Harnett County Board discusses $9.2M school budget request amid fund balance concerns

Harnett County officials are taking significant steps to address pressing community needs following a recent Board of Commissioners meeting on June 2, 2025. The board approved the continuation of the emergency telephone fund, securing $387,326, while also making adjustments to the budget that included a decrease in the tax rate allocation for the West Area Fire District by $10,890.

A key discussion point was the recommendation to add a new social worker position within the Department of Social Services (DSS). This role, which will focus on adult services, is crucial as caseloads have surged, particularly in guardianship services, which have seen a 31% increase over the past five years. The estimated cost for this position is nearly $60,000, but the county's net expense would be less than $30,000 due to state reimbursements. The board expressed strong support for this addition, recognizing the growing complexity of cases that social workers are handling.

In another significant topic, the board reviewed the budget request from Harnett County Schools, which totaled $45.7 million. The recommended budget stands at $37.3 million, reflecting an $8.4 million shortfall from the school's request. This gap could potentially lead to a tax rate increase of 5.38 cents. The board acknowledged the challenge of meeting educational funding needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility, especially with a reevaluation of property values on the horizon.

Commissioners discussed the implications of tapping into the county's fund balance, currently at 22.5%. While some members advocated for using these reserves to meet educational funding requests, others cautioned against depleting the fund balance, emphasizing the need for a sustainable financial strategy. The board is considering setting aside a portion of the fund balance as contingency funding for the schools, allowing for flexibility based on future state funding decisions.

As the board prepares for its next meeting, the focus remains on balancing immediate community needs with long-term financial health. The decisions made in the coming weeks will be critical in shaping Harnett County's educational landscape and social services framework.