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North Wilkesboro reviews budget priorities as capital requests top $4.18 million
Summary
At a March 25 budget retreat, North Wilkesboro officials outlined more than $4.18 million in capital requests and identified roughly $200,000 in general-fund shortfall before capital items; departments highlighted urgent equipment replacements, staffing needs and proposals to increase wages to retain employees.
The Town of North Wilkesboro Board of Commissioners on March 25 reviewed departmental budget requests and agreed they will need to prioritize as capital needs exceed available funding.
Finance Director Anderson told the board the draft budget gives a clear picture of town finances and cautioned that the town must follow its fund-balance policy. "You cannot use fund balance to balance your budget," she said, adding the town has about $8.7 million available but much of that is already committed to Smoot Park and the Fire Department. Anderson said ad valorem tax revenue is projected at $2.6 million and the current tax rate is $0.41 per $100 of assessed value.
The department-by-department review produced recurring themes: aging, high-cost equipment, difficulty recruiting paid and volunteer staff, and a need to adjust some wages to remain competitive with neighboring agencies. Director Anderson said that even if the board removes all capital requests, the general fund would still need roughly $200,000 to balance.
Commissioners pressed staff for clearer cost-benefit information and for options that could preserve the town's fund balance while addressing critical needs. Commissioner Andrew Palmer asked staff to update the pay scale where employees are behind market rates; Anderson said she has been working on pay adjustments when possible. The board discussed potential revenue options, and Anderson estimated one cent on the property tax would raise roughly $80,000.
The retreat produced no final votes on appropriations; commissioners requested additional detail and options to prioritize projects. The session ended with a motion to adjourn at 3:15 p.m.
