48th Annual Bethlehem Star Lighting Ushers in the Christmas Season
The holiday spirit is about to shine brightly in Bethlehem! The 48th Annual Bethlehem Star Lighting is set for Saturday, December 7, at 6:30
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Key Facts from Both Sides
Anti-Incorporation Facts:
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Increased Taxes: Property owners would face new taxes on top of existing county taxes. The new town property taxes would go to the town of Bethlehem and the county property taxes would continue to be paid to Alexander County.
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Bureaucracy: Incorporation adds layers of government and delays decision-making with more red tape.
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Long-term Costs: Providing essential services (police, trash, water) would likely lead to tax hikes beyond the initial $.05 on the $100 rate.
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Existing Services: County-provided services already meet current needs, making incorporation unnecessary.
Pro-Incorporation Facts:
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Zoning Control: Incorporation gives local control over zoning laws to manage growth and prevent unwanted developments.
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Local Governance: A town council and mayor/town manager would be established to address community-specific needs.
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Service Provision: Potential for more localized services, such as police protection and street maintenance.
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Tax Revenue: Property taxes collected would be used exclusively for Bethlehem's development and services.
What will the "bare minimum" mean for you?
Suppose your house is appraised at $250,000.
Alexander County has a tax rate of $0.69 per $100 of assessed value.
This means you pay $1,725 in property taxes every year.
If Bethlehem Incorporates you will incur an additional Bethlehem Town tax.
A realistic rate to be self-sustaining would be $0.35 per $100 of assessed value.
That gifts you an additional $875 dollars every single year.
County and town combined, you now pay, every single year, a grand total of:
$2,600
The Brass Tacks Tax
There are many reasons why the group planning to incorporate is deeply concerning for our community. The concerns we have are the additional taxes this will impose on us. and the lack of transparency the group attempting to incorporate is providing to our community.
$.05 on $100
Chances are you've been told that this group will only charge you $.05 on the $100 on your property taxes. This is grossly misleading. Only 4% of all incorporated towns in NC have a $.05 rate (2 towns formed since 2001) and they are increasing taxes every year.
23 Square Miles...
This pro-incorporation group plans to incorporate all 23 square miles of Bethlehem, NC. A typical incorporation of a community of our size is about 5 square miles. If you vote at Shiloh or BFD you will be impacted by this.
Playing With Emotions
Chances are you have been told by this group that investors will be buying up all of our farmland, and building sky rises 50 feet tall all along Hwy 127. This is just flat out false and a scare tactic to get your signature.
Fire
Bethlehem is already covered by existing fire protection services. This rate will increase if we incorporate. There are claims that they will keep the same fire services intact and they have spoken with the powers that be. So did we...and we didn't get the same answer.
Law Enforcement
Establishing a police force is expensive, requiring personnel, equipment, and ongoing operational costs. The existing county services already provide adequate protection, making this yet another unnecessary financial burden.
Bureaucracy
Incorporation adds a mayor, council, zoning officers, dedicated and licensed inspectors, office buildings, and office spaces, resulting in delayed responses and more red tape our community doesn't need.
Democracy
One of the biggest concerns is that the group only needs 15% of Bethlehem’s residents to sign the petition to start the incorporation process. When asked if they were interested in knowing how the entire community feels, they declined to answer.
The Future...
Incorporation allows the town up to three years to provide essential services, which means taxes can start low, but they will rise as more services are required over time. Initial rates may seem manageable, but as the town grows so does your tax bill.
The High-Density Zoning Obsession
What you need to know
Lack of Involvement
Despite all of the public hearings on zoning topics along with audio and video recorded meetings, there was little to no community involvement at the beginning of these zoning conversations.
When It Hits Home, It's...Different
The pro-incorporation group didn't seem concerned about new growth in Bethlehem until it hit their backyard. One of the leaders of this group commented they were fine with the 127 bridge apartments and considered it "responsible growth".
What actually is being disputed?
It is really simple...This is all over a 2ft difference in side yard setbacks between houses and a 20ft difference in front and back yard setbacks. There are many developments throughout the community that have 10ft and 15ft setbacks that are considered high-density housing developments already.
Double Standards
The group for incorporating has stated that our current county commissioners are a conflict of interest since they are also real-estate agents and contractors. The pro-incorporating group also heavily campaigned for Ryan Mayberry who just so happens to be a county commissioner and a real-estate agent.
Temper Tantrums
After losing against high-density zoning, the couple behind the opposition shifted their focus to incorporation as a last-ditch effort to block development near their lakefront estate. This reactive approach aims to use incorporation as a way to control zoning, despite being a significant long-term financial burden for the entire community.
Our New Leaders
The pro-incorporation group is asking for signatures to “stop high-density housing” and promises low taxes—yet incorporation can’t actually prevent high-density development, nor can they guarantee or sustain minimal tax rates. These claims overlook the inevitable tax increases needed to support essential town services long-term.
Ways You Can Help
Get a Sign
We have signs that can help promote remaining unincorporated like it has been since established since the mid 1800's. This will help spread the word and show the community that we stand united and we are saying no to more taxes and more bureaucracy. Contact us if you would like to put one in your yard.
Get Vocal
Without your help, we cannot reach all of the residents of Bethlehem. It is imperative that you talk to your neighbors, friends, and family and help spread awareness. Join our group and discussions about hot topics on this subject as we continue to navigate the path forward in our community.
Democracy
Re-elect your current county commissioners. These are the people that brought you a brand new Bethlehem Park without using our tax dollars, and built us a Beach at Wittenburg Access. They have your best interest in mind and have ties in our community.
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