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Rowan County presents recommended $247 million budget, adopts fund‑balance policy
Summary
County staff recommended a $246.96 million FY2027 budget while the board approved a fund‑balance policy that sets a 20% unassigned threshold and directs 50% of the excess to a committed capital reserve; budget highlights include school resource officers in elementary schools, an EMS South Station and a 3% COLA.
County staff presented the recommended FY2027 budget to the Rowan County Board of Commissioners on May 18, proposing a $246,960,509 general fund budget, a 14.15% increase from the prior year’s adopted budget. The presentation included a recommended property tax rate unchanged at 58 cents, a projected tax base increase and $17.86 million of one‑time capital needs.
Major items highlighted by staff included: funding for an EMS South Station, $5 million allocations for a therapeutic park and nature‑center improvements, purchase of 44 vehicles across departments including an increased number for the sheriff's office, and a program to place full‑time school resource officers in elementary schools. Staff also recommended a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) for county employees effective July 1 and several recommended position additions, some phased or grant‑funded.
Separately, the board adopted a fund‑balance policy recommended by finance staff that sets a 20% unassigned‑fund‑balance target. If the unassigned balance exceeds that threshold at fiscal year end, 50% of the excess would be committed to a capital reserve for future one‑time projects. Staff walked the board through an example calculation using the county's June 30, 2025 unassigned balance and noted existing capital commitments would be subtracted from available amounts.
Commissioners discussed linking debt‑retirement language to the policy and decided to consider a related debt policy at a subsequent meeting. The board voted to adopt the fund‑balance policy and also gave staff direction to proceed with the budget calendar and further department budget reviews.
What to watch next: Staff will present more detailed departmental budgets and a formal budget adoption timeline in upcoming meetings, and the board will consider a companion debt policy and final budget adoption later in the process.
