs of new school
facilities is the fair and equitable solution to the financial burden created by such development; and
WHEREAS, the Harnett County Board of Commissioners (hereinafter referred to as the "Board of
Commissioners") desire the authority to make special assessments in order to shift the financial burden
from established residents to residential development.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Harnett County Board of Commissioners
requests that a local act be adopted for the benefit of the County of Harnett whereby § 153A-185 of the
North Carolina General Statutes shall be amended to add additional authority for the County to make
special assessments against benefited residential properties within the County for all or part of the costs
for capital improvements for schools. For the purposes of this act, the term "capital improvements" shall
include capital outlay expenditures for school construction. renovations, improvements, repairs, additions,
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water supply and sanitary facilities, furniture and apparatus, classroom equipment, and instructional
supplies.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this local act permit the County to only make special
assessments against those benefited residential properties that receive a certificate of occupancy ("CO")
as of the effective date of this act and any CO issued thereafter.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that upon adoption of a local act pursuant to this Resolution, the
County of Harnett shall waive the $500.00 recreation fee on new residential developments subject to the
special assessment.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be forwarded to those General Assembly
Representatives who serve Harnett County.
Adopted this the lL day of April 2026 by the Harnett County Board of Commissioners.
HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Duncan E. Jaggers, ai�prlft&#Al
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ATTEST:
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Melissa D. Capps Clerk to the oard °""'y'
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