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Brunswick County adopts $313.1 million FY2026 budget after heated debate
Summary
After hours of discussion about inflation, taxes and service cuts, the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners adopted a $313,100,000 FY2026 budget, approving a package that includes fees, a five‑year CIP and an opioid settlement resolution. The measure passed on a 3–1 recorded vote with one member absent.
The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners on June 16 adopted a $313,100,000 fiscal year 2026 budget ordinance, a schedule of fees, a five‑year capital improvement plan and a resolution on the use of opioid settlement funds.
County staff asked the board to adopt the budget after closing the public hearing; no members of the public had signed up to speak. A commissioner moved to adopt the package and a second was recorded. After extended discussion about tradeoffs, the board approved the measures on a recorded 3–1 vote, with one member absent.
Why it mattered: Commissioners described the decision as a difficult compromise between holding tax rates steady and preserving essential services. Supporters credited staff for narrowing a remaining budget gap; critics warned the plan relies on one‑time sources and leaves long‑term funding questions unresolved.
Board discussion focused on three themes. Several commissioners praised staff for work to balance competing priorities. One commissioner said staff had “gone to bat” to close an $800,000 gap and called the final product “a good product overall.” Another commissioner said, “I’m not happy with this budget at all,” arguing a small tax increase would have better matched service needs amid rising costs.
The record shows the board relied on nonrecurring receipts, including some ARPA funds and a draw on fund balance, to avoid an increase in the property tax rate. A staff presentation attached to the agenda identifies the adopted budget total as $313,100,000.
What comes next: Commissioners signaled continued work on multi‑year revenue plans, including discussions about a potential countywide fire funding mechanism. Staff were directed to continue developing alternatives for long‑term public‑safety funding while the adopted budget takes effect.
Budget action (as recorded in the meeting): - Motion to adopt FY2026 budget ordinance, schedule of fees, five‑year CIP and opioid settlement resolution: moved, seconded, approved (3–1 recorded vote; one member absent).
Sources: public staff presentation and in‑meeting discussion; county staff requested adoption of the ordinance during the meeting.
