Burke County adopts $116.2 million FY 2025-26 budget, property tax rate set at 55.5¢

Burke County adopted its fiscal year 2025-26 budget on June 16, approving a $116,200,000 general fund budget and a proposed property tax rate of 55.5 cents per $100 valuation following a public hearing and presentation by county staff.

The county manager summarized the budget and the county’s multiyear strategic plan before the board convened the public hearing. The manager told commissioners the budget is the third produced under the county’s strategic plan, emphasizes fiscal stewardship and economic development, and reflects investments in human capital, public education, public safety, capital projects and a continuing focus on stabilizing enterprise funds.

The manager outlined that the budget is balanced on a 55.5¢ tax rate and relies on a forecast that includes 1.96% property tax base growth and a conservative 98.5% collection rate. The document shows property tax revenue represents about 52.9% of total general fund revenue; restricted intergovernmental revenues and sales tax are the second- and third-largest revenue sources. Total proposed revenues and major allocations were presented in detail to the board.

The budget package includes modest fee and rate adjustments in water and sewer fees (monthly base proposed to increase from $25 to $30), incremental increases for building inspections and environmental health, and projected revenue from year-two EMS billing implementation. The manager said the budget includes a $50,000 local contribution to Meals on Wheels to begin addressing a backlog of about 500 clients on the wait list.

Commissioners asked no questions before the public hearing; no members of the public spoke during the hearing. Commissioner Stroud moved to adopt the fiscal year 2025-26 budget ordinance (Ordinance No. 2025-07). The motion passed 4-0. Commissioners recorded as voting in favor were Chairman (name not specified in the transcript), Commissioner Barry, Commissioner Burns and Commissioner Stroud. Commissioner Smith was absent.

Why it matters: The budget sets the county’s spending priorities for the coming year, funds school and college allocations, supports public safety staffing and capital projects, and sets the county’s property tax burden for residents. The board’s adoption preserves the county’s stated emphasis on economic development, housing, and workforce and capital investment.

What’s next: The budget ordinance will govern county appropriations for fiscal 2025-26 unless the board later adopts amendments. Several related budget actions and appropriations (including nonprofit funding votes and a separate memorandum of agreement with the Burke County Board of Education) were considered during the same meeting.