WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. — Wayne County residents can now see exactly where their property tax dollars are going thanks to a new interactive online tool unveiled by the county’s Public Affairs Office.
Public Affairs Director Joel Gillie presented the new transparency initiative to the Wayne County Board of Commissioners, calling it a user-friendly way to break down the county budget for everyday taxpayers.
“We wanted to do a better job explaining to the taxpayer where their dollars go,” commissioners said prior to the presentation, noting that while the full county budget is publicly available, it can be difficult for residents to interpret.
The new tool, now live on the county’s website, allows property owners to search by name or address. It integrates directly with the county’s GIS system, automatically pulling property data and calculating how much of an individual’s county property tax bill supports specific services.
The breakdown is displayed by major categories — with public safety and education representing the largest portions — and allows users to drill down further into specific departments such as the sheriff’s office, detention center, and debt service.
For example, during the demonstration, Gillie showed how the system calculates the exact dollar amount a resident contributes to specific services, down to individual agencies.
County leaders emphasized that the tool increases transparency by translating complex budget data into a format that is easy to understand.
The system was developed in-house by the county’s Public Affairs, Finance, and GIS teams — a move officials noted saved the county significant costs compared to outsourcing similar services.
“It’s a team effort,” Gillie said, crediting county staff for their collaboration. “We want people to understand that when they call 911, when they need an ambulance, when they rely on education — this shows where those dollars are going.”
The tool reflects the county’s adopted budget and includes net departmental values. It does not include municipal taxes, solid waste fees, or special district fire taxes, which appear separately on tax bills.
Although it has not yet been formally promoted, approximately 150 residents have already accessed the tool since it quietly launched online last week.
County officials said a broader public rollout and press release are planned to ensure residents are aware of the new feature. Property Tax Simulator
Commissioners praised the effort, calling it a major step forward in government transparency and a testament to the talent of county staff.
