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Sampson County budget kickoff highlights revenue outlook, school shortfall and hiring pressures
Summary
County staff presented a cautious budget outlook for fiscal 2026–27, projecting modest sales- and property-tax increases while warning of a possible $6.5–$10 million shortfall on a new high school, a potential $1.2–$2 million hit if the GFL convenience-center contract lapses, and continuing staffing and insurance pressures.
County officials laid out the starting point for the 2026–27 budget on the first night of workshops, emphasizing that no decisions were expected but that staff will return with analysis and options.
The county manager, Mr. Van, told commissioners the meeting was intended to "kickstart the new budget cycle" and framed the session as informational rather than decision-making. He reiterated his intent for the proposed budget: "there will be no general county property tax increase," and that the county would fully fund the county public education formula and propose a 3% cost-of-living adjustment plus a one-time $500 bonus for permanent full‑time equivalent employees.
Finance Officer Melissa Burton and the tax office presented the revenue assumptions staff used to build preliminary projections. Burton said the general-fund sales-tax base is $16.5 million and staff are capping expected sales-tax growth at 3% (to about $16.99 million) because the state reporting lag and recent multi-year slowing in growth make stronger gains uncertain. The tax office reported an estimated tax base increase from about $7.225 billion to $7.422 billion, producing roughly $1.3 million in additional property-tax revenue before school set‑asides; staff noted 25% of any additional revenue is committed to the county school formula.
Manager and staff identified several near‑term budget risks. A convenience-center contract with GFL expires June 30 and, if not renegotiated, could produce a $1.2 million to $2 million annual cost to the county. The county was also advised of a potential $6.5 million to $10 million shortfall on the new Hopton High School project; staff said the guaranteed maximum price will be clearer after bids are received in May.
On compensation and benefits, Human Resources Director Nancy Dilman summarized turnover and vacancy data and urged a strategic approach to pay and job‑classification maintenance. She noted the county currently budgets 553 full‑time positions and reported around 26 active vacancies; she described recruiting challenges for "unicorn" positions such as licensed social workers, inspectors and certain technical roles.
Staff outlined potential options to manage budget pressure, including borrowing for capital shortfalls, a one-time use or partial use of school capital reserves (noting the ordinance limits how those reserves may be used), elimination of the early tax‑payment discount to raise revenue, and phasing any economic-development investments. The manager closed by pointing to a budget calendar of workshops leading to the statutory June 1 deadline for a proposed budget.
The board adjourned after the presentations; staff will return in scheduled workshops with further detail and formal budget proposals.
