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Ashe County manager presents $55.6 million proposed budget, recommends 44¢ tax rate
Summary
County staff presented the proposed FY 2025–26 budget of $55,585,040 and recommended keeping the tax rate at 44 cents per $100 of assessed value; plan reflects Hurricane Helene recovery costs, an ongoing landfill expansion and a $96 million middle school project.
Ashe County staff on May 19 presented a proposed fiscal year 2025–26 general fund budget of $55,585,040 and recommended a county tax rate of 44 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.
The budget message, read at the meeting by county staff, said the county remains under financial pressure from Hurricane Helene. The county reported existing debris contracts representing “an unplanned expenditure in excess of $8,000,000” and said FEMA reimbursement is expected but not yet received. The manager’s message listed Hurricane Helene recovery and debris removal as top priorities.
The presentation highlighted several large capital projects: a $96 million new middle school (supported by state grants and local financing) with an expected completion in late 2028; continued work on a landfill expansion; replacement and rebuild of two landfill compactors; and courthouse HVAC repair and chiller replacement. Parks and recreation plans include hiring an additional staff member and resurfacing tennis courts (estimated at $90,000). Airport projects include taxiway and apron pavement rehabilitation and a taxiway expansion.
The proposed budget message included workforce changes taken earlier in the year, including implementation of a pay and classification study intended to raise starting salaries and market alignment. A cost‑of‑living adjustment of 3% for employees was proposed in the new budget.
County staff said the proposed budget was prepared in accordance with the North Carolina Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act and North Carolina General Statute 153A‑82, and that department workbooks and supporting documents would be available to the public and to commissioners for a scheduled week‑long review.
No final action was taken on the budget at the May 19 meeting. Commissioners scheduled further review and budget work sessions before any adoption.
