Washington County holds FY25 budget hearing as Fire Commission seeks ad valorem increase and advocates ask for violence-prevention funding

WASHINGTON COUNTY, N.C. — The Washington County Board of Commissioners opened and closed a public hearing on the proposed FY25 budget during a recessed meeting May 20, hearing requests from the county Fire Commission and local service providers before approving routine business items unanimously.

The hearing began after County Manager Curtis Potter distributed the budget memo, fee schedule and correspondence from the Fire Commission and the school system. Ron Ambrose, chair of the Fire Commission, handed the board a packet and asked commissioners to "add $.01 cent of the ad valorem tax" to the budget to cover required equipment and replacement cycles; Ambrose said the cost of a fire truck has "tripled since 2019." Ambrose asked for a favorable vote on the request.

Steffanie Barnes of the Alliance for Greater Eastern NC submitted a letter for the record. Sandy Rhodes of the Center for Violence Protection urged county funding for local victim services and said the organization provides "about 85 services a month" to Washington County residents; Rhodes also noted the program now has an attorney on board. Doretha Garrett, identified in the record as a local advocate, also spoke in support of additional funding.

After public comments, commissioners and staff exchanged follow-up questions. Commissioner John C. Spruill pressed Washington County Schools officials for more detail about county-funded teacher supplements and the funding agreement for the new PK–12 school. School staff provided figures for county-paid teacher supplements — approximately $66,609 in 2022, $104,751 in 2023 and $71,826 in 2024 — and said the school system is exploring regional program partnerships with Hyde and Tyrrell counties for career-technical offerings such as nursing, HVAC, welding and electrical.

Chair Ann C. Keyes emphasized the volunteer status of local firefighters, noting the firefighters who attended the meeting "DO NOT GET PAID." Several commissioners thanked public speakers for sharing perspectives during the hearing.

Votes at a glance - Consent agenda (includes RESO 2024-018, RESO 2024-019, RESO 2024-020, RESO 2024-021): Motion to approve by Commissioner Tracey A. Johnson; seconded by Commissioner Carol V. Phelps. Outcome: approved unanimously (SEG 004–006). - Board of Equalization & Review reconvened: Motion by Commissioner John C. Spruill; seconded by Commissioner Julius Walker Jr. Outcome: approved unanimously (SEG 007–008). - BOER recessed to June 3, 2024: Motion by Commissioner Carol V. Phelps; seconded by Commissioner John C. Spruill. Outcome: approved unanimously (SEG 009–010). - Budget transfers and amendments: Motion by Commissioner Carol V. Phelps; seconded by Commissioner John C. Spruill. Outcome: approved unanimously (SEG 011–012). - Open public hearing on FY25 budget: Motion by Commissioner John C. Spruill; seconded by Commissioner Carol V. Phelps. Outcome: approved unanimously (SEG 013–014). - Close public hearing on FY25 budget: Motion by Commissioner Tracey A. Johnson; seconded by Commissioner Julius Walker Jr. Outcome: approved unanimously (SEG 022). - Appoint voting delegate for 2024 NACO Annual Conference: Motion by Commissioner John C. Spruill; seconded by Commissioner Carol V. Phelps. Outcome: Commissioner Tracey A. Johnson appointed unanimously; no county funds used for the trip (SEG 023).

What’s next The board took no final budget votes at the May 20 meeting; the public hearing record will inform upcoming budget deliberations. Separately, the Board of Equalization and Review was recessed to June 3; other routine agenda items and transfers were approved by unanimous vote.

Sources: Board of Commissioners recessed meeting, Washington County, May 20, 2024. Direct statements and figures were provided during the public hearing and by county and school staff.