Cleveland County manager proposes largely flat $227.4M budget, sets public hearing for June 4
May 22, 2024 | Cleveland County, North Carolina
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David Cotner, Cleveland County manager, presented the manager's recommended FY 2024-25 all-funds budget of $227.4 million and a proposed general fund of approximately $109.5 million during the Board of Commissioners meeting on May 21, 2024.
Cotner said the draft budget complies with the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act (North Carolina General Statute 159) and described it as essentially flat year over year. He projected sales tax growth of about 3 percent and characterized other revenue sources as producing "negligible changes." Cotner proposed leaving primary tax rates unchanged: county 54.75 cents per $100 valuation, public schools 14 cents, and fire districts 8.75 cents.
On expenditures, Cotner said public safety, human services and education together account for roughly 82 percent of the county's spending. The manager recommended a 3.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment for county employees, split as 2 percent on July 1 and 1.5 percent on Jan. 1, and asked the board to authorize 16 of 32 requested positions, noting that 13 of the recommended hires have alternative revenue sources or grants to offset general-fund costs.
Cotner highlighted several specific figures: $4.2 million allocated to fully fund overtime and salary-related benefits without adding staff; capital outlay recommendations around $2.25 million; and a continuing five-year commitment that increases Cleveland Community College support by $250,000 this fiscal year. He also said the county invests about $33.8 million in Cleveland County Public Schools, including a $350,000 increase linked to a teacher supplement.
On enterprise funds, the manager clarified that the solid waste operation is fee-supported and projects roughly $12 million in solid waste revenue for the coming year. Cotner said one-time nonrecurring grants largely explain year-over-year differences, and that the recommended budget remains balanced.
After the presentation commissioners praised staff for producing a concise, largely flat budget and asked a few clarifying questions. A motion to present the recommended budget for public viewing and set a public hearing for June 4 carried unanimously.
The county manager said the full budget message and supporting documents are available in the Clerk to the Board's office, in county libraries and online for public inspection. The board will hold the budget public hearing on June 4, 2024 at 6 p.m.
Cotner said the draft budget complies with the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act (North Carolina General Statute 159) and described it as essentially flat year over year. He projected sales tax growth of about 3 percent and characterized other revenue sources as producing "negligible changes." Cotner proposed leaving primary tax rates unchanged: county 54.75 cents per $100 valuation, public schools 14 cents, and fire districts 8.75 cents.
On expenditures, Cotner said public safety, human services and education together account for roughly 82 percent of the county's spending. The manager recommended a 3.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment for county employees, split as 2 percent on July 1 and 1.5 percent on Jan. 1, and asked the board to authorize 16 of 32 requested positions, noting that 13 of the recommended hires have alternative revenue sources or grants to offset general-fund costs.
Cotner highlighted several specific figures: $4.2 million allocated to fully fund overtime and salary-related benefits without adding staff; capital outlay recommendations around $2.25 million; and a continuing five-year commitment that increases Cleveland Community College support by $250,000 this fiscal year. He also said the county invests about $33.8 million in Cleveland County Public Schools, including a $350,000 increase linked to a teacher supplement.
On enterprise funds, the manager clarified that the solid waste operation is fee-supported and projects roughly $12 million in solid waste revenue for the coming year. Cotner said one-time nonrecurring grants largely explain year-over-year differences, and that the recommended budget remains balanced.
After the presentation commissioners praised staff for producing a concise, largely flat budget and asked a few clarifying questions. A motion to present the recommended budget for public viewing and set a public hearing for June 4 carried unanimously.
The county manager said the full budget message and supporting documents are available in the Clerk to the Board's office, in county libraries and online for public inspection. The board will hold the budget public hearing on June 4, 2024 at 6 p.m.
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