Linville: Forsyth tax rate will remain the same this year

Forsyth County Commission Chairman Richard Linville told a Republican gathering at Golden Corral last night that he has instructed County Manager Dudley Watts to present a budget with no tax increase after consulting with a majority of his fellow commissioners.

The county is anticipating a $7.5 million budget shortfall this year, and the county manager told commissioners in February that the 2014 revaluation could result in a loss of $11.4 million in revenue

Linville and two other Republican incumbents, including Gloria Whisenhunt and Dave Plyler, face five primary challengers. The May 8 primary will determine which three Republicans go on to the general election with Democratic candidate Gail McNeill. The district favors Republicans by registration and voting history.

Some of the challengers are promoting their willingness to make tough decisions in pursuing fiscal and social conservative goals. Mark Baker, a Tobaccoville town councilman, pledges to reduce taxes. Jimmie Boyd charges that too many candidates are promoting tax-raising agendas. And Gene Lowder told Republican regulars last night: “As a Republican, I’ve always believed in lower taxes, fewer services and fewer entitlements."