Caswell County proposes 3¢ property tax increase to address budget shortfall

Caswell County officials are taking significant steps to address budgetary challenges while ensuring continued support for county employees and essential services. During a recent meeting on May 19, 2025, County Manager Renee Pasco presented a proposed budget that includes a modest property tax increase of 3 cents to cover a projected revenue shortfall of $643,000.

Pasco emphasized the county's commitment to fiscal responsibility, noting that overall spending remains 43% lower than that of comparable counties with similar property tax bases. The budget absorbs health insurance increases and provides a 1.5% cost-of-living adjustment for employees, alongside funding for a pay and classification study to ensure competitive salaries.

The budget proposal also outlines a shift in how solid waste fees are levied, aiming to distribute costs more equitably among residents, including those in municipalities and those using private haulers. This change is intended to reflect the shared benefits of county services, such as landfill monitoring and recycling.

Despite the challenges, the budget allocates funds for economic development initiatives, including a contract for an economic developer and due diligence for potential site development in Pelham. These efforts aim to diversify the county's tax base, which currently has the lowest percentage of commercial and industrial properties in North Carolina.

The meeting also highlighted the need for increased funding for Caswell County Schools, with a request for an additional $2.2 million in county appropriations. Pasco noted that the school system's reliance on fund balance is unsustainable, prompting questions about their financial management.

As the county prepares to finalize the budget, officials remain focused on balancing fiscal constraints with the needs of the community, ensuring that essential services and employee support are prioritized. The next steps will involve further discussions and adjustments before the budget is adopted.