Duplin County adopts FY2025–26 budget; tax rate remains 58¢

Duplin County commissioners adopted the fiscal year 2025–26 budget at their June 16 meeting, leaving the property tax rate unchanged at 58¢ per $100 valuation.

County staff member Brian Miller told the board the budget is balanced and complies with state law. “The budget is balanced and in compliance with the North Carolina local government, budget and fiscal control act, generally accepted accounting principles, and aligned with the priorities and direction given by the board of commissioners,” Miller said during the meeting.

Miller told commissioners that since the public hearing an additional $471,794 had been added and offset by ad valorem revenue. He also said the appropriated fund balance remains unchanged at $7,730,233.

Commissioner Garner moved to adopt the FY2025–26 budget ordinance as presented; Commissioner Branch seconded the motion. The board voted unanimously to adopt the budget.

The county had opened the item with a public hearing on the proposed budget before taking the vote; Miller offered to answer questions for commissioners but none were raised during the meeting. No further implementation steps or follow-up reports were specified at the meeting.

Duplin County will carry the adopted budget into the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, under the unchanged tax rate and reported fund-balance appropriation.