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Granville County holds public hearing on FY 2026–27 budget; no property‑tax increase proposed
Summary
County manager presented the proposed FY 2026–27 budget with no change to the property tax or fire tax rates and recommended market‑based employee pay increases funded by revenue growth and reserves; commissioners discussed a new recurring senior services position and school infrastructure funded by a proposed $15 million loan.
Granville County officials opened a public hearing on the proposed FY 2026–27 budget on May 18, with County Manager Drew saying the plan includes no increase to the property‑tax rate or the fire tax rate while funding targeted, market‑based pay increases for county employees.
Drew said the proposed spending plan relies on natural growth in the property‑tax base, stronger sales‑tax receipts, tighter departmental budgets and some drawdown of reserves to cover investments. “These increases in next year’s budget are being fully funded with natural growth in our property tax base, strong performance with our sales tax revenue, savings generated through realignment and tightening up in departmental budgets, as well as spending down some of the additional reserves,” he said.
The board heard questions about a newly added, recurring senior‑services position. A board member noted the position was inserted during work sessions and sought to confirm its start date; staff clarified the position would start midyear (January 2027), not July 1, and that some recurring costs in the proposal are being temporarily funded through reserves while staff plans for ongoing revenue in later fiscal years.
Commissioners also sought clarification about a $15 million loan referenced in budget materials. One commissioner stressed that the loan is intended for school infrastructure — citing roof work at South Granville and J.F. Webb high schools and paving/track work — and is not for stadiums or other nonessential amenities. Finance Director Jennifer Beard and other staff confirmed the loan supports capital improvements and that the county expects to invest funds in those infrastructure projects.
No members of the public spoke during the hearing; the chair closed the hearing after taking board questions. The budget will continue through the board’s schedule for adoption and follow‑up work sessions.
