Burke County manager presents FY 2627 budget, schedules public hearing for June 15

County manager Brian Epley on Monday presented a recommended fiscal year 2627 budget to the Burke County Board of Commissioners, describing a plan to "manage disruption" amid rising retirement and Medicaid-related costs while preserving investments in public safety, education and economic development. The board acknowledged receipt of the recommended budget and unanimously scheduled a public hearing for June 15, 2026.

Epley said the budget adopts a conservative, revenue-first approach and contains no new programs or additional headcount. It aims to stabilize county finances after recent cost pressures including a roughly $400,000 increase in retirement contributions and the loss of approximately $1 million in Medicaid-related "hold harmless" revenue. Staff briefed commissioners that the recommended budget keeps the property tax rate unchanged at 55.5 cents and relies in part on nearly $382 million of recent tax base growth tied to new construction and improvements.

The manager highlighted three priorities tied to the board's strategic plan: public safety, education, and economic development. Public safety funding rises largely to address recruitment, retention and equipment needs; education funding includes a proposed $500,000 (2.4%) increase to support teacher supplements and other priorities; and economic development is supported by continued funding for Burke Development, including marketing of county sites and a regional shell building.

Epley also described steps to shore up enterprise funds (solid waste and water/sewer) that historically operated at a deficit and to maximize nonproperty revenues, including modest increases in anticipated sales tax receipts and more rigorous state reimbursement practices at the Department of Social Services. He noted a proposed employee pay structure of a guaranteed 1.5% increase on July 1, 2026 with a contingent 1.5% adjustment on Jan. 1, 2027 based on performance and affordability.

Commissioners asked questions about specific line items, infrastructure needs that underlie growth, and the county's plan for continued monitoring of out-year capital projects. The board voted 5-0 to acknowledge receipt of the manager's recommended budget and to set a public hearing on June 15, at which members of the public and department heads can comment before the board considers adoption.