Wayne County Board adopts budget amid tax rate increase debate

The Wayne County Board of Commissioners convened on June 3, 2025, to discuss the county's budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting was marked by significant deliberations regarding tax rates and funding allocations for various county services.

The session began with a call for a motion to table the budget discussion until June 17, which ultimately failed. This led to a detailed examination of a proposed tax rate increase to 0.63 cents, aimed at funding several initiatives, including the inclusion of tee hangars, a six-month salary for the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, and partial funding for nine sheriff's vehicles. However, this motion also failed.

Subsequently, Commissioner Gurley proposed an amendment to set the tax rate at 0.6259 cents, which included funding for the sheriff's office salaries and the vehicles while removing the tee hangars from the budget. This amendment passed with a vote of 4 to 3, rendering the previous motion null and establishing a new substantive motion.

The board then voted on the amended budget, which was approved by a vote of 5 to 2. The approved budget reflects a commitment to essential services while addressing the concerns of residents regarding tax increases. Several commissioners expressed their apprehensions about the tax hike but acknowledged the necessity of funding critical services for the community.

County Manager Chip Crumple highlighted the challenges of budget decisions, emphasizing the importance of balancing community needs with fiscal responsibility. The meeting concluded with various commissioners reflecting on the complexities of the decision-making process and the need for transparency and collaboration in future discussions.

Overall, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to addressing the needs of Wayne County while navigating the difficult terrain of budgetary constraints and community expectations. The next steps will involve further discussions at the upcoming meeting on June 17, where additional budget considerations will be addressed.