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Gaston County adopts FY 2025–26 budget; public speakers press for larger teacher supplements and library support
Summary
The Board approved a $340 million general fund budget with a 59.9¢ tax rate, the lowest on record, and allotted $500,000 in local supplements for teachers. Public commenters urged the board to increase teacher supplements to the $3.6 million requested by the school board and to preserve library and museum funding.
The Gaston County Board of Commissioners on May 27 adopted the fiscal year 2025–26 budget after a public hearing that drew educators, library advocates and residents pressing the board for larger investments in schools and county services.
Assistant County Manager Vincent Wong reviewed highlights before public comment, saying the proposed general fund totals roughly $340 million with the recommended tax rate at 59.9¢ — the lowest tax rate on record, he said — and that no general fund balance was used to balance the budget. The recommended budget directs roughly 31% of General Fund spending to public safety, 25% to human services and 18% to education; property taxes account for about 62% of general fund revenues.
During the public hearing, speakers asked the board to provide more money for teacher supplements and to maintain library and museum funding. Sharif Amster, who identified himself as a local teacher and…
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