Johnston County reports near-99% tax collections; bond ratings affirmed and proposed budget to assume current tax rate

Deputy county manager and tax administrator Jocelyn Andrews told the board May 4 that March collections for the 2025 levy stood at 98.66 percent and that mid-month figures since the report had pushed collections above 99 percent. Andrews said review meetings are scheduled for county appeals related to the 2026 valuations.

County manager Mister Hester reported that rating agencies affirmed a AA+ rating on some non-voter-approved financings and previewed the proposed fiscal 2026–27 budget, which he said he will present to the board in mid-May and which will assume the current tax rate of $0.52. He reminded commissioners the board has until June 30 to make any final changes to the budget and tax rate.

Officials discussed foreclosure-process policy review and staff capacity in tax collections. No formal board action on the budget was taken during the meeting; the manager signaled that staff will provide the proposed budget to commissioners prior to the next meeting.