From our news services
Hyde County officials have released an educational Voter Information Guide to assist citizens in understanding the one-quarter cent (0.25%) local sales and use tax referendum appearing on the March 3 primary election ballot.
The ballot question will read: “Local sales and use tax at the rate of one-quarter percent (0.25%) in addition to all other State and local sales and use taxes.”
As part of a commitment to fiscal transparency, the guide provides a factual breakdown of the proposed change, the specific items that would be impacted, and the Board of Commissioners’ intended use for the potential revenue.
Why is this on the ballot?
Hyde County currently relies heavily on property taxes to fund essential services. However, as a major coastal and hunting destination, the county experiences a significant increase in demand for Public Safety and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during the tourist seasons.
Hyde County Manager Kris Cahoon Noble gave the following statement about the referendum:
“With the beauty and natural landscapes in Hyde County, it is no wonder that tourism is a staple of our economy. With the influx of visitors each year comes additional expenses at a local level, particularly costs to provide reliable Public Safety Services.
“Providing emergency medical services, law enforcement, and emergency management to our residents and visitors accounted for the single largest sector of the total county budget, 30%, in the fiscal year 2025-26.
“Currently, property owners carry the primary burden of Public Safety costs. The Sales Tax Referendum, if successful, would generate revenue from our visitors as well. Distributing the costs of Public Safety will decrease the burden to our property owners while more equitably funding these essential services.”
Key facts for voters:
• The change: If approved, the local sales tax would increase by $0.0025 (one-quarter of a penny) per dollar spent. This moves the total sales tax rate from 6.75% to 7.00%.
• The cost: The increase amounts to one penny for every $4 spent, or 25 cents on a $100 purchase.
• Essential exemptions: By North Carolina law, the following items are EXEMPT from this tax:
Groceries (Unprepared food)
Gasoline
Prescription medications
Intended use: The Hyde County Board of Commissioners stated they intend to use the revenue for Public Safety (EMS and Sheriff) and Hyde County Schools.
Where to find more information
To ensure every voter has access to the facts before heading to the polls, the county has launched a dedicated information portal on the official county website. The portal includes a frequently asked questions
page, a sales tax calculation table, and additional details.
Important election dates
In-Person Early Voting: Feb. 12 to 3 pm Feb. 28, Hyde County Board of Elections site, in the Public Safety Building, 1223 Main St., Swan Quarter
Ocracoke just two days, Thursday, Feb.19 , Friday, Feb. 20, 8 am to 5 pm, Ocracoke Fire Department, 822 Irvin Garrish Hwy
Primary Election Day: Tuesday, March 3
For more information, please visit http://bit.ly/hyde-tax or email pio@hydecountync.gov
