Wayne County manager rolls out $276.3 million all‑fund budget; proposes 0.6209 tax rate, schedules June 3 public hearing

County Manager Chip Crumpler presented his recommended fiscal 2025–26 budget to the Wayne County Board of Commissioners on May 20, proposing a $239,783,106 general fund budget and a $276,286,558 all‑fund budget.

Crumpler told commissioners the county’s revenue-neutral tax rate after the county’s reappraisal is 0.5633 per $100 of valuation and that his proposed rate is 0.6209 per $100. The proposed budget includes a $1,900,000 appropriation from unassigned fund balance to cover capital improvements, a cost of living adjustment and salary study increases. The manager’s presentation also included assumptions used in the proposal such as a projected 12% growth in ad valorem collections, a 19% increase in registered motor vehicle tax collections and a 5% increase in county-paid medical insurance premiums.

Key program and staffing changes in the proposal include six new full‑time positions (three in EMS, three in 911), two new part‑time positions and an 8‑position reduction in Wayne County Detention Center staffing tied in staff remarks to efficiencies expected from the new detention facility. The budget also shows an increase in support to Wayne Community College of $887,857 and a $1,440,000 capital outlay plan using assigned fund balance for one‑time capital needs.

Crumpler said the budget assumes a 9% increase in sewer fees to reflect anticipated Goldsboro treatment charges and called out $4.1 million in additional grants the county expects toward the Rosewood project. He also described proposed fee changes, including increased jetport hanger rent and solid-waste tipping fees, and outlined a capital improvements plan covering the next five years.

Commissioners questioned staffing choices, detention center reductions and the omission of certain department requests (for example, additional positions at Animal Control, the day reporting center and Board of Elections). Commissioners asked staff to supply more detail on longevity and retiree health insurance costs, the county’s ability to fund school resource officers (SROs) and the impact of moving restricted school support funds into current expense lines for clearer reporting.

The board set a public hearing on the recommended budget for Tuesday, June 3 at 9:30 a.m. and scheduled follow-up work sessions. Crumpler said the board must adopt a final budget by July 1.