Brunswick County adopts $313.1 million FY2026 budget; board approves ARP‑fund amendment for one‑time public safety and solid waste costs

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners adopted a $313,100,000 fiscal year 2026 budget ordinance on June 16 and approved related documents, including a schedule of fees, a five‑year capital improvement plan and a resolution governing use of opioid settlement funds.

The public hearing on the budget was closed at the meeting; staff requested formal adoption. After discussion and expressions of differing views about tax rates and spending priorities, the board voted to adopt the FY2026 budget. The vote passed 3–1 (vote names not specified in the meeting record).

Commissioners thanked county finance and administration staff. Finance Director Aaron (last name not stated) and the manager received repeated praise for producing a balanced proposal, while some commissioners said the result is tight and that holding the tax rate required dipping into ARP funds and fund balance.

The board also approved an amendment to appropriate $883,569 from ARP‑enabled fund balance to cover certain one‑time public safety and solid waste costs. According to staff, those ARP funds were redirected from previously identified board priorities and cover items that otherwise would have been in the FY2026 budget.

Separately, the board adopted a resolution approving use of opioid settlement funds and approved the county’s five‑year capital improvement plan and schedule of fees as part of the package.

The budget vote followed public comment and more than one commissioner’s remarks about balancing service demands and long‑term fiscal prudence. One commissioner said the board had weighed an increase in the tax rate but concluded the current budget could be adopted while keeping the millage flat, using nonrecurring sources where necessary.

Staff will implement the FY2026 budget starting July 1, 2025, and will return to the board with required follow‑up items as the fiscal year proceeds.