The Latest “By the Numbers” policy report has been published by the John Locke Foundation. Buncombe, Macon, and Transylvania counties ranked high, whereas several WNC counties had low tax burdens. Asheville’s tax burden was the fourth highest; with four other Buncombe County municipalities ranked in the top 20. Asheville is “up there” in property and sales taxes. In years past, Asheville has complained about the report, claiming the city had a huge daytime population, making a huge drain on services. Proposed remedies, like repeal of the Sullivan acts, or the levying of a prepared food and beverage or room tax, would only make Asheville look worse in ratios of revenues collected to average personal income or population.
by Leslee Kulba
Wild West blogger