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Martin County commissioners set draft budget with 2-cent tax increase, 2% COLA and cuts to outside agencies
Summary
At a May 20 special session, Martin County commissioners agreed on draft budget cuts and measures that yield a proposed 2-cent property tax increase, replace merit raises with a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for employees and reduce or defer several outside-agency allocations; the manager will present the draft May 22 and a public hearing is set for June 12.
The Martin County Board of Commissioners on May 20 reviewed a revised draft budget that trims outside‑agency requests and assumes a proposed 2-cent property tax increase to help balance the county’s 2019–20 budget.
County Manager David Bone told the board the earlier proposal for a 4-cent increase had been reduced to 2 cents after the panel recommended cuts at a prior work session. “The draft budget reflected no increase over the current year budget for the Board of Education or for Martin Community College,” Bone said, and he noted merit pay increases were removed and replaced with a proposed 2% cost‑of‑living adjustment for county employees.
Why it matters: the changes narrow the county’s revenue gap while preserving a modest pay adjustment for staff; they also shift several funding decisions to later deliberations or budget amendments if projects proceed.
Key details and agency requests David Bone outlined specific adjustments in the draft. A previously requested $44,000 increase for Adult & Aging Services’ personal care program was removed pending potential insurance reimbursements coordinated with the Mid‑East Commission, while a full‑time personal care position remains in the draft. Bone said a new Department of Social Services position tied to Medicaid transformation will be publicly posted and is expected to be funded about 50% by federal reimbursements.
Commissioner Elmo “Butch” Lilley asked whether combining two part‑time transit driver positions into one full‑time CDL role would be feasible; Bone said hiring part‑time CDL drivers has proved difficult and that combining positions would preserve salary levels while adding benefits.
Rescue squads and library funding Lilley also asked for clarification about a $5,000 increase allocated to each rescue squad. Bone and Finance Director Cindy Ange explained the change reflects a combination of per‑call reimbursements and a base allocation intended to help squads purchase medical supplies and medications after Martin General Hospital stopped allowing restocking from its supply.
Board discussion addressed a BMH Regional Library request for a larger allocation to fund long‑overdue staff raises; Lilley asked that Martin County’s contribution be compared with partner counties in the library system before finalizing the amount.
Outside agencies, trails and fairs Commissioner Smith proposed adding $500 for the annual NC Ag Expo at the Senator Bob Martin Agricultural Center to support local agriculture. Chairman Tommy Bowen recommended cutting proposed funding to Agape and questioned increasing library funding; other commissioners opposed some of those cuts. The board agreed to keep CADA at its current funding level of $25,000 after an initial request that had been reduced in the draft. Commissioner Lilley recommended removing a $16,000 local match for a Recreational Trails project from the draft until the project timeline is known; the board can consider a budget amendment later if the project proceeds.
Draft outcome and next steps As a result of the discussion the board agreed to hold the tax increase at 2 cents and use part of the fund balance to cover remaining gaps. The draft that emerged from the session includes a 2% COLA for employees and no merit increases. The board scheduled a manager’s presentation of the proposed budget for May 22 and a public hearing at the regular meeting on June 12, when the budget could be adopted.
Mobile dental van Dr. Brian Busch (Martin Community College) and Andrea Freeman (MTW Finance Director) answered commissioners’ questions about a mobile dental van. Freeman said the van is expected to be available to serve schools beginning in fall 2019 and to provide adult services during non‑school hours; she noted outreach challenges, including the need for power and water hookups and staffing changes that affected a planned summer placement at MCC.
Procedural notes Commissioner Smith moved to approve the meeting agenda at the session’s start; Vice Chairman Dempsey Bond Jr. seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Elmo Lilley moved to adjourn at the close of the session; Commissioner Smith seconded and Chairman Bowen adjourned the meeting. The board will reconvene May 22 for the manager’s presentation.
