Sheriff, jail, EMS and Edenton Fire request staffing and equipment funding in FY2025‑26 budget talks

Public‑safety departments outlined staffing and equipment priorities during Chowan County’s May 14 budget work session.

Sheriff Edward Basnight reviewed the Sheriff’s Office request, which includes implementing a 3% career‑ladder merit program to reward tenure and performance, adding a second full‑time administrative assistant, hiring a fourth floating Student Resource Officer to join three current SROs, and funding vehicle replacements. The jail budget request included two additional positions. The board agreed to include the sheriff’s 3% career‑ladder program in the draft budget for further consideration.

Central Communications/911 was noted to include funds for staff uniforms in the proposed budget. EMS Director Colin Ryan presented the EMS requested budget; Manager Kevin Howard summarized changes between the requested and recommended budgets and the board discussed performing a benefits analysis as part of a countywide salary study.

Separately, Town Manager Corey Gooden and Fire Chief Billy Bass presented the Town of Edenton’s request for $196,376 to replace air packs, make salary adjustments, create a fire‑inspector position, and increase volunteer firefighter pay. Manager Howard said he would coordinate with the town manager and return with a recommendation.

No formal approvals occurred at the session; the Board discussed these public‑safety requests in the context of competing fiscal pressures and a broader proposed employee COLA. The manager and finance officer cautioned that some requests are justified but not currently funded in the manager’s recommended budget, and they flagged the need to prioritize in light of fund‑balance projections and potential future tax decisions.