[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6272426,"mediaKeyId","3027849-b1a2826cf7bdaecbfd3a989b9de30883","parentId",3027849,"title","County staff say targeted reductions and fund transfers close retreat gap; FY26 shows small surplus but multi‑year shortfall remains","audioSeconds",628,"startMs",8905000,"endMs",9533000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3027849-b1a2826cf7bdaecbfd3a989b9de30883&start=8905&end=9533","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3027849-b1a2826cf7bdaecbfd3a989b9de30883/thumbnail_8905000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6272426/Cabarrus-County/North-Carolina/County-staff-say-targeted-reductions-and-fund-transfers-close-retreat-gap-FY26-shows-small-surplus-but-multiyear-shortfall-remains","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272426-2dff60f87a143dbb472bf61e58f8ab67/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135129&Signature=M8hcK6~oALq2Y4TREp9R9eOXSI~XHVU1ia6Tt0lbxNmySF8uIXv3F7vJeXtujoYcbhCircI4wEBBEJY1~KB6hgaq9BUA2qMEcp2MRGMpTiO2fzcvBUrHTn-GgFrWt7TpYnU5oS7U37MJ943ak8LCKixMdpQTBE4kGxW-5Fl6LIf3qMp~DA6vIfJ6vtboNPZmOo-xLHdZuFZhKhd8Onfqt2tiR9CfZaGk6aWyDJwcLqulZZgsx7iDeVjb7CagqFxuz10eH-hG9Jnudd4OzQb7-ZkY5Sq-lTjsvKNKrGQFHinUV57ybIQ1x2T39cM~NWd6hSUsGRn5Ycl5lYVxc~NrRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Cabarrus County, NC","date","2025-04-17T00:15:14.423Z","article","County managers and finance staff summarized where the county stands in the FY26 budget cycle after department‑level budget conferences and the commission retreat earlier this year.

County staff said they began with a retreat estimate of a roughly $5.8 million budget gap and then worked with departments to identify reductions, tighten assumptions and reallocate some one‑time fund balances. Staff reported an updated preliminary position showing a modest projected surplus of about $815,000 for fiscal 2026 under current assumptions. That projection incorporates an assumed 4.5 percent increase for education funding in the county contribution line.

Finance staff described several specific moves that helped close the gap: revised property‑tax revenue estimates based on updated valuations; inclusion of a $22.4 million committed fund balance to cover pending economic incentive payments rather than using recurring dollars; department proposals to reduce discretionary spending; and adjustments to certain overtime projections (the county said it adjusted EMS overtime to reflect recent actuals). Staff also noted an expected health‑insurance cost increase that contributes to personnel and benefits growth and explained that some one‑time transfers used in the prior year are not available this year.

County presenters cautioned that while FY26 looks balanced under current assumptions, the five‑year outlook shows increasing deficits driven largely by continued school funding growth and salary/benefit escalation. They described the need to avoid a cycle of frequent tax‑rate changes and urged commissioners to balance near‑term tax relief goals with multi‑year fiscal stability.

Staff outlined the next steps and schedule: a recommended budget to be published May 19, a public hearing on the proposed tax rate June 2, any additional budget meetings (June 5 if needed) and final budget adoption on June 16. Presenters said additional analysis of health insurance options and other cost drivers will continue before final recommendations.

Ending: County staff asked commissioners for direction on funding priorities and signaled they will return with a recommended budget and further insurance and revenue analyses to support the June adoption schedule.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Cabarrus County BOC Budget Meeting 04.15.2025","oneSentenceSummary","Cabarrus County staff reported to commissioners that department budget reviews and use of a committed fund balance for economic incentives narrowed a retreat‑identified deficit to a projected FY26 surplus of roughly $815,000, while long‑term projections still show deficits driven by school funding and salary growth.","taxTitle","Cabarrus County, North Carolina","taxId",13706,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6272432,"County landfill proposes fee increase for commercial construction‑demolition waste to cover rising costs and earlier cell expansion",428,8512000,8940000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3027849-b1a2826cf7bdaecbfd3a989b9de30883&start=8512&end=8940","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3027849-b1a2826cf7bdaecbfd3a989b9de30883/thumbnail_8512000.jpg","/articles/6272432/Cabarrus-County/North-Carolina/County-landfill-proposes-fee-increase-for-commercial-constructiondemolition-waste-to-cover-rising-costs-and-earlier-cell-expansion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272432-c4493ea4610d2ed970221116c061e1ab/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135129&Signature=EBK9Oo1lcHBtaSOb-yXx40KyvZCVvF9pP422-TGKc0~wqmWdaTGpqkOuu0tLGpEJEVWFNZYNRh9CRGxSfJEx83gf5UeXYPqEGvXgads4u3jBKtLj84Kzid1Y5b0bZXwLmJlH2l6Po78awHpL6yJJuCvxCMzLbUkIakMtmTYrtRnyyuXLBsUN3eanvhW2oy3GiPQmNzg7YLceLf7YnruLiXWVYOmXyYmefyq-44b3pczgFzaAm0Zjx6eGZXjjKHHjav9FhOTKjwuGDOlsvHRfI0NQ8TFZw5~GIpYdhbagUtn2B3uSuZ~esZPnETXTCSzmIlOfPC1bJ2~AIzlp5YA5pQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cabarrus County Solid Waste staff told commissioners they will propose an adjustment to landfill tipping fees in the FY26 budget to keep the landfill enterprise fund solvent and to finance an earlier‑than‑planned expansion of the active cell.

Solid Waste Division staff explained that the county's landfill accepts construction and demolition (C&D) debris — shingles, concrete, wood and other demolition materials — and operates as an enterprise fund, meaning operations are paid from tipping fees rather than the county general fund. Staff proposed increasing the commercial C&D tipping fee from $45 to $54 per ton and raising the commercial yard‑waste fee from $42 to $45 per ton. Residential convenience‑center fees for small loads (for example, under 500 pounds or 1,000 pounds) and residential recycling services would remain at existing rates, staff said.

Kevin Grant, the county presenter, said the increase is intended to offset rising operating costs, aging heavy equipment that requires more maintenance, routine groundwater and methane monitoring obligations and to create a reserve for the landfill's long‑term post‑closure care (the county remains responsible for monitoring and maintenance for decades after closure). Grant also said another privately owned C&D landfill in the county raised fees recently, which increased county inbound tonnage and accelerated the county's timetable for expanding its active cell.

Staff said the landfill fund is in generally sound financial condition, but that building reserves for future closure monitoring and for capital needs — including the cell expansion expected later this year — is prudent. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about load classes, residential vs. commercial rates and timing for the cell expansion.

Ending: County staff said they will bring a formal tipping‑fee ordinance or amendment to commissioners for consideration as part of the FY26 budget process and that they intend to preserve residential convenience center rates while increasing commercial rates to better reflect operating costs.

","Cabarrus County landfill staff proposed raising commercial construction and demolition tipping fees from $45 to $54 per ton and commercial yard‑waste fees from $42 to $45 per ton, citing higher operational and equipment maintenance costs and the need to accelerate a cell expansion.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6272437,"Cabarrus County Schools requests roughly $341.8 million for FY26; cites exceptional‑children costs, overcrowding and revenue pressures",2553,2716000,5269000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3027849-b1a2826cf7bdaecbfd3a989b9de30883&start=2716&end=5269","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3027849-b1a2826cf7bdaecbfd3a989b9de30883/thumbnail_2716000.jpg","/articles/6272437/Cabarrus-County/North-Carolina/Cabarrus-County-Schools-requests-roughly-3418-million-for-FY26-cites-exceptionalchildren-costs-overcrowding-and-revenue-pressures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272437-026615d627de3417b977cd5c400ee384/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135129&Signature=Misjufw2z3NB~WvXIzGToaGs2XNqkh~ujK1f8bprSX~McpLYg~QftnfNdXHaC1J9pSGgetzPPvL62ued54Nj~LlVob5ZRAhyvR-SHHe-CVcgLXhkPcyx9u1WeOqzSvYJ69EV5MxPSIpQ6I8tn2aII6qVjKwssKS2FhiRqP2wGO-0ZKrlVpnFDkoU4297v1ffuHmoPVJp2Cy6A6gXWnpeNGhj2wncIlBvFHQosaOR8H76TRZUN48~y-ZiUulSZwfEn513lee9it-NRo9kB3N2gKhCz7ZCMNLg3nf8grQxLq7RHessDv4KWfF2KrmCNNzMeJ6fvx-f8xWwBSPp4jIxkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cabarrus County Schools leaders presented a fiscal 2026 budget request to county commissioners that pairs a continuation operating request with a multi‑hundred‑million‑dollar capital plan and cited rising costs in special education, insurance and utilities as major pressures.

Board Chair Rob Walter, Superintendent Dr. John Kapicki and Chief Financial Officer Phil Penn told the Board of Commissioners that the district’s continuation operating budget — the expense to open schools if no new programs are added — requires a county contribution the presenters described as roughly $101.6 million (the district presented a continuation budget that represents a year‑over‑year county‑funded increase). Penn said much of the growth in the continuation budget is driven by personnel and benefits.

District staff highlighted exceptional‑children (EC) services as a key budget pressure: the district reported it added about 700 EC students over four years and estimated incremental costs of roughly $9,500 per EC student after state and federal reimbursements, leaving an estimated local net cost in the millions. Presenters said temporary pandemic relief (ESSER) previously helped but is now ending and state and federal reimbursement timing is uncertain.

Penn told commissioners the district is seeing multiple revenue stresses in the current year, including fines and forfeitures that were budgeted at about $2.2 million but are running far lower (district staff said the district had received less than $700,000 year‑to‑date and was conservatively estimating $900,000–$950,000 full‑year). The district also reported roughly $2 million in Medicaid reimbursements owed by the state pending review and payment, which affects cash timing and revenue recognition.

On capital, the district presented a broad program: capital outlay, deferred maintenance and major construction. The school construction request included two large projects the district emphasized as priorities: an 18‑classroom elementary addition and gym at Jackson Park (district staff estimated roughly $20 million) and a multi‑phase addition at A.O. Brown, followed by a larger renovation of an older building that district staff described as potentially a $50 million renovation. The district’s overall capital and construction totals, as presented, roll to a multi‑hundred‑million figure (presenters cited a combined capital total and a total funding request of about $341.8 million when continuation, expansion and capital are aggregated).

Penn outlined several other cost drivers: a change to property insurance valuation that increased replacement‑cost coverage and produced a large insurance premium jump, expected utility increases and vendor price pressure that could be compounded by tariffs. He also described program costs that are only partially reimbursed — for example, Department of Defense reimbursement for Air Force Junior ROTC covers about half of instructor costs and the district absorbs the remainder.

School officials proposed staff allotment adjustments intended to reduce certified staff paid from local funds by about 60 positions, a shift they described as managed through attrition rather than layoffs. Classified staffing totals and selective vacancies also factored into the staffing plan.

Presenters asked commissioners to treat charter school funding separately from the district’s local request and to prioritize overcrowding relief in parts of the county where several elementary schools are well over capacity.

Ending: District leaders asked commissioners to consider the district’s continuation and capital requests together with county revenue forecasts and to mark the high‑priority capital items for funding consideration during the FY26 budget deliberations.

","Cabarrus County Schools presented a FY26 continuation budget and capital plan that includes a county‑funded continuation request of about $101.6 million, two major construction priorities and warnings about rising special‑education and insurance costs and several revenue shortfalls.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6272441,"Kannapolis City Schools outlines pay‑go projects, deferred maintenance and capacity needs in FY26 presentation to county",181,275000,456000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3027849-b1a2826cf7bdaecbfd3a989b9de30883&start=275&end=456","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3027849-b1a2826cf7bdaecbfd3a989b9de30883/thumbnail_275000.jpg","/articles/6272441/Cabarrus-County/North-Carolina/Kannapolis-City-Schools-outlines-paygo-projects-deferred-maintenance-and-capacity-needs-in-FY26-presentation-to-county","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272441-5b69f8774c68e8d99bc71b1fb2c7827b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135129&Signature=Iyc3b9HZYK05ghI0pLkr2sXPF42blzcFCIXnB8I8OnouoCvykn29HDKNTxAGvaO8V55hI79blfpnNbqmzhGUwn58UnuIawu1bQ3WLXmksZtCWZeG~2wfVqelbFRaty3wGnSn25WQ590E0wPC7vV7060vRAIaMJHK1dyJxb8AOtf3iXhV9iaPsGDkB5VzJMxVdL~aj2trk035QbQwkAcrINXnbDNc1s4t~vFzSu9kfuVZHjPP7MtE2LuiarSDoVS742tNVLkEg96yQJNXcThzvG7uUbGx~~rkOiHWr5qo4gCM7d7DHUjCyPWXMOHXWhME5AMZhTFmWTJHgANZFrv9gg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kannapolis City Schools officials presented their fiscal 2026 operating and capital priorities to the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners during the county's April budget workshop, saying growth in the Kannapolis area and rising costs are driving requests for both pay‑as‑you‑go maintenance and larger construction projects.

The district described $2.714 million in reductions it has identified in non‑classroom district positions, district‑level administration, clerical and custodial positions and other non‑instructional lines. School officials said the savings, paired with other changes to instructional models and support staff, helped the district limit its requested increase from the county but did not eliminate funding needs.

Kannapolis staff asked the county to consider pay‑go funding for recurring projects that include replacing vinyl composition tile with luxury vinyl tile to reduce long‑term floor‑care costs, ceiling replacements, HVAC and French drain repairs, playground replacements at Bridal Wilson and G.W. Carver, roof replacements and replacement generators at several schools. The district said it is replacing furniture over several years and prioritizing safety investments — access control, cameras and secure vestibules — completed with earlier grant funding.

On capital projects, the district reiterated two larger priorities: a multi‑year expansion at G.W. Carver (phased by thirds) and an elementary addition at Jackson Park (the district described the Jackson Park project as an 18‑classroom addition with a gym, which district staff estimated at roughly $20 million). Kannapolis staff said a share of Jackson Park and other projects is allocated between Cabarrus and Rowan counties based on where students live.

Officials also described transportation pressures from a three‑tier bus system that has produced overtime for drivers and said rising utility and insurance costs are increasing operating needs. District presenters said they expect teacher local supplements to remain at about 9 percent for now but noted they would like to increase supplements if funding allows; they estimated a 1 percent local supplement increase would cost roughly $230,000 locally.

Kannapolis staff emphasized enrollment and residential development near several schools — including large subdivisions and new townhome zoning that they said is generating additional students — and said they are trying to avoid repeated redistricting by adding capacity where growth is concentrated. They also said some playground and deferred maintenance items are being held as lower‑priority CIP items until funding is available.

Ending: District leaders asked commissioners to consider the capital and pay‑go requests in light of local growth and long‑term savings from investments such as LVT flooring and generators.

","Kannapolis City Schools told Cabarrus County commissioners it has identified $2.7 million in operating efficiencies but is seeking pay‑go and capital funds for safety, flooring, playgrounds, generators and school additions to address rapid local growth.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County staff say targeted reductions and fund transfers close retreat gap; FY26 shows small surplus but multi‑year shortfall remains

County landfill proposes fee increase for commercial construction‑demolition waste to cover rising costs and earlier cell expansion

Cabarrus County Schools requests roughly $341.8 million for FY26; cites exceptional‑children costs, overcrowding and revenue pressures

Kannapolis City Schools outlines pay‑go projects, deferred maintenance and capacity needs in FY26 presentation to county