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Transylvania County adopts $82.5 million FY2027 budget with no property tax increase
Summary
The Transylvania County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved an $82.5 million FY2027 budget on June 22, 2026, keeping the property tax rate unchanged while funding school capital projects, staffing initiatives, and a $720,000 General Fund subsidy for Solid Waste.
The Transylvania County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on June 22 to adopt the county’s FY2027 budget of $82.5 million, a 1.47% increase over FY2026, with no increase in the property tax rate. County Manager Jaime Laughter presented the recommended budget and highlighted continued investments in workforce compensation, capital planning, and school projects.
The budget funds a $164 million five‑year school capital improvement plan that includes an anticipated $65 million state grant for a Career and Technical Education wing at Brevard High School and a $38 million courthouse project. Manager Laughter told the Board the recommended package relies in part on fund balance for one‑time pressures and that future recurring costs would require a tax increase if sustained.
Fiscal details in the presentation included a projected Solid Waste budget of about $4.1 million with a $720,000 General Fund subsidy and the identification of several pressure points for future years: SNAP administration and benefit costs, teacher salary increases, and uncertain inflation and fuel costs. Manager Laughter said staff recommends continued multi‑year planning and using fund balance for short‑term impacts while cautioning that recurring cost increases would necessitate additional revenue.
Commissioner Jake Dalton moved to approve the budget. Commissioner Larry Chapman seconded the motion; the vote was unanimous. In supporting the budget, Commissioners noted the County’s long‑range capital planning and the difficulty of balancing mandated services with community priorities. Several Commissioners emphasized the importance of continued advocacy with state lawmakers on revenue tools and mandates.
The Board’s adoption meets the statutory deadline required by N.C.G.S. § 159‑13. Staff posted the budget documents online and said hard copies are available in the Clerk’s office and at the Transylvania County Library. The county plans to continue monitoring state actions that could affect local funding and will begin work on implementation tasks tied to the approved spending plan.
