Person County commissioners adopt FY2027 budget, cut tax rate by 1 cent amid debate over new positions
June 15, 2026 | Person County, North Carolina
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The Person County Board of Commissioners voted 4–1 on June 15 to adopt the fiscal year 2027 budget ordinance, reducing the property tax rate by one cent to 62 cents and setting aside $224,000 in fund balance to support a public‑safety pay study and implementation of seven recommended positions.
The county’s finance staff presented the ordinance, which the board adjusted after direction given at a June 4 budget work session. The presentation noted that year‑one funding in the five‑year capital improvement plan has been incorporated into the recommended budget and that the changes reflect a $224,000 increase related to sales‑tax projections earmarked for public safety pay.
Commissioner Long mounted an extended objection to aspects of the budget, arguing the county is "collecting more tax than is necessary only because we are agreeing to spend more than is required," and urging the board to reduce spending rather than add staff. Long recommended approving only two of the seven requested positions and reallocating funds toward paramedic salary adjustments and other public‑safety priorities.
Other commissioners and staff defended the recommended positions as responses to peer reviews and state policy requirements. The manager and finance director said some additions stem from external peer reviews of county offices — including the tax office and the Department of Social Services (DSS) — and from state guidance on staffing ratios for mandated functions.
The chair moved to adopt the budget ordinance; the motion carried 4–1. The finance staff said the ordinance also increases the fund‑balance appropriation and sets contingency funding for the public‑safety pay study implementation. The board and staff noted the budget remains adjustable in future meetings if funding or priorities change.
What’s next: The ordinance as adopted becomes the county’s FY2027 budget framework. Commissioners noted they may revisit allocations and positions in future meetings if circumstances change.
The county’s finance staff presented the ordinance, which the board adjusted after direction given at a June 4 budget work session. The presentation noted that year‑one funding in the five‑year capital improvement plan has been incorporated into the recommended budget and that the changes reflect a $224,000 increase related to sales‑tax projections earmarked for public safety pay.
Commissioner Long mounted an extended objection to aspects of the budget, arguing the county is "collecting more tax than is necessary only because we are agreeing to spend more than is required," and urging the board to reduce spending rather than add staff. Long recommended approving only two of the seven requested positions and reallocating funds toward paramedic salary adjustments and other public‑safety priorities.
Other commissioners and staff defended the recommended positions as responses to peer reviews and state policy requirements. The manager and finance director said some additions stem from external peer reviews of county offices — including the tax office and the Department of Social Services (DSS) — and from state guidance on staffing ratios for mandated functions.
The chair moved to adopt the budget ordinance; the motion carried 4–1. The finance staff said the ordinance also increases the fund‑balance appropriation and sets contingency funding for the public‑safety pay study implementation. The board and staff noted the budget remains adjustable in future meetings if funding or priorities change.
What’s next: The ordinance as adopted becomes the county’s FY2027 budget framework. Commissioners noted they may revisit allocations and positions in future meetings if circumstances change.
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