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Public hearing held on proposed FY27 budget; proposed tax rate would rise to $0.57
Summary
The Board opened a public hearing on the proposed FY27 budget with a proposed tax rate increase from $0.4721 (equalized) to $0.57; public commenters urged library funding, Legal Aid level funding and support for homeless services while some residents raised concerns about accountability and impacts to fixed‑income taxpayers.
The Northumberland County Board of Supervisors opened a public hearing May 28 on the proposed FY27 budget, which includes a proposed property tax rate increase from the equalized rate of $0.4721 to $0.57 per $100 of assessed value.
County Administrator E. Luttrell Tadlock said the Board would not act on the budget that night and noted a statutory seven‑day waiting period after the hearing before the Board may vote. "There will be no action taken tonight by the Board as they are required by code to wait 7 days after the hearing before taking any action," Tadlock said.
Multiple residents and organizational representatives gave public comment. Susan Ruberry, a member of the library's Board of Trustees, urged full funding for the library and outlined the library's community programs. Ann Kloeckner spoke on behalf of Legal Aid and asked for level funding. Michelle Wells and Linda Hodges requested $5,000 for Guest, which serves people experiencing homelessness in the county and described the group's day‑to‑day operations. Several others, including Bryna Brennan and Monte Lake, also urged funding for the library.
In contrast, Sam Gutherie, who said he had managed budgets for 28 years, described himself as a "shocked taxpayer" and said he believes a lack of budget accountability exists. Retiree A.R. Campbell said the Board should remember the burden on taxpayers on fixed incomes when considering any tax increase.
Chairman James Brann said the Board had set a higher proposed rate to allow time to discuss necessary cuts; he reminded the public the Board would have to hold another public hearing if it later adopted a rate higher than the proposed amount. Tadlock confirmed the equalized rate is $0.4721.
Next steps: the Board must wait the required seven days after the hearing before taking formal action on the proposed FY27 budget and tax rate.
