Citing unavoidable state revenue losses, legislative actions, rising costs, and a 19.5 percent increase in the deductible on health insurance, Sylva's Town Manager Paige Roberson informed the Sylva Town Council that drastic measures needed to be taken in the upcoming fiscal year.

The proposed budget Roberson presented to the council called for a five percent tax increase to the general operating fund for Sylva, which would bring Sylva's tax rate to $.35 cents per $100 of property valuation. Roberson told members of the Town Council that the proposed tax increase would be the first increase in 10 years.

Franklin town officials conducted their budget work session Tuesday night at Town Hall. Aldermen, the mayor, town manager, and various other officials came to the table ready for discussion of Franklin's budget for the 2013-2014 fiscal year.

Town Manager Warren Cabe had previously presented the board with his proposed budget at the Board of Aldermen meeting last week and after a week to review the proposals he had made, they reconvened to discuss possible changes or to ask questions regarding portions of the budget.

In the past Cabe had expressed his desire to keep tax rates the same as they currently are which is $0.25 for every $100 and the new budget confirms this and was not challenged by any of the officials.

Despite the December state Supreme Court ruling to uphold North Carolina's ban on sweepstakes machines, the games are still being played on uncertain legal terrain. On May 5, Michael Macke, owner of Gift Surplus, LLC, filed civil summonses against regional officials including Macon County Sheriff Robbie Holland, Highlands Police Chief Bill Harrell, Sylva Police Chief David Woodard and District Attorney Michael Bonfoey.

Macke's complaint comes after his business was affected by the closing of sweepstakes establishments in Jackson and Macon counties. One of his customers, Mark Berry of Macon County was found not guilty of four misdemeanor charges of operating a sweepstakes machine in violation of the law.

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Check your mail for something new and make sure your car is road ready. The first combined tag and tax notices will be mailed on a revised schedule, going out for September renewals. The program will be ready to implement on July 1 when the DMV will begin collecting, however the first combined tag and tax notices will be for vehicle renewals due in September 2013.

The new bills will reflect both vehicle property tax information from counties and other taxing jurisdictions, as well as vehicle registration and inspection information. Drivers used to pay for tags and taxes separately. The new program, “Tag & Tax Together,” will require one payment for both bills. Both tag renewals and tax payments must be paid in full to renew vehicle registration.