Guilford County considers increasing property tax collection rate for municipalities

The Guilford County Board of Commissioners is considering raising the property tax collection rate for its municipalities as costs for the service have continued to increase.

According to a presentation before commissioners last week, Guilford County Tax Department's current interlocal agreement rate has been in place for 13 years.

The rate sets the amount cities and towns pay to have taxes collected. A new proposal could see the figure rise to either 0.75% or 1%. This could increase the county's revenue by up to $1.1 million depending on which option is chosen.

Commissioner Mary Beth Murphy says in speaking with some of her constituents they found the request reasonable.

"They understand that there's an increased burden to the county and that there has not been an increase passed on to the municipalities," Murphy says.

The Board of Commissioners is expected to decide on an increase at their next meeting in February.