Proposal raises fire tax 1 cent
There will be a public hearing on a proposed $28 million Mitchell County budget Monday, June 2 during the Board of Commissioners’ meeting at 6:30 p.m.
A planned 1 cent increase in the fire tax will increase the budgets of individual volunteer fire departments between $13,334 (Buladean Volunteer Fire Department) and $61,321(Parkway Fire and Rescue).
At last week’s meeting, County Manager Allen Cook read out a summary of the proposed budget. Cook started with an overview of the impact of Hurricane Helene (downgraded to a tropical storm after slowing down over land) on the county and its finances.
“On Sept. 27, 2024, Mitchell County was devastated by the most severe storm in North Carolina’s history. Catastrophic flooding, landslides and widespread tree damage resulted in tragic loss of life, significant property destruction and the collapse of critical infrastructure.”
Cook said the increase in the fire tax will lead to an average individual tax bill increase of $19.14.
“So if you own a house and it appraises for approximately $200,000, you’re going to pay an extra $20 in taxes,” he said. “But it will support the local volunteer fire departments.”
Cook noted that volunteer fire departments were key in the early stages of storm recovery.
“As we face one of the highest fire risks in the state, our volunteer firefighters stand ready,” Cook said. “In this new budget … Mitchell County will increase the fire tax 1 cent per $100 valuation. The proceeds of this tax will go to each fire district to provide much-needed equipment and resources for local volunteer fire departments.”
Cook said the total budget of $28,160,596 is balanced and takes into account the possibility of future growth.
“The proposed ’25-’26 budget balances with a tax rate of 56 cents per $100 valuation, based on the current value of real personal and vehicle property. The property tax rate remains unchanged from last year,” Cook said. “Revenues from sales tax are budgeted at $5,141,388, the same as last year.”
Cook noted that the sales tax prediction is conservative, given that the state government predicts North Carolina will experience an overall growth in sales tax of 2.8 percent.
“The revenue assumptions in this budget take into account that we are in a rebuild year due to the disaster,” Cook said.
The county anticipates spending more than usual as disaster recovery continues.
“A good portion of the growth in expenses reflects increased citizen needs related to disaster recovery,” Cook said. “Upgrades for emergency radio systems and repeaters on towers will allow communications to have radio backup in the event of another disaster. Repair of flood-damaged water points will allow fire trucks to refill and fight fires.”
Cook thanked the commissioners and county staff for their help in developing the budget.