FAQs
Fiscal Year
The fiscal year for the County is July 1 to June 30. This annual financial year is distinct from a calendar year and is mandated by the State of North Carolina.
State law requires the financial records of Catawba County be audited each year by an independent auditing firm. The opinion letter from this firm is included in the County’s annual Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The CAFR can be viewed here, and additional copies are available at the Finance Department and local libraries.
Property Tax
For the year beginning July 1, 2018 the current tax rate is 57.5 cents per $100 property valuation. This rate is the 6th lowest of urban counties (population over 100,000) and 24th lowest of all 100 counties in North Carolina.
The largest use of local County funds is for Education. Other uses of revenue are for Human Services, Public Safety, Economic and Physical Development, Other.
Tax payments can be made by mail, telephone, online, or in person at the Government Center. More information can be found on our tax department web pages or by calling 828-465-8414.
Revenue
The largest source of County general fund revenues are Property taxes and local sales taxes. For more information about County revenues and expenditures, we suggest viewing the County’s budget document or the County’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
Under the authority of North Carolina General Statute 159-30, the County invests in approved instruments only, mainly obligations of the United States Government. The objectives of the County’s investment program are safety, liquidity, and yield, in that order. Investment vehicles are chosen with the greatest emphasis on credit quality and maturity.
Debt
For more information about County debt, we suggest viewing the County’s budget document or the County’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
The County's Issuer Credit Rating from Moody's Investor Service is Aa1. Standard and Poor’s Corporation Issuer Credit Rating for the County is AA+.
Billing
Catawba County contracts with EMS Management for ambulance billing. Most questions can be answered by contacting EMS Management at 1-800-814-5339 or online. For all other questions, contact our billing department at 828-465-8277.
Contact our billing department representative at 828-465-8277 to set up an account.
Yes, the Finance department accepts credit and debit card payments.
Other
No. This is not a function of this department. Contact your local bank or credit union for more information.