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Transylvania County launches FY 2027 budget kickoff with departmental reports on public safety, taxes, permits and social services
Summary
County departments presented FY 2027 priorities and trends on Feb. 23, including high tax collection rates (99.75% for 2024), increased passport and permitting activity, Social Services caseload pressure, EMS staffing challenges, and plans for digitization and facility maintenance.
Transylvania County opened its FY 2027 budget process on Feb. 23 with semi-annual departmental presentations that highlighted accomplishments, trends and needs across a broad set of services.
Register of Deeds Beth Landreth described expansion of the Property Fraud Alert program (up 58% to nearly 1,100 users), growth of passport services and ongoing digitization work. Tax Administrator Jessica McCall said the county achieved a 99.75% collection rate for 2024 taxes and noted license plate agency performance and preparations for the 2026 tax billing cycle.
Building Inspections Director Jason Massey reported continued high permitting and inspection activity in 2025 and staffing certifications and promotions; Director Chad Owenby described growth in Parks and Recreation participation and facility maintenance needs. DSS Director Amanda Vanderoef said Child Welfare and Adult Services have high demand and that Medicaid enrollment and food/nutrition assistance remain substantial program areas.
Emergency services updates covered communications center improvements (a remodeled 911 center and a new dispatch radio console), the construction of a replacement public safety tower in Lake Toxaway, and EMS staffing and transport challenges that can increase ambulance out-of-service times. Cooperative Extension and Soil & Water staff summarized outreach, conservation contracts, and Hurricane Helene recovery grant work.
The Board asked department leaders to submit follow-up questions in writing to keep presentations on schedule; staff said remaining presentations will continue during a March 9 meeting as the Board refines budget priorities.
