Harnett County approves budget with $3.5M increase for schools and utility upgrades

The Harnett County Board of Commissioners held a work session on May 27, 2025, focusing on several key projects and budgetary considerations for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting began with discussions on advancing a future project related to office space conversion, which is seen as a cost-effective solution compared to constructing a new building. The board agreed to place this item on the consent agenda for approval.

Next, the commissioners reviewed a request to approve the Buies Creek coach connector system upgrades project ordinance. This project aims to enhance sewer capacity in the Buies Creek corridor and is currently in the process of selecting an engineer. The board also discussed the Erwin downtown utility upgrades project, which involves relocating water services, and confirmed that an engineer has been selected and a contract is under review.

The Old Hamilton Road water extension project was addressed next, with plans to connect existing water lines. Similar to previous projects, an engineer has been selected, and the contract is under review. The final project discussed was the lead and copper compliance project, mandated by the EPA, which involves cataloging all lines in the water system to identify and replace any lead lines. The status of this project is also in the engineering selection phase.

The meeting then shifted to the 2025-2026 recommended budget, presented by Mr. Trout and Ms. McFadden. They highlighted follow-up items from a recent public hearing, including the proposed Board of Elections outreach specialist position, which would cost over $68,000. Mental health funding has been increased by $200,000 for behavioral health urgent care, and the budget for the Department of Social Services (DSS) remains intact despite state-level changes.

The commissioners discussed the allocation of funds to Harnett County Schools, which received an increase of $3.5 million, raising per pupil funding significantly. The general fund budget now totals approximately $186.9 million, with adjustments made to accommodate various needs, including a $500,000 allocation for the Highland Road extension project.

Concerns were raised regarding the county's fund balance, which is projected to decrease to 22.51% due to the increased appropriations. The board acknowledged the potential need for a tax increase in the future to address growing demands and capital needs, particularly in education and public safety.

In conclusion, the work session addressed critical infrastructure projects and budgetary adjustments, setting the stage for upcoming decisions that will impact Harnett County's financial health and service delivery. The board plans to finalize these discussions in the next meeting, ensuring that the needs of the community are met effectively.