Southampton County officials present $86.5 million FY25 budget with modest tax and rate changes

Southampton County administrators on April 10 presented a proposed FY25 budget of $86,516,708 that county staff said balances immediate needs with the board’s adopted priorities.

“the proposed f y 25 budget stands at $86,516,708,” Mr. Troy said as he walked supervisors through fund totals and policy choices. The plan breaks out the general fund at $26,303,033; the enterprise (water and sewer) fund at $5,559,082; a building fund of roughly $8.7 million; public‑assistance (social services) funds at $3,192,150; and a school fund projected at $41,163,475.

Troy told the board the proposal would lower the real‑property tax rate from $0.89 to $0.86 while restoring several personal‑property tax rates to prior levels. “Personal property general proposed to go from, $4.70 to $5,” he said, adding the change reflects a reassessment year in which 1¢ of the real‑estate tax now equals about $213,628. The county is also proposing a $2 increase to base water and sewer rates and an increase in per‑1,000‑gallon charges.

The budget includes a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment for county employees and a $400 holiday bonus for each employee, items Troy said were tied to the board’s vision and recent financial‑policy guidelines. He also outlined several personnel additions as proposed items for this year’s budget including an emergency services coordinator, a human‑resources/risk manager and facilities and custodial positions to support a recently renovated courthouse.

Capital work funded in the plan uses remaining ARPA dollars and other sources for multiple water and sewer projects: upgrades at the Cortland wastewater treatment plant (including a UV system and chemical storage), generator work at Boykins and pump‑station improvements; the building fund covers vehicle replacements and public‑works equipment purchases.

Troy also proposed a budget‑stabilization contribution of $214,500 to build fund balances toward a policy target and flagged an estimated $216,000 revenue reduction tied to a possible ordinance exempting one volunteer emergency vehicle from personal‑property tax.

The board scheduled follow‑up budget work sessions for the coming Wednesdays and signaled additional questions and department reviews will continue before any adoption vote.