Craven County's proposed fiscal 2025-26 budget holds the line on property taxes and focuses on providing balance and fiscal responsibility in addressing many needs across the county.
The Craven County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the budget during its Monday meeting at 6 p.m. in the commissioner's room at the Craven County Administration Building, 406 Craven St. in New Bern.
The fiscal 2025-26 budget is recommended to keep the county's property tax rate at 44 cents per $100 in property revaluation.
The $159.2 million budget is $3.9 million more than the current 2024-25 budget, reflecting a 2.5% increase.
County Manager Jack Veit presented the budget proposal to the Craven County Commissioners on May 19.
The proposed budget includes several fee modifications for rescue squads, the convention center, health services, and water, Veit said.
Fees for water usage up to 3,000 gallons are proposed to increase from $15 to $20 for residential customers and from $22 to $27 for non-residential customers.
Several fee modifications are proposed for the Riverfront Convention Center of Craven County, including prepared meal prices, bakery prices, as well as beer, wine and mixed drink prices.
Increases are also proposed for the use of the ballroom, heritage hall and reception room for armed forces special events.
Education and public safety account for much of the proposed general fund budget at $33.75 million and $24.75 million, respectively.
Public safety includes funds for the sheriff's department, school resource officers, the Craven County Jail, emergency services, rescue squads, animal services, inspections and the medical examiner.
The proposed budget allocates $25.5 million for Craven County Schools, which is $2.2 million more than the current 2024-25 budget, reflecting a 9.45% increase.
Veit said the school budget includes two capital projects that are more than $100,000, which are the re-painting of Tucker Creek Middle School and Albert H. Bangert Elementary, as well as a gymnasium roof replacement at Trent Park Elementary.
Additional capital repairs and enhancements throughout the school system include paving, fencing, safety and security upgrades, fire alarm panel upgrades, bleacher replacements and other facility improvements.
Also included is $1.1 million to continue the funding for the system's Apple iPad lease agreement, Veit added.
The county's proposed budget allocates $5.1 million for Craven Community College, which is $227,196 more than the current 2024-25 budget.
The requested increase will cover additional operating and personnel costs, including salaries, retirement, health benefits, utilities and insurance, Veit said.
The increase also includes $23,545 for the new Corporate Training Center, which represents 25% of the overhead cost of the facility, Veit said.
Of the remaining general funds, the budget recommends the allocation of $17.4 for general government, $10.1 million for social services, $4.6 million for environmental protection, $3.4 million for recreation and culture, $2.1 million for health and $1.5 million for economic and physical development.
The proposed budget balances the county's water fund, with an expected revenue of approximately $6 million and expected expenses of approximately $6 million.
Veit said the proposed fiscal 2025-26 budget continues the county's commitment to investing in its most valuable asset, employees.
The budget recommends a 3% cost-of-living pay increase for employees, which Veit said addresses both inflationary pressures and the need to maintain the county's competitive position in the current labor market.
The proposed budget also includes a total of nine new full-time positions across various departments, including one elections deputy director, two deputy sheriffs, two income maintenance caseworkers, one social worker supervisor, two social workers and one water field technician.
Veit said employee benefit expenses for fiscal year 2026 are projected to be about $1.45 million higher than the current fiscal year.
Employee contributions to 401k will remain at 6%, while employer rates will rise by 0.75% for general employees and 1% for law enforcement. Veit said this reflects a $737,000 overall increase in benefit expenses for the budget.
Additionally, insurance claims are trending higher than last year and reinsurance renewal costs have surged by 26%, Veit said.
To mitigate the impact of rising costs on the county's self-insured plan, the budget incorporates a 5% increase in premiums.
The budget prioritizes investments in essential infrastructure, including technology upgrades, facility enhancements, and improvements to recreational assets, Veit said.
Some proposed expenditures for city projects include $350,000 for a restroom renovation at Creekside Park, $313,000 for improvements at Coastal Carolina Regional Airport, $210,000 for phase two New Bern Library upgrades and $1.2 million for the water meter change out program.
Veit said the county concluded fiscal year 2024 in a strong financial position, with revenues surpassing projected amounts.
Additionally, the county's conservative spending approach limited the use of the fund balance, resulting in a surplus of approximately $400,000 in the general fund, Veit said. Veit said this allowed for a transfer of about $42,000 into the capital reserve fund, which is similar to an individual savings account.
For fiscal year 2025-26, the county's capital reserve fund is projected to sit at roughly $4.4 million.
The county's budget is available on the finance department page of the city website. The budget, following approval by the commissioners, goes into effect on July 1.