Swain County adopts 2026-27 budget that draws $1.4M from fund balance; transportation and revaluation costs cited

Swain County county manager presented the 2026-27 proposed budget and explained recent adjustments before the board accepted the proposal. He said two items increased the capital needs: ambulance purchases already committed to delivery (adding roughly $124,000) and increased contracted services for revaluation work (about $116,000), bringing the net change to about $240,000 from the previous draft.

The manager said the proposed budget would require a planned use of approximately $1.4 million from appropriated fund balance and stressed the need for fiscal discipline going forward. He said he plans to revamp processes and seek additional revenue options to avoid repeated draws on savings.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about capital purchases, procurement, and timing. The manager said the county will publish the budget for public review and hold a public hearing and final vote on June 30.

Action taken: A motion to accept the budget was made and passed by show of hands at the meeting; the manager noted the budget will be available for public inspection for the next 10 days before the final vote.

Why it matters: The budget sets county priorities for the next fiscal year and the draw on fund balance signals limited flexibility; commissioners and staff emphasized the need for a long-term approach to reduce reliance on reserves.

What happens next: The budget will be available in the county office and online for public review and a final public hearing and vote is scheduled for June 30, 2026.

Attribution: All figures and statements are from the county manager and commissioners during the June 16 meeting transcript.