Over the past few days, Lenoir and Greene Counties have witnessed a series of public discussions around fire tax rates, property taxes, and even the possible dissolution of a police department. As someone who enjoys civic discourse, I’ve appreciated the mostly respectful and thoughtful tone of these conversations. In a time when it’s easy to yell across social media, it’s refreshing to hear neighbors and fire chiefs lean into debate with decency. Still, we’d be wise not to miss what’s bubbling beneath the surface—rising home prices in a local economy being impacted by national economic uncertainty.