Gaston County recommends flat tax rate and strategic budget amid rising expenses

The Gaston County Board of Commissioners met on May 13, 2025, to discuss the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The key recommendation presented was to maintain the property tax rate at 59.9 cents per hundred dollars of assessed value, reflecting no change from the previous year. This decision aligns with the board's commitment to fiscal responsibility and strategic financial management.

The proposed budget is designed to absorb over $31 million in increased expenses without new net revenue, achieved through careful prioritization and reductions in other areas. The budget focuses on funding programs that align with the county's top priorities, including core services and critical initiatives. The board emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement throughout the budget development process.

A significant aspect of the budget discussion was the county's improved financial stability, with the unassigned fund balance rising to 18% of total revenues, marking the first time in a decade that it has met the policy target range of 15-20%. This increase is attributed to ongoing cost-saving initiatives and strategic financial management.

The budget also includes provisions for new positions, such as five new sheriff's office roles to support additional courtrooms, and a cost-of-living adjustment for eligible employees. Education funding remains a priority, with allocations for Gaston County Schools and Gaston College included in the budget.

Looking ahead, the board plans to hold a public hearing on May 27, 2025, to gather community input before the budget's scheduled adoption. The commissioners reiterated their commitment to monitoring and evaluating the budget's implementation to ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars.