Survey of Anticipated Pay Changes
NEW: In April 2023, NCACC was pleased to partner with the North Carolina League of Municipalities to survey local governments about their planned salary changes for FY 2023-24. Pay adjustments have remained a common topic among governments as the “Great Resignation,” high inflation, and other economic factors have affected governments’ ability to attract and retain a qualified workforce.
266 local governments responded to the survey, including 46 counties. The full survey results break down the responses by population size group, but statewide, of the local governments that responded:
- 89% plan to provide a cost of living adjustment (COLA) and/or a merit increase for the upcoming budget year.
- 79% plan to provide a COLA in the FY 2023-24 budget, with the statewide average COLA being 4.4%.
- 48% have either recently made market adjustments to their pay plans, or will be conducting or implementing the results of pay and classification studies in the upcoming year.
NCACC thanks all local governments who responded to the survey. We appreciate your time in helping make this the most useful and timely report possible for you and your peers.
Budget and Tax Survey
NCACC conducts the Budget and Tax Survey each year to gather financial information on county budgeted expenditures and tax resources, including in-depth information on school appropriations. Please note that these are self-reported data, and do not reflect audited expenditures, revenues, or other county information.
The FY 2021-2023 two-year Budget and Tax Survey responses are now available, although not complete. Several counties continue to work on their responses and the data on this page will be updated periodically as additional responses become available. The current data was last updated Feb. 21, 2023.
Property Taxes
Property taxes are the largest source of revenue for North Carolina counties. North Carolina General Statute Chapter 159 requires county commissioners to annually set a property tax rate — for information on rates from all 100 counties, click the button below.
Sales Taxes
Sales taxes are the second largest revenue source for North Carolina counties, making up approximately 14% of county General Fund revenue. Counties set their own sales tax rates with voter approval, but the state collects and redistributes local sales tax dollars. NCACC staff are available to guide counties on sales tax referenda, revenue projections, and other sales tax issues.