Residents of Joho are increasingly concerned about the rising cost of living, particularly as local taxes continue to escalate. During a recent government meeting, community members voiced their frustrations, highlighting that personal property taxes have doubled over the past decade. The combination of property taxes and state and local sales taxes is now comparable to paying rent, leading many to question the sustainability of living in the area.

The speaker emphasized that while external factors contribute to these rising costs, local government must be challenged to operate more efficiently. They drew parallels to private industry practices, where budget cuts and increased responsibilities are common, suggesting that local government could adopt similar strategies to alleviate financial pressures on residents.

Concerns were also raised about the impact on young people, who are struggling to find ideal job opportunities locally. Many are forced to relocate to cities like Raleigh, North Carolina, known for its thriving job market, or take on jobs that require extensive travel. This situation has led to a reluctance among young adults to settle down and start families in Joho, as they fear they cannot afford to do so.

The discussion concluded with a call for a reevaluation of how property taxes are assessed, questioning the reliance on current market values, which can fluctuate significantly. As the meeting wrapped up, the urgency for local government to address these issues was clear, with residents eager for actionable solutions to improve their quality of life.