Humphrey pushes for revenue-neutral tax mandate after property revaluation shock in Lenoir County
Following sharp increases in property values in Lenoir County, Rep. Chris Humphrey (R-Lenoir) is backing new legislation that would require local governments to adopt revenue-neutral tax rates in years when property revaluations occur.
“According to the latest numbers from the 2025 property revaluation in Lenoir County, some folks saw increases of 50% to even 70%,” Humphrey said. “House Bill 539 gives counties and municipalities a strong nudge to adopt revenue-neutral tax rates after revaluations — so families aren’t blindsided by skyrocketing tax bills. When values go up, tax rates should come down. That’s just common sense, and it’s how we keep people in their homes.”
House Bill 539, titled Revenue Neutral Rate Required, was filed in the North Carolina House of Representatives on March 26 by Rep. John Blust (R-Guilford) with Humphrey listed as a co-sponsor. The bill passed its first reading on March 27 and was referred to the House Committee on State and Local Government. If it receives a favorable report, it will move on to the House Finance Committee and then to the Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House Committee.
Under current North Carolina law, counties are required to calculate and publish a revenue-neutral property tax rate after conducting a general reappraisal, but they are not required to adopt it. HB 539 would amend G.S. 159-13 to mandate that local governments adopt the revenue-neutral rate in revaluation years.
The bill would apply to budget ordinances passed on or after the date it becomes law. It does not name specific counties and would apply statewide.
As of April 1, no keywords or formal opposition to the bill had been listed in the legislative record.
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