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Nash County adopts $142 million FY2027 budget after tense debate over sheriff, schools
Summary
After hours of debate over public‑safety spending versus education, the Nash County Board of Commissioners adopted a $142,025,904 general‑fund FY2027 budget that keeps the tax rate at $0.63 per $100 and includes new one‑time capital investments and support for volunteer fire departments.
The Nash County Board of Commissioners adopted the county’s FY2027 budget on June 15, approving a $142,025,904 general fund and $162,037,492 overall budget that holds the property tax rate at $0.63 per $100 of assessed value.
County Manager Jonathan Boone told commissioners the recommended budget prioritizes employee wages and merit pay, capital projects and infrastructure to attract industry, technology and vehicle replacements, and a focus on balancing public safety, human services and education. Boone said additions since June 1 include $755,000 for volunteer fire departments, $50,000 for EMS station lease/rent, $200,000 in CIP seed funding and $325,000 for shared vehicles.
The meeting turned to a divisive debate over spending priorities. Commissioner Robbie Davis said he could not support the final package after late additions, arguing the sheriff’s office budget had grown far faster than education over the last 12 years. “I won’t be able to vote for this budget today because of those last additions,” Davis said, adding staff analysis showed a 123% increase in the sheriff’s office budget from FY2015 to FY2027 compared with an 18% increase for education.
Vice Chair Freddie Howe and other commissioners defended the budget and public‑safety spending, noting the county’s detention center houses many people from outside Nash County. “A 142 are from outside of Nash County,” Howe said, pointing to rising jail population pressures and the county’s obligation to public safety while urging future efforts on prevention and supportive programs.
Officials said the county’s current fund balance stands around $48 million and staff had used conservative revenue assumptions. Boone said the FY27 proposal includes planned use of fund balance for one‑time capital needs and builds in revenue growth assumptions the administration judged reasonable.
After extended discussion and several requests for more detailed revenue and program data, Commissioner Sue Leggett moved to adopt the budget and Commissioner Wayne Outlaw seconded. The board approved the ordinance by voice vote.
Next steps: staff will implement the budget and follow up on requests for more detailed breakdowns of revenue growth assumptions and program allocations raised during the debate.
