Rockingham commissioners adopt FY26 budget, keep county tax rate steady and raise several fire district rates

The Rockingham County Board of Commissioners adopted the recommended fiscal year 2025–26 budget on June 2, retaining the county property tax rate at 58.01 cents per $100 valuation and approving changes to several fire district tax rates.

The budget was presented after a public hearing. Mary Jane Webb, representing Help Incorporated and the Square 1 Family Justice Center, spoke in support of the proposed budget and described services provided in 2024 including "over 107 child forensic interviews," nearly 50 forensic medical exams, advocates responding to more than 1,800 urgent safety needs and emergency shelter provided to more than 105 people. "Commissioners, your investments reflect the profound understanding that safety, healing, and justice require intentional coordinated efforts," Webb said.

Commissioners also approved a list of fire-district tax rate changes proposed in the budget ordinance. The board record shows the following per-$100 valuation adjustments as adopted: Stokesdale 10.94¢ to 12.5¢; Bethany 8.07¢ to 12.0¢; Northwest 8.07¢ to 11.0¢; Huntsville (including Jacobs Creek area after merger) 8.19¢/8.48¢ to 11.5¢ across the newly merged district; Shiloh 6.9¢ to 8.0¢; Williamsburg 8.25¢ to 10.0¢; Summerfield 6.59¢ to 11.0¢; Draper 6.1¢ to 6.6¢; Leaksville 6.77¢ to 8.0¢. The transcript identifies no change for several other fire districts.

Commissioner Hall and county staff described the process for determining those rates: fire departments complete forms showing the revenue required to provide services, the county meets with departments requesting increases, the departments hold community meetings, and the results are presented to the board for final approval. Lance Metzler, county manager, confirmed department heads and staff participated in budget development and department-level budget meetings.

Commissioners asked staff for clarifications during the public hearing. Metzler told the board that one insurance line item remained pending but had a ballpark amount included in the draft budget due to last year's increases. Another question addressed whether elected offices (register of deeds, sheriff) participate in department meetings; Metzler said department heads or staff typically attend monthly meetings, although sheriff's representation has been lighter in the past year.

The board also approved the county capital improvement plan for fiscal years 2026–2035 in a separate motion.

A motion adopting the budget ordinance and the listed fire tax rate adjustments carried by voice vote. The board also adopted the 10-year capital improvement plan as presented.