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Transylvania County manager recommends $82.5 million FY 2027 budget with no property tax increase
Summary
County Manager Jaime Laughter presented a balanced FY 2027 recommended General Fund budget of $82.5 million — a 1.47% increase over FY 2026 with no proposed property tax increase — and outlined capital priorities, fiscal risks tied to potential state cost shifts, and next steps including budget workshops on June 2 and 4 and a public hearing on June 22.
County Manager Jaime Laughter on May 26 presented a recommended FY 2027 General Fund budget of $82.5 million, a 1.47% increase over the prior year that would not require a property tax increase.
Laughter told the Transylvania County Board of Commissioners the recommendation balances current obligations with long-term capital planning, noting the county is managing more than $220 million in capital projects supported by over $120 million in grant funding. Major capital priorities outlined included a $164 million school capital improvement plan and a $38 million courthouse project.
The recommended budget funds partner agencies with a 2.7% overall increase and would fully fund the Board of Education’s request, including a 2% operational increase and a 42% increase in annual capital funding, Laughter said. The Manager also recommended continued workforce investments and advancing a compensation study earlier than the originally planned 2028 timetable.
Laughter warned that potential state and federal cost shifts could total about $2.4 million, including roughly $1.2 million tied to SNAP administration and $1.2 million for teacher pay increases; if those costs are implemented, the Manager said they would be funded from fund balance in FY 2027 and could affect future tax rates. She also noted that proposed state constraints on property tax authority could limit local revenue flexibility.
The recommended budget preserves current service levels while continuing solid waste, landfill, and infrastructure planning. Staff advised the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund is projected at approximately $4.1 million and will rely on a $720,000 General Fund subsidy under the recommendation; staff also recommended public hearings on future solid waste fee options.
Commissioners discussed budget risks and requested additional detail. Commissioner Jason Chappell asked for the total dollar amount of teacher supplements and the number and cost of locally funded school positions; Commissioner Larry Chapman suggested communicating county concerns to state legislators about tax limitations; and Commissioner Chase McKelvey asked staff to analyze the long-term implications of avoiding tax increases today. Laughter said she will prepare requested information for a budget workshop on June 2.
Budget workshops are scheduled for June 2 and June 4, and a public hearing and adoption are scheduled for June 22. The Manager emphasized public engagement and transparency materials are available online in the FY 2027 Budget Folder.
