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Craven County recommends rescue squad appropriations and holds volunteer fire district tax rates
Summary
During the May 18 work session the Board reached consensus to maintain multiple volunteer fire district tax rates and approved recommended one‑time appropriations to area rescue squads, totaling several million dollars allocated across providers.
Craven County leaders on Monday confirmed recommended appropriations to local rescue squads and maintained current volunteer fire district tax rates as part of the FY 2026–27 budget review.
County staff recommended rescue squad appropriations and the Board agreed by consensus to the amounts presented: New Bern/Craven $600,000; Havelock $600,000; Ft. Barnwell $600,000; Bridgeton $450,000; Vanceboro $510,000; Cove City $600,000; and Township 7 $450,000. County Manager Jack B. Veit III presented the requests and noted they reflect prior commitments and current operating needs.
On volunteer fire districts, the Board held consensus to maintain current district tax rates, including Township 3 (Cove City, Dover, Ft. Barnwell) at 0.07500 and West of New Bern II/Rhems at 0.02500 among others. Vice‑Chairman Jason R. Jones asked that the Town of Dover’s requested appropriation be made whole; the Board agreed to split the additional $14,000 between Dover’s fund balance and the district fund the County manages.
Veit said EMS support in the budget totals about $3.81 million, itemized by squad in the recommended budget book. The allocations are part of the county’s FY27 spending plan the Board will finalize in subsequent sessions.
