North Carolina
If Raleigh Budgeted More Like N.C., Taxpayers Would Save Millions
Raleigh, North Carolina
Unsustainable rates of growth in government spending is a problem at the federal and state levels. Lawmakers in most states, both blue and red, are growing government spending at an unsustainable rate, more rapidly than population growth and inflation. Yet a number of states have demonstrated over the past decade that fiscal restraint and conservative budgeting is an achievable goal.
In the decade from 2014 to 2023, total state outlays (both state funds and federal transfer funds) in six states (Alaska, Colorado, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, Wyoming) grew at a slower pace than the rate of population growth plus inflation, also referred to as the fiscally sustainable growth rate (SGR). In another six states (Louisiana, Massachusetts, Montana, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island), state spending (state funds only, not including federal transfers) grew at a slower pace than the SGR. Yet even in states where lawmakers have practiced sustainable budgeting, runaway spending by local governments remains a challenge.
North Carolina is one of the states where lawmakers kept growth of state spending over the past decade below the rate of population growth plus inflation. While state legislators in Raleigh, led by Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R) and Speaker Tim Moore (R), are practicing budgetary restraint, local officials in Raleigh are not.
Take the new FY 2025 city budget recently proposed by the Raleigh City Council, which totals $1.44 billion. That represents a nearly 12% increase from the current budget.
If the Raleigh City Council were to craft a new spending plan that instead grew city spending in line with the rate of inflation and population growth, which is 6.56%, they would need to enact a budget that spends $1.36 billion next year, not the proposed $1.43 billion. A new city budget that grew in line with population growth plus inflation, which the General Assembly down the street has demonstrated is attainable for more than a decade, would save Raleigh taxpayers more than $66 million next year.
Basic math demonstrates that Raleigh officials could provide signifiant relief to taxpayers through more sustainable budgeting. As Senator Berger, Speaker Moore, and their colleagues have demonstrated for years, meaningful taxpayer savings doesn’t not necessitate drastic spending cuts or a slashing of services, but more modest rates of growth.
By keeping growth in state spending below the rate of population growth plus inflation, North Carolina has realized repeated budget surpluses at the same time lawmakers have returned billions to taxpayers through rate-reducing income tax reform that has brought the state’s top income tax rate from 7.75% down to 4.5% in the matter of a decade. Thanks to this fiscal restraint on the part of the North Carolina General Assembly, state government is much trimmer in size than was the case a decade ago.
“For several decades – from the mid-1970’s up until the Republican takeover of the General Assembly in 2011 – North Carolina’s state budget hovered between 6% and 7% of the state’s economy,” the NC Budget Center, a progressive outfit, reported in 2021. “Thanks to big tax and spending cuts enacted by the General Assembly, state outlays began to plummet, reaching their nadir during the current fiscal year at around 4.54% of the state’s economy.”
The NC Budget Center and other progressive organizations bemoan the fact that, relative to the size of the North Carolina economy, state government is now much leaner than it was prior to the 2010 GOP takeover of the state legislature. Yet, proving the adage that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, many others, including most North Carolina legislators, view that same trend as one to brag about, particularly on the campaign trail.
Saturday is a monumental game for the North Carolina Tar Heels, who are coming off an embarrassing defensive performance against the SMU Mustangs last weekend. Boopie Miller and the Mustangs dominated the tempo of the game, leading to a 97-83 win over the Tar Heels.
North Carolina will be hosting the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at the Dean E. Smith Center on Saturday night. The Tar Heels enter this contest with a 13-2 overall record and a 1-1 conference record. Meanwhile, Wake Forest owns a 10-6 overall record and a 1-1 conference record.
With that brief preview, let’s take a look at a couple of keys to the game that will be deciphering factors in the outcome of this matchup.
Can North Carolina Bounce Back Defensively?
While speaking with the media on Friday during his press conference, head coach Hubert Davis explained what he saw on film against SMU, and how that will be the main message heading into Saturday.
- “Obviously, disappointed defensively,” Davis said. “It was just a number of things. I mean, it was on transition, one-on-one, not boxing out at times, not talking and communicating the right way, discipline, shot fake, stay down, putting guys at the free throw line. And so, I was really excited about this week not having a midweek game, to actually have practice. To practice on us, as opposed to preparing for Wake Forest until the latter part of the week. So, I felt like it was a perfect time not to have a midweek game, to be able to get to practice and start doing fundamentally the things that have allowed us all year to be a pretty good defensive team.”
Wake Forest’s top offensive weapon is Juke Harris, who is averaging 19.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 45.4 percent from the field and 33 percent from beyond the arc.
Last week, the Tar Heels struggled against their opponent’s best player, but Harris and Miller are drastically different players, so North Carolina may be able to contain the 6-foot-7, 200-pound guard more sufficiently. Nonetheless, the Tar Heels’ perimeter defense has to be stellar to win comfortably.
Backcourt Production Has to be Noticeable
We already know that Seth Trimble will do his part, but someone between Kyan Evans, Luka Bogavac, and Derek Dixon have to step up with an efficient performance. The trio has been extremely underwhelming for the majority of the season, especially Evans and Bogavac.
For Evans and Bogavac to find sustain success and confidence, a strong outing will go a long way in that regard. Saturday is an important game for the Tar Heels’ guard who need to show a sign of life with conference play heating up.
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BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — As of Friday, Jan. 9, there are a total of 310 measles cases in South Carolina, mostly in Spartanburg County, including 99 new cases since Tuesday, according to S.C. health officials.
North Carolina is also dealing with measles, with a case recently confirmed on Friday in Rutherford County. This raises the state’s total to five cases since late December, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).
While the number of measles cases in western North Carolina is in single digits, health officials are warning the public about just how quickly and easily it can spread, along with several other illnesses.
Health officials continue to remain focused on stopping it from spreading.
NEW MEASLES CASE CONFIRMED IN RUTHERFORD COUNTY; 5TH CASE IN NORTH CAROLINA SINCE DECEMBER
“Currently, we do not have a community spread of measles in Buncombe County. The cases that we’ve had have been connected to the South Carolina outbreak that is right across the state line,” said Buncombe County Public Health Director Dr. Ellis Matheson.
The measles case in Polk County, confirmed on Dec. 31, 2025, was the first in N.C. believed to be linked to the S.C. outbreak, after an unvaccinated child traveled to Spartanburg County, as News 13 previously reported. The next three WNC measles occurrences, which NCDHHS announced on Jan. 6, were siblings in Buncombe County who also traveled to Spartanburg County.
Measles continues to be an issue in North Carolina.
In Friday’s case update, Matheson said if you feel like you’ve been exposed and are already experiencing symptoms, let the clinic or hospital know before coming in.
“Please call ahead so that we can really reduce any potential exposures to possible measles,” Matheson said.
If you haven’t been vaccinated but have been exposed, Dr. Matheson added that even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms, you’re being asked to quarantine for 21 days from the date of exposure.
NC HEALTH OFFICIALS URGE VACCINES AMID MEASLES AND RESPIRATORY ILLNESS SURGE
She’s also encouraging those who were exposed to measles on January 4 between 2 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. at Mission Hospital’s Emergency Department waiting room to contact them right away.
“We are in general seeing community spread of both varicella and whooping cough,” Matheson said.
As for chickenpox, outbreaks have not spread to additional schools, but community spread has continued, including an outbreak at Fairview Elementary School, which is why she’s encouraging everyone to take steps in prevention.
“So once again, I would just strongly encourage that people are making sure that they are up to date on recommended vaccines for everything that we have vaccines for,” Matheson said.
Buncombe County health officials are holding free vaccine clinics every week. For more information or if you want to book ahead, call (828) 250-6100.
Should the CFP committee rethink the playoff schedule format?
Extended breaks and logistical challenges have reopened questions about whether the College Football Playoff committee should adjust the playoff schedule format.
Bill Belichick is adding an experienced offensive coordinator to his coaching staff at North Carolina football for the 2026 college football season.
On Friday, Jan. 9, the Tar Heels announced the hiring of Bobby Petrino as the offensive coordinator. Petrino spent the last two seasons with Arkansas as the offensive coordinator and was promoted to interim head coach following the firing of Sam Pittman.
Belichick and the Tar Heels opted to part ways with former offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens on Dec. 12, after one season.
“We are fortunate to add an elite coaching talent in Bobby to our staff,” Belichick said in a statement. “He brings an extensive background and a proven record of success on offense at every level of football. Bobby has consistently built great offenses everywhere he has been, and we look forward to having him work with our program.”
UNC finished 2025 as one of the worst offenses in college football. Out of 136 FBS teams, the Tar Heels finished No. 131 in total offense and No. 121 in scoring offense (19.3).
Petrino brings previous head coaching experience to Belichick’s staff, with stops at Louisville (2003-06), the Atlanta Falcons (2007), Arkansas (2008-11), Western Kentucky (2013), Louisville (2014-18) and Missouri State (2020-22).
With the Cardinals, Petrino coached 2016 Heisman Trophy winner and two-time ACC Player of the Year Lamar Jackson. Last season, the Razorbacks ranked 19th nationally in total offense with 454.8 yards per game.
“I’m extremely excited to join Coach Belichick and the Carolina football program,” Petrino said. “This is an incredible opportunity to work with one of the best at a storied institution. I cannot wait to get started in Chapel Hill alongside this coaching staff and student-athletes.”
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