N.C. Gen. Stat. § 158-20: Authorized tax rate.

If a majority of those voting in such election favor the levying of such a tax, the board of commissioners of said county are authorized to levy a special tax at a rate not to exceed five cents (5¢) on each one hundred dollars ($100.00) of assessed value of real and personal property taxable in said county, and the General Assembly does hereby give its special approval for the levy of such special tax. (1959, c. 212, s. 1.)