Lee County approves $4.2M in business incentives, discusses property tax reappraisal

Lee County commissioners approved three economic development incentive packages on Oct. 19, totaling about $4.2 million in General Fund (taxpayer funds) grants while holding a public hearing on the 2027 property reappraisal.

The board held a public hearing for the 2027 reappraisal of property values. The state allows up to eight years, but Lee County chose the four-year option. Learn more here and here.

One citizen spoke against the reappraisal.

The Lee County Tax Office explained in a phone call that the county uses the mass appraisal system, looking at property from computers. They do not have firm numbers of tax valuation increases, but they are expected by Feb. 2027.

On Nov. 3, 2026, voters decide if HB 1089 will require the North Carolina General Assembly to establish a property tax revenue cap limiting annual growth in local governments’ property tax revenue. The amendment does not specify how the cap would work.

Learn more here.

The last reappraisal was in 2023.

In May 2024, the county commissioners began construction on the “Taj Mahal” new and completely non-mandated $24-million library.

In Sept. 2025, the county commissioners used $27 million for the Lee County Athletic Park, but on May 4, 2026, Lee County Parks and Recreation Director Joseph Keel presented updates and requests for all the county parks, some over two decades in neglect, totaling about $3,011,600. And there is a $1,009,000 problem with having 3,000 to 4,000 people at the Lee County Athletic Park. The park is overrun with people who are staying for 1.5 hours, and the park does not have enough parking spaces to accommodate all the visitors. Learn more here.

Apply for tax relief here.

“Project Sunshine”

Commissioners waived the policy of not voting on the same night and “Project Sunshine” passed unanimously.

Sanford Area Growth Alliance CEO Jimmy Randolph presented “Project Sunshine” at the public hearing. Lee County plans a six-year economic package to “Project Sunshine,” investing $230 million in building and equipment upgrades. The company plans to generate 200 full-time jobs with benefits, averaging $103,000 each year. The county projects $3.77 million in General Fund grants tied to the company’s property tax share. The General Fund is funded by property taxes, sales taxes, fees and federal funds.

Citizen David Smoak criticized the approval for business selections and said they need to create a new land use plan. “Please get out of the cash incentive business and let capitalism work or fail.”

Keely Puricz agreed with Smoak.

Randolph spoke, supporting the business for its high-wage jobs.

Jennifer Garner said citizens did not trust code-named projects and were insulted that the county was begging multi-million-dollar companies to conduct business in Lee County.

“Project Maize”

Commissioners waived the policy of not voting on the same night, and “Project Maize” passed unanimously.

Project Maize, a manufacturer planning $20.99 million in new taxable machinery and equipment in Sanford, was offered a three-year incentive by Lee County. At least 62 full-time jobs with benefits and an average yearly wage of $59,949 are anticipated by the company. The county projects $127,403 in cash grants, equal to half the company’s property taxes, funded from the General Fund, which is funded by property taxes, sales taxes, fees and federal funds.

During the public hearing, Randolph spoke in favor.

“Project Volt”

Commissioners waived the no-same-night voting rule, and “Project Volt” passed unanimously.

Lee County suggested a five-year incentive package for Project Volt, which plans $21.3 million in taxable investments in Sanford. At least 110 full-time jobs with benefits and an average pay of $71,707 are anticipated by the company. The county projects $298,350 in cash grants, covering 50% of the company’s property taxes, from the General Fund, which is funded by property taxes, sales taxes, fees and federal funds.

Randolph said two projects in other states competed for the project. The non-disclosure agreement is a protection for the business. The information will be made public if the business selects Lee County. Randolph spoke in favor of the incentive offer.

The next meeting is Nov. 2 at 6 p.m.

Oct. 20, 2026

Stephanie M. Sellers

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