Property taxes

A taxpayer since the late 1960s said his property taxes rose $670 last year plus $500-600 in insurance premiums, and urged the board not to raise property taxes.

A 33-year resident said his taxes rose 121%, criticized the town's response to revaluation, called for a return to two-year terms, and asked the board to fire the town manager and for the mayor to resign based on the state audit.

Going against the crowd, he supported a 5-6 cent tax increase per $100 to preserve police, fire, parks, and public works service quality and keep Hope Mills from declining like Spring Lake.

A Social Security recipient who inherited her father's home said a tax increase could cost her $3,000-4,000 and leave her broke; she also supported opening volunteer boards to former residents and warned pesticides harm bees.