By Jheri Hardaway (formerly Ms. Jheri Worldwide)
Staff Writer
Lillington, NC - Harnett County officials addressed growth, taxes, and public services at a town hall hosted by Commissioner Barbara McKoy. This gathering updated residents on key county initiatives and services, addressing a range of topics from property taxes and public health to the challenges of managing a rapid population growth. The event was held in Lillington at the Harnett County Resource Center and Library, inside the commissioners' boardroom.
Harnett County Tax Administrator Christine Wallace provided an update on the upcoming 2026 property reappraisal. She explained that North Carolina law requires counties to reappraise all real property at least once every eight years, and Harnett County is on a four-year cycle. The reappraisal, set for January 1, 2026, will reset property values to their current market value, a process that helps ensure fair and equitable taxation for all citizens. Wallace also highlighted three key tax relief programs: 1. Elderly or Disabled Persons Exclusion: This program offers a tax exemption of $25,000 or 50% of the property's value (whichever is greater) for citizens who are 65 or older, or are totally and permanently disabled. To qualify, applicants must own and reside in the home and have a gross annual income below the Social Security Administration's set threshold, which is $37,900 for 2025 and will increase to $38,800 for 2026. 2. Disabled Veterans Exclusion: Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability can have up to $45,000 of their property's value excluded from taxes. Spouses of deceased veterans may also be eligible. 3. Payment Plans: The tax department offers flexible payment plans starting in February for residents who wish to make incremental payments on their tax bills. She noted that all tax relief applications are a one-time process and must be submitted between January 1st and June 1st of each year.
Public Health and Services for Seniors was another important topic. Lisa McFadden, Director of the Harnett County Health Department and Division on Aging, detailed the wide array of services her department provides. The Health Department works to prevent illness and promote healthy lifestyles through various divisions, including: Specialists inspect restaurants, school cafeterias, pools, and tattoo establishments to ensure public safety. They also work to prevent groundwater contamination by overseeing the proper function of septic tanks and testing wells. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): This program provides supplemental foods, nutritional education, and breastfeeding support for pregnant and breastfeeding women and children up to age five. Clinical Services: The department offers immunizations, disease testing and management, and physicals for children, including car seat safety checks. Emergency Preparedness: A dedicated team coordinates with state and federal agencies to prepare for public health threats and natural disasters. The Division on Aging provides essential services for seniors, including Meals on Wheels, in-home aid services, and Medicare counseling. A medicare coordinator encouraged residents to contact her office for a free, personalized comparison of Medicare drug plans, noting that last year, their assistance saved Harnett County residents thousands of dollars.
McFadden, also serving as an Assistant County Manager, and Commissioner McKoy discussed the challenges and plans for managing the county’s rapid growth. Harnett is currently the fifth-fastest-growing county in North Carolina, with a growth rate of about 3% per year. A major focus of the discussion was the lengthy process of building new schools, which can take four to six years. The process involves multiple steps:
- The school district identifies the need for a new school.
- County Commissioners secure funding through local taxes, bonds, or competitive state grants.
- Architectural design and site surveys are completed.
- Construction begins, a phase that can take 18-24 months and can be affected by weather or supply chain issues.
The last school built, Northwest Harnett Elementary, took six and a half years to complete. The next two planned schools are currently in the planning phase. In addition to schools, the county is also addressing growth through a new land use plan to guide where commercial, industrial, and housing developments are located, while also protecting agricultural land. Efforts are underway to expand water and wastewater capacity and to recruit new retail businesses and industries to the area. County Manager Brent Trout shared that we could expect an announcement in the next six months. This event was truly informative and inspiring. We hope to see more community leaders host open forums and community members voice their opinions and vote.
