Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Local Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Avery County adopts balanced FY2025–26 budget, holds tax rate steady
Summary
After a public hearing, Avery County commissioners adopted a balanced FY2025–26 budget that holds the county’s ad valorem tax rate steady and uses a fund-balance appropriation to cover a projected $3.8 million shortfall; the general fund totals about $41.8 million and public safety is the largest expenditure category.
Avery County commissioners on Tuesday adopted the fiscal year 2025–26 budget after a public hearing and a presentation of the budget message required by North Carolina law.
County officials presented a proposed general fund of approximately $41.8 million, describing it as balanced on an assessed property valuation of $6.455 billion — a $140 million (2.22%) increase over the prior year. The board voted to keep the general ad valorem tax rate at $0.335 per $100 of assessed value and to retain the countywide fire tax at 6.5¢.
The budget message said expenses are projected to increase 5.43% from the 2024–25 fiscal year and that the county will use approximately $3.8 million from the fund balance to balance the budget. Education funding was highlighted: local operations for Avery County Schools were listed at about $6.6 million (an increase of roughly $1.095 million), with total local dollars for schools including capital and debt service at approximately $8.0 million, or 28.38% of ad valorem and local-option sales tax revenue.
During the hearing, interim Superintendent Beth Pendley thanked commissioners for their collaboration and pledged transparency and partnership as the district prepares for the coming school year.
The board adopted the ordinance by voice vote. In later finance actions, the board also approved two budget amendments: a $610,000 capital appropriation to purchase property on Westborough Road and a $450,000 transfer to Avery County Schools for fiscal-year closeout and summer expenses.
What happens next: Staff will post the adopted budget ordinance; capital projects and recovery-related items discussed in the budget will proceed under the approved appropriation and subsequent project ordinances as needed.
