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Halifax County adopts 2025–26 budget and approves related amendments
Summary
The Halifax County Board of Commissioners adopted the fiscal year 2025–26 budget and fee schedule, approved several budget amendments and discussed next steps for employee compensation after a recent salary study.
The Halifax County Board of Commissioners adopted the fiscal year 2025–26 budget and accompanying fee schedule at its June 16 regular meeting, advancing the county’s spending plan after months of preparation.
County Manager Bill Denton told commissioners the adoption is the result of about 10 months of work by staff and the board, including a budget work session in April, a formal presentation in May and a public hearing earlier in June. “This is the final adoption of your 2025–26 budget,” Denton said.
The board voted to approve the budget after a motion by Vice Chair Chenoa Richardson Davis and a second from Commissioner Samuel Webb. Commissioners then approved six budget amendments presented by Finance Director Duncan; Vice Chair Davis moved the amendments and the motion was seconded by Vice Chair Davis (as recorded) and later seconded by Commissioner Webb for earlier motions. All votes were called in the meeting and recorded as in favor with no opposition by commissioners present.
Why it matters: the budget sets county spending levels and fees for the coming fiscal year and follows local review including a public hearing with no speakers. County staff said the ordinance and fee schedule presented in May had no further changes for adoption.
Commission discussion and next steps Commissioners thanked staff for moving the budget through with fewer work sessions than in some prior years. Commissioners also discussed employee compensation after a recent county salary study. Commissioner Silva urged the board to consider a living wage for county employees, suggesting a target of $18 per hour, and noted the need to retain good employees. County staff cautioned that raising the minimum wage would create pay-compression that likely requires broader salary adjustments; staff said they will model revenue projections and the cost implications of any pay changes.
Other business included approval of a letter drafted by the deputy county manager to Pastor Dr. Florean Bell concerning her church, and scheduling: the chairman and the county manager will discuss the adopted budget on local radio programs in the coming weeks. The meeting adjourned and the board set its next regular meeting for July 7, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
Quotes from meeting participants were taken from remarks during the June 16 session.
