Avery County adopts $41.8 million FY 2025-26 budget; keeps tax rate steady

The Avery County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on June 25 and adopted the county’s fiscal year 2025–26 budget, approving a general fund of $41,800,000 and maintaining the county general tax rate at 33.5 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.

County staff presented a budget message required by North Carolina General Statute 159-11 and described the document as a continuation of conservative financial practices. The proposed budget is balanced using an appropriation of $3,800,000 from the county’s fund balance to address increased expenses tied in part to recovery from Tropical Storm Helene.

Key figures presented to the board and adopted in the ordinance include a total assessed property valuation of $6,455,000,000 (a 2.22% increase from the prior year) and an estimated $21,000,000 in property tax revenue at the adopted rate. The countywide fire tax remains at 6.5 cents, producing an overall combined rate of 40 cents per $100 of assessed value for FY 2025–26.

The presentation listed major budget changes: a projected overall expense increase of 5.43% from the FY 2024–25 budget; public safety increases (including jail body scanner procurement, seven new computers, service contract enhancements, and six sheriff’s office vehicles); appropriations for parks and recreation fencing and ongoing planning for a recreation center; and an increase in education local operating support. The county manager said continuing capital projects remain paused while recovery efforts continue.

A public speaker, Beth Kinley, the interim superintendent of Avery County Schools, thanked commissioners for the budget and emphasized partnership and transparency while describing ongoing operational work in the district.

After the hearing, a motion to adopt the FY 2025–26 budget passed by voice vote with the board indicating unanimous support on the record.