Commissioners hear FY27 budget updates; no public comments, staff flags packet errors

The Washington County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing May 18 on the recommended FY27 budget; no members of the public spoke. County Manager/County Attorney Curtis S. Potter told the board staff had identified clerical and financial errors in the budget packet and distributed supplemental materials.

"The unrestricted fund balance is now at 40%," Potter said, noting staff had reviewed fund balances and lapsed salaries. Potter identified missing line items in the original packet, including Economic Development expenses, funds from a McKenzie settlement and certain FICA totals. Chair John C. Spruill also read a prepared statement on the budget as presented.

Commissioner Tracey A. Johnson asked whether the sheriff's office had applied for grants for bulletproof vests; Potter said the budgeted equipment line covers body cameras and tasers and that Grants & Procurement staff reported better prospects for vest grants. Commissioner Carol V. Phelps asked how much a one-cent property tax increase would raise; Potter answered about $103,000.

A late funding request from the Town of Roper drew discussion. Clerk Julie J. Bennett told the board that the County emailed all FY27 applicants in March with a new Non-Governmental Funding Grant Policy and an April 10 deadline; the town did not submit an application. Mayor Blount of the Town of Roper told the Clerk she did not remember the email and that her town clerk had deleted it. Commissioners agreed to add $2,000 to the FY27 budget for the Town of Roper's Peanut Festival by consensus.

Commissioner Tracey A. Johnson made the motion to open the public hearing, Commissioner Ann C. Keyes seconded, and the motion carried unanimously; Keyes later moved to close the hearing, with Commissioner Carol V. Phelps seconding. The board took no formal vote on the budget at this meeting.