Carteret County adopts 2025-26 budget, sets tax rate at 22.5 cents and adds $500,000 for schools

Carteret County commissioners adopted the fiscal year 2025-26 county budget on June 2, setting the general fund tax rate at 22.5 cents and approving a $500,000 increase for the county school system.

The vote followed a public hearing on the budget and debate among commissioners about tax rates, school funding and county employee pay. The board considered, and rejected, a separate motion to set the tax rate at 23.5 cents to fund an additional teacher supplement before approving the final ordinance.

At the start of the public hearing, Dr. Tracy Mancini of Carteret Community College thanked the commissioners for the college’s ongoing support, saying the county’s contribution amounts to "nearly 20% of our total budget at the college." Mancini told the board the college graduated 261 curriculum degree, diploma and certificate students this year and served "over 700 workforce and continuing education program completers," and she said the college will "continue to be good stewards of the public trust."

During budget debate, Commissioner Quinn moved to adopt the budget with a revised tax rate of 23.5 cents — up from the proposed 23 cents — to "accommodate the requested teacher supplement increase for our county's public school certified, non certified teachers, and coaches." Commissioner Moore seconded that motion. The board voted by voice; the motion failed.

Commissioner Shin then moved to adopt the budget ordinance as proposed but amended to include an extra $500,000 for the school system and to set the general fund tax rate at 22.5 cents. Commissioner Waldrop seconded. After extended discussion among commissioners about turnover, employee pay and school funding, the board approved the motion by voice vote and adopted the budget.

Several commissioners described the trade-offs behind the final figures. One commissioner said the adopted budget "does give our employees a 10% raise" and "does give an extra $500,000 to the school system." Commissioners discussed county employee turnover — figures were described in the meeting as roughly in the mid-20-percent range for the county and lower for teachers — and emphasized balancing employee retention, support for schools and the tax burden on residents.

Commissioners also noted uncertainty about state-level legislation addressing teacher pay. One commissioner said state action could change the county’s obligations and might require the board to revisit allocations after legislative outcomes are finalized.

Procedurally, the board approved a motion to place the proposed fiscal year 2025-26 county government budget on public hearing before receiving public comment. After the public hearing and debate, with the 22.5-cent tax rate and the $500,000 school increment included, the board voted to adopt the budget ordinance.

The county manager and finance staff were thanked repeatedly by commissioners for their work preparing budget information. During the public hearing period, no other members of the public signed up to speak besides Dr. Mancini.

The new budget and tax rate are effective upon adoption unless the county finance office posts an alternate effective date; the board noted they may revisit figures if state legislation changes school funding requirements.