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Surry County commissioners hear FY 2026-27 budget requests for public safety, health and IT
Summary
At a March 31 meeting, Surry County commissioners heard FY 2026-27 budget requests from multiple departments. Presenters flagged one-time IT server replacements, rising detention medical and vehicle costs, recycling revenue challenges, and a Health Department budget driven largely by personnel costs.
The Surry County Board of Commissioners met March 31, 2026, in Dobson and heard FY 2026-27 budget requests from the Register of Deeds, MIS, Public Works, the Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Services and the Health Department.
Todd Harris, the county’s Register of Deeds, asked for $564,601 for FY 2026-27, a slight decrease from the prior year’s request of $566,520, and thanked the board for prior approval to add staff. Martha Brintle, MIS director, said her department’s request was “considerably higher” because of equipment maintenance, capital needs and professional services; she identified five servers that need replacement and characterized that work as a non-recurring cost.
Public Works Director Jessica Montgomery said the proposed budget would maintain current service levels while funding equipment replacement, facility improvements and regulatory compliance. Montgomery told the board that market values for recyclables such as plastic and cardboard remain challenging and discussed the county’s number of convenience centers compared with surrounding counties.
Keith Kiger, chief building codes inspector, proposed changes to the inspection fee schedule, including higher penalties for building without permits, new commercial ABC permit fees and an administrative consultation fee aimed at commercial customers. Kiger said the adjustments would primarily affect commercial entities rather than residential customers.
Sheriff Steve Hiatt presented the Sheriff’s Office package, which covers the sheriff’s office, detention center, animal control, school resource officers, narcotics and pretrial release. Hiatt introduced Duane Blackburn as the newly appointed chief deputy and had Justin Stirewalt, identified as the sheriff’s budget officer, present details. The sheriff’s office flagged detention center medical costs, vehicle replacement needs and inflationary pressure on supplies as significant budget drivers.
Emergency Services Director Eric Southern summarized accomplishments and partnerships from the past year and outlined operational costs, recommended fee increases and third‑party billing services. Southern, joined by EMS Operations Manager Dale Harold and EMS Logistics Officer Wendell Jenkins, discussed staffing trends and retention efforts. In response to a question from Commissioner Melissa Hiatt about a “high utilization caller” item under the mobile integrated health (MIH) program, Southern described a proposed approach to identify community needs and reduce hospital transports tied to frequent callers.
Health and Nutrition Director Samantha Ange said the Health Department’s request includes what she described as a 14.7% county change increase alongside an overall 1.5% decrease in the packet’s figures as presented. Ange told the board that 96% of the department’s budget is personnel and that the department is fully staffed; she emphasized cross‑training to limit further fund requests.
The board voted unanimously to approve the meeting agenda at the start of the session. Later, upon motion of Commissioner Melissa Hiatt and second by Commissioner Van Tucker, the Board voted unanimously to enter closed session under N.C. Gen. Stat. 143‑318.11(a)(3), (a)(5) and (a)(6). The board returned from closed session and adjourned at 6:26 p.m.
None of the departmental presentations on March 31 resulted in a recorded vote to adopt budgets; the session recorded departmental requests and questions for staff as part of the larger FY 2026-27 budget process.
