Halifax County manager presents $60.55 million proposed budget; public hearing set for June 2

Halifax County Manager Miss Denton presented the proposed fiscal year 2025–26 budget to the Halifax County Board of Commissioners, saying the plan totals $60,552,080 and is balanced under North Carolina law.

"In accordance with North Carolina's local government budget and fiscal control act, I'm honored to present my proposed comprehensive spending plan for Halifax County government for the upcoming fiscal year beginning 07/01/2025 and ending 06/30/2026 in the amount of $60,552,080," Denton said during the meeting.

Why it matters: The proposal lays out county operations, capital spending, and allocations to local public schools and Halifax Community College. Commissioners and staff discussed employee pay changes, capital projects and the schedule for public review and adoption.

Key items in the proposed budget (as presented): - Total proposed budget: $60,552,080 for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026. - Fund balance and reserves: The county reported a 62.37% fund balance ($51,373,924) and an unassigned fund balance of $29,398,544. - Use of fund balance: $3,931,831 proposed from fund balance for department capital expenditures; $590,000 from fund balance for one-time bonuses (full-time employees $1,000; eligible part-time employees $500 payable in July). - Employee pay: 1.75% cost-of-living adjustment and a 1.25% step increase for a total average increase of 3%; detention center positions receive a 1-grade increase (each grade equates to 5%), yielding a total average increase of 8% for detention center staff including the 3% general adjustments. - Pay-for-performance: The budget funds a pay-for-performance evaluation plan tied to annual evaluations; example scales presented by staff: a score of 3 earns a 1.25% step; 4 earns 2.5%; 5 earns 3.75%. - Minimum starting salary: The county reported implementing a market study-based minimum salary so no new hire will start below $30,000. - Schools and community college capital: $882,500 allocated to local public schools and Halifax Community College; presented as divided equally among three local school districts and Halifax Community College at $220,625 each. - Tax rate and revenue assumptions: The budget is based on an estimated tax base of $4,664,723,032, a tax collection rate of 98% and a proposed property tax rate of $0.70 per $100 valuation. - Major capital/debt: Commissioners have provided staff with a $50,000,000 budget projection to construct a new detention facility with capacity for over 200 inmates; the budget also funds final debt service payments on several school-related bonds and capital projects. - New department: The budget creates a county parks and recreation department with two positions (a director and an administrative position) and an initial operating budget.

Public process and next steps: Denton said the proposed budget will be available for public inspection in the clerk to the board's office and in the five county public libraries for the required 10 days. A public hearing is scheduled for Monday, June 2 at 9:30 a.m., and final adoption is scheduled for Monday, June 16 at 5:30 p.m. Denton pledged to provide a revised budget message the following day to include an item omitted from the printed message.

Commissioner discussion and questions: Commissioner Webb asked for clarification on the longevity pay program and pay-for-performance mechanics. Denton described longevity pay as historically paid after five years (2% of salary) and increasing with years of service; she also described the evaluation scoring and associated step increases. Commissioner Silver and others discussed pursuing higher minimum salaries over time; commissioners reiterated a goal of maintaining no tax increase while improving compensation.

Formal action: The county manager requested that the board receive the proposed budget, lay it on the table for public inspection and set the public hearing date. The board received the presentation and no formal adoption vote was taken at the meeting.

Other items noted: The budget allocates $50,000 for a community grants program and funding available for parks and recreation initiatives; staff confirmed those items are included in the full budget document even if they did not appear in the manager's oral message. Staff and commissioners thanked county employees and department leaders involved in preparing the budget.