(The Center Square) – Taxpayer surplus and burden analysis by Illinois-based Truth In Accounting ranks Raleigh eighth, Charlotte 17th and Greensboro 33rd among 75 of the largest cities in America.
The methodology is to examine the cities’ bills, their respective number of taxpayers and determine if there is burden or surplus for each. Grades of “A” or “B” are given to governments making their balanced budget requirements; “C” for passing if it comes close; and “D” and “F” when it is not balanced and there are significant taxpayer burdens.
The “B” grades for Raleigh and Charlotte each came with the comment they had “more than enough money to pay outstanding bills.”
Truth In Accounting says Raleigh has $1.3 billion available to pay $974 million in bills, a surplus of $2,200 per taxpayer. For Charlotte, it’s $3 billion available to pay $2.8 billion in bills, a surplus of $600 per taxpayer.
Greensboro earned a “C.” The report says there is $438.5 million available to pay $634.4 million in bills, a burden of $2,100 per taxpayer.
Washington, D.C., led the list as the best, and New York City was the worst of the 75 measured.
