Merit Kirkpatrick, Merit Digital Solutions

By concentrating financial authority in the hands of state lawmakers, these amendments undermine the ability of local leaders to address the specific needs of their communities. Davie County requires dependable state support alongside the local authority to generate revenue through property taxes, ensuring essential services such as emergency response, sanitation, and public well-being remain fully funded.

Furthermore, when state funding falls short for traditional obligations, local governments must retain the flexibility to bridge those financial gaps independently. Granting state legislators sweeping control over revenue decisions ultimately leaves them making critical choices for North Carolina’s 100 diverse counties without a clear understanding of each community's distinct challenges and priorities.