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3. The community thus possesses great power (in theory, anyway) to prevent unsuitable development in hazard -prone areas. (NCGS 160A, Art. 8. (Delegation and Exercise of the General Police Powers to Cities and Towns); Art. 19 (Planning); Part 3 (Zoning); and 153A. Art. 6 (Delegation and Exercise of the General Police Power to Counties; Art. 18 (Planning and Regulation of Development); Part 2 (Subdivision Regulation); Part 3 (Zoning). H. Acquisition. The power of acquisition can be a useful tool for pursuing mitigation goals. Local governments may find the most effective method for completely "hazard- proofing" a particular piece of property or area is to acquire the property (either in fee or a lesser interest, such as an easement), thus removing the property from the private market and eliminating or reducing the possibility of inappropriate development occurring. North Carolina legislation empowers cities, towns, and counties to acquire property or public purpose by gift, grant, devise, bequest, exchange, purchase, lease or eminent domain (NCGS 153A. Art. 8; 160A. Art. 11). VI. Fiscal Capabilities. A. Beyond legal authority and political willpower, fiscal capability is a key component to effectively developing and implementing a hazard mitigation plan. Cabarrus County and the towns of Mount Pleasant, Harrisburg and Midland share the same fiscal capabilities listed below. Cabarrus County assists these three municipalities in the collection of tax revenue. In addition to local tax funds, local governments can also apply for State and Federal funds to implement hazard mitigation initiatives. Additionally, non - profits and other non- governmental organizations are often interested in helping to implement hazard mitigation projects. B. Taxation. 1. The power to levy taxes and special assessments is an important tool delegated to local governments by North Carolina law. The power of taxation extends beyond merely the collection of revenue, and can have a profound impact on the pattern of development in the community. Many communities set preferential tax rates for areas, which are unsuitable for development (e.g., agricultural land, wetlands), and can be used to discourage development in hazardous areas. 2. Local units of government also have the authority to levy special assessments on property owners for all or part of the costs of acquiring, constructing, reconstructing, extending or otherwise building or improving beach erosion control or flood and hurricane protection works within a designated area (NCGS 160A -238). This can serve to increase the cost of building in such areas, thereby discouraging development. 3. Because the usual methods of apportionment seem mechanical and arbitrary, and because the tax burden on a particular piece of property is often quite large, the major constraint in using special assessments is political. Special assessments seem to offer little in terms of control over land use in developing areas. They can, however, be used to finance the provision of necessary services within municipal or county boundaries. In Annex C County Capability Assessment C -6 December 2009 Attachment number 11 F -6 Page 142