Chowan County manager proposes balanced $24.69M FY2026 budget, holds tax rate at $0.695

County Manager Kevin Howard presented Chowan County's proposed FY2025-26 manager's budget at a May 12 special work session, saying the recommended budget is balanced and would keep the tax rate at $0.695 per $100 of assessed value.

Howard told the Board the proposed General Fund, including Social Services, budgets $24,690,125 in revenues and expenditures, up from the FY2024-25 adopted total of $24,080,617. He said the county is working with the Tax Administrator and Timbermill to finalize first-year tax revenue estimates for a local windfarm and that the previously adopted Economic Development Incentive Grant (EDIG) will affect the amount ultimately collected.

The manager noted the recommended budget does not include a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) or a variety of salary increases requested by departments; handouts were provided showing the cost of a 5% COLA and department-requested compensation changes for board review. Howard also said he would identify additional departmental requests that fall outside the manager's recommended budget.

The presentation reviewed specific departmental requests and line items, including a previously approved additional Finance Department position (the budget does not include a requested Assistant Finance Officer salary increase) and outstanding personnel requests in Tax Administration and Elections. Howard told commissioners he will provide updated budget changes at the May 14 budget work session.

The work session concluded without a formal vote; the Board will continue budget deliberations at the next scheduled work session.