[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6246225,"mediaKeyId","3218915-923392c62499ad2146c76b4cd78861ad","parentId",3218915,"title","County manager proposes 3‑cent tax increase, solid-waste fee overhaul in FY2025–26 budget","audioSeconds",266,"startMs",2544000,"endMs",2810000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3218915-923392c62499ad2146c76b4cd78861ad&start=2544&end=2810","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3218915-923392c62499ad2146c76b4cd78861ad/thumbnail_2544000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6246225/Caswell-County/North-Carolina/County-manager-proposes-3cent-tax-increase-solid-waste-fee-overhaul-in-FY202526-budget","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6246225-05b901a8ffcc6124c277a9b642a42ad5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201241&Signature=T0g8njo8YJGiQSMn0HWzLdvGtx~zxIlqVVp74Z0DY4grll6WLgbQKvGcLcYf8NKjJPPUPNBMFnGzro8QpWz5A6YvzHWu0Vch70ES6ECSY43g6xDDST2qscBQFluXPZaitzwSfmjZgrZA7ZFHrbbgXg7O8e30Iq6RHaHovvb3aobGlElUysbQQYJEFvMZI4ThJLMaAE92JCVxKdxB1euoArDpMGOC00~WEImrS~DCsalqP3ATE8qNp1eIXjHJD17Wn-qzZH05VZ8Uhcz~lFmkq-BE6qr08ukKBIVbXv-px1fAE530nPPq9b6EtuVv6zRadFFlEoNLDtcg-0XPugPgMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Caswell County, NC","date","2025-05-08T00:22:49.727Z","article","The Caswell County manager presented the recommended FY2025–26 budget to the Board of Commissioners, proposing a 3‑cent property tax increase that would raise the rate to 61.5¢ per $100 of assessed value, a 1.5% cost‑of‑living adjustment for employees, and a pay and classification study to address workforce retention.

Manager remarks framed the proposal as a response to notable revenue declines and structural pressures: estimated reductions include about $300,000 in inmate fees as federal and state inmates were displaced by local inmates, a $724,000 reduction in appropriated fund balance use for public health, a roughly $374,000 drop in intergovernmental revenues (notably the end of COVID funding), and an expected $125,000 reduction in investment earnings as interest rates moderated. Transfers declined by about $580,000 primarily because one‑time ARP (American Rescue Plan) funds are no longer available to offset expenses.

To offset revenue shortfalls, the recommended spending plan realigns existing appropriations rather than substantially increasing overall spending. Salary and benefit changes total several hundred thousand dollars: salaries in the general fund rise by roughly $788,000 (more than half due to eliminating the previous vacancy allowance), benefits increase by about $264,000 with $140,000 from health insurance cost increases, and debt service rises by approximately $331,000 to fund ambulances, a UHF paging system replacement and vehicle replacements. The manager said the budget would absorb higher insurance costs without shifting them to employees.

The recommendation also proposes a major change to the county’s solid‑waste fee structure. The annual $125 fee would be kept in place but charged to all residents, including town residents and customers who use private haulers; town residents who already pay a town waste fee would receive a $60 credit (resulting in $65 net), businesses with on‑site disposal would receive a $60 reduction, and outside‑town residents served by private haulers would receive a $16 reduction. The manager said the change recognizes countywide costs such as closed‑landfill monitoring, recycling and code enforcement.

The budget includes $50,000 for a contract economic developer, funds for Pelham site due diligence (anticipating a possible Golden Leaf grant), and $48,000 for a land‑use development plan. The manager said a public hearing on the proposed budget will be held on May 19 at 6:30 p.m.; the board also approved revised budget work‑session dates (May 28, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., and June 2, 1 p.m.–5 p.m.).

The manager described the county workforce as a key asset and said the budget aims to make the county competitive for retention and recruitment: “This is my budget. ... I would put Caswell County employees among the best that I have ever worked with,” the manager told the board, adding that the proposed pay study is intended to produce data for fair compensation decisions.

No budget adoption vote occurred at the meeting; the public hearing and subsequent work sessions will give commissioners additional opportunities to revise the proposal before a final vote. The manager invited follow‑up questions and offered to provide requested data before the next work session.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","CCBOC May 5, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The county manager presented a FY2025–26 budget that proposes a 3‑cent property tax increase to 61.5¢ per $100 of valuation, a 1.5% cost‑of‑living adjustment for employees, a pay and classification study, and a plan to change how the solid‑waste fee is charged; a public hearing on the budget was scheduled for May 19 and work sessions were set.","taxTitle","Caswell County, North Carolina","taxId",52271,"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},6246230,"Caswell County accepts late 2022–23 audit; auditor flags repeat findings and timeline to LGC",964,687000,1651000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3218915-923392c62499ad2146c76b4cd78861ad&start=687&end=1651","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3218915-923392c62499ad2146c76b4cd78861ad/thumbnail_687000.jpg","/articles/6246230/Caswell-County/North-Carolina/Caswell-County-accepts-late-202223-audit-auditor-flags-repeat-findings-and-timeline-to-LGC","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6246230-2510ba64a8a669862ebb617ad16f93c5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201241&Signature=debSIfQ2z7Ics-a4d-yZIwhzpEwGF3VVFla0fDj4EAAeEj4Fxrvvsru~DGTXc5WF~-NwarxuMx~nH7YpOrkMSE-TIPxWdCmGiTB6bpYjGJqytrDlO~QcUC002LHRfexs0MuVv3CtLyb9Qbz-9IQ5S01rZlfClscoR-f7B31RE4cw1li~3lQIWO~I8RQeby2eHxOp4eHLMJfwWw71uHZrMO4HC-zOJeNvdjTetPwN-53oiA8TpCLvyFJSfdYUgdUFXVX1U9oOtXPHIqEI1cQXcLE2um~MUDnUjCH9n8ceOzo6JTifx2P~4aNDqPg0VuqkDseWBAi80WXJ3kYHlqfaTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Caswell County Board of Commissioners voted to accept the 2022–23 audit after a presentation from the county’s external auditor, who described repeated findings tied to staffing turnover and year‑end close processes and said staff must prepare a response for the North Carolina Local Government Commission.

Scott Adams of Thompson Price & Company reviewed the audit and told the board the firm expects improvements for the June 30, 2024 audit if the county can produce a reliable trial balance. “The goal would be to have it to the LGC in the month of July,” Adams said, adding that many of the repeat findings stem from timing and staffing changes during the audit period.

Auditors listed several recurring issues: delayed year‑end closings and other key processes, EMS receivable balances and allowances that need periodic review, fund balances and interfund transfers requiring reconciliation, the need to document asset disposals and depreciation, an outstanding loan in the revolving loan fund in arrears, and instances where board approval was not documented for tax releases and refunds. The audit also noted FICA withholding had not been applied correctly to retirement contributions and that some county checks lacked required pre‑audit verbiage.

The report included financial highlights: total general fund balance of $16.2 million, cash in the general fund of $11.056 million, an unassigned fund balance of $3.3 million (about 11% of expenditures), and general obligation bonds of roughly $12.7 million. Adams said receivables tied to the county high‑school project had inflated restricted balances for FY23 and that collection of those receivables in FY24 should restore previously reported percentages.

Commissioners asked questions about specific items. One commissioner queried a rise in investment earnings; the auditor attributed that change to higher interest rates in the period reported. Finance staff explained part of the overspending reported for the sheriff’s department and fleet management was the result of a change in GASB lease accounting standards that was not anticipated when the FY23 budget was prepared.

The board unanimously approved a motion to accept the audit. Motion by Commissioner Smith; second by Commissioner Rose; all in favor. Auditors reminded the board that staff must prepare and submit a response to the Local Government Commission within 60 days and that corrective work on accounting processes is expected to reduce findings for the June 30, 2024 and 2025 audits.","Auditors presented Caswell County's 2022–23 audit, citing repeated findings tied to staffing and year‑end close issues; the board voted to accept the audit and staff must respond to the Local Government Commission within 60 days.",{"_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},6246235,"Sheriff asks to use Caswell County landfill for training and shooting range; neighbors press noise, scheduling conditions",2372,143000,2515000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3218915-923392c62499ad2146c76b4cd78861ad&start=143&end=2515","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3218915-923392c62499ad2146c76b4cd78861ad/thumbnail_143000.jpg","/articles/6246235/Caswell-County/North-Carolina/Sheriff-asks-to-use-Caswell-County-landfill-for-training-and-shooting-range-neighbors-press-noise-scheduling-conditions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6246235-7dc3a2f84b06dfcbdcf4027e3d0485b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201241&Signature=PJz1YuFTnCqX~cK6~qpWOYcD-hxbXk-vwOY6FupbUmDkODBwP5y6h17OV3gq8S-x5g0E55VvMpyhoPXUSfjoSCIDaQXO-g5XzOkuTF4Tw2xvs5D2GhuqTJ5dUpeJn97~V0wmx32ruyKZCCmtnJjkzhAMvYOK-gmrZKS3agvWu7zGebjJ6AVUeKZOfPgnyXY55smidDLjPEihtSkEgTiwhOm4cJy1bAzUEht0svHRr-mKN8AXTU-UFvArKIS5~OLeKVsKq9kBy7Pz1xYSmzkOi3t~E8-NE5PFZnNL7~XB~jujPc1g7yb1eD1f-olRSYL9AYG3AKJyET0Uy8zVmslvBg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sheriff Tony Durden asked the Caswell County Board of Commissioners to allow the sheriff’s office to use county landfill property for a training facility and shooting range but the board took no formal action at the meeting.

The request drew public comment from nearby residents, who urged strict conditions on any approval. Phil Barfield, a county resident, urged the board to require “reducing noise at the source” through vegetation and sound barriers and suggested limits including a facilities permit under the county UDO, published schedules and a two‑year probationary period. Chip Atwater, who said his property sits about 2,000 feet from the proposed area, said he opposed the site and asked to be involved earlier in planning: “I still feel like I would like to be involved at some point in time in the planning rather than just have it brought before y’all before a vote later on.”

Caswell County Sheriff Tony Durden presented an updated proposal with noise measurements, berm plans and cost estimates and introduced Detective Clayton Myers, the department’s assistant training coordinator and a certified firing range instructor, to answer technical questions. Detective Myers reported field decibel tests from an October/November series with 12 shooters on site and told commissioners: “We found that the 9 millimeters were at 53.9. The 12 gauge shotguns were at 48.1, and the patrol rifles were at 50.6.” Durden said proposed berms would be 18 feet—above the 10‑foot minimum he cited—and that the plan includes planting shrubbery to absorb sound.

Speakers and others at the meeting highlighted technical and operational questions left unresolved: why one ambient reading taken on a different date registered higher than another, how traffic noise compared with gunfire at nearby locations, whether outside agencies would be allowed to use the range and, if so, whether their insurance would cover operations at the site. Durden said he expects outside agencies’ insurance would cover training offsite but said the county attorney should confirm coverage. He also said the sheriff would not ask the county for additional operating funds now and that, if funds are needed later, the department would seek assets such as forfeiture funds rather than county general revenue.

Public commenters and commissioners called out cost uncertainty. One public speaker noted the project’s initial estimate under $3,000 but said later materials suggest costs could exceed $15,000 when gravel and supervision are included; during the sheriff’s presentation staff reviewed line items and structure estimates that together could bring the total toward the mid‑five-figure range. The sheriff outlined a 40‑hour, $40/hour cap on a contractor’s services for earthwork oversight and said permanent structures could wait if funding is not available.

No motion to approve use of landfill was made. The record shows the topic had been tabled after an earlier public hearing (Aug. 5 of the prior year) and was placed on the current meeting for updates and further review. Commissioners asked follow‑up questions; staff and the sheriff’s office will supply additional technical details and legal review of insurance and permitting before any formal decision.

If the board later considers formal approval it will need permits under the county Unified Development Ordinance and to reconcile community conditions raised at the meeting: limits on users, published shooting schedules, hours of operation, specified berm and noise‑mitigation construction, and a complaints procedure with public review for changes.","Caswell County Sheriff Tony Durden asked the Board of Commissioners for permission to use county landfill property as a law-enforcement training facility and shooting range. Residents and the sheriff discussed decibel testing, berm height, limits on users and scheduling; the board made no formal decision at the meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County manager proposes 3‑cent tax increase, solid-waste fee overhaul in FY2025–26 budget

Caswell County accepts late 2022–23 audit; auditor flags repeat findings and timeline to LGC

Sheriff asks to use Caswell County landfill for training and shooting range; neighbors press noise, scheduling conditions