Nash County adds vehicle funding, adjusts detention spending and approves $50K per fire department in draft FY27 budget

At an extended June 1 session, Nash County commissioners reviewed staff’s FY2027 budget recommendations and took multiple votes on line items that will alter the manager’s draft as it moves toward final adoption.

Key actions: commissioners approved added CIP funding for sheriff vehicles (a motion to add five vehicles at the staff estimate of $65,000 each was carried by consensus after debate about use of asset forfeiture vs. general fund). The board approved $550,000 for detention center food and $800,000 for inmate medical services after discussion of current‑year expenditures and potential savings by enrolling eligible inmates in marketplace plans. The board also approved a staff‑recommended detention salary adjustment package intended to aid recruitment and retention; the sheriff had proposed a larger package and offered to freeze positions to fund pay increases, and the board approved a modified plan that staff said would cost approximately $429,681 if implemented per the sheriff’s configuration.

Public safety and volunteer services: after deliberations about fair market rent and contract terms, commissioners agreed to raise EMS lease rent for eight leased stations (staff recommended moving from $6 to $9 per square foot and adding a mechanism for regular review) and approved an additional $50,000 payment to each Nash County‑chartered fire department, plus a $5,000 designated amount for a Wilson‑chartered department that provides coverage inside Nash County. The board also authorized forming a seven‑member fire commission to develop long‑term recommendations and recommended requiring a minimum review‑level audit for departments receiving more than $25,000 from the county.

Budget mechanics: finance staff explained a set of budget amendments and fund transfers to balance one‑time costs and fund required items, including accounting for FY26 variances, foster care mandates, and public utilities adjustments. Commissioners approved grouped budget amendments and transfers to cover salary timing issues (biweekly transition), overtime and vacancy/backpay adjustments, and specific program needs. Several amendments were approved after discussion of funding sources and the need for additional information on some items.

Process and next steps: the board opened and closed a public hearing on the recommended FY27 budget as required; staff will incorporate board direction and return with finalized budget materials and any follow‑up items. Multiple commissioners emphasized the need for transparency on where funds come from (federal vs. state forfeiture rules) and requested additional detail on several items before final adoption.