– information courtesy of Franklin Co. Public Information Officer James F. Hicks III
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners approved a $125 million budget earlier this month that includes a tax rate of 50.5 cents per $100 valuation and a capital improvement plan for the general fund, public utilities and solid waste.
The previous tax rate had been 78.5 cents per $100 valuation, so the new tax rate represents a 28-cent drop. The new rate is just a shade over the revenue-neutral rate of 49.91 cents per $100 valuation.
County Manager Kim Denton presented the recommended budget to commissioners on May 20.
The new budget provides for more staffing in areas that provide direct services to residents, provides for purchase of vehicles to accomplish service delivery and maintains a competitive employee compensation and benefits for county employees, as well as provides funding to complete infrastructure and economic expansion projects, according to information from Franklin County Public Information Officer James F. Hicks III.
County Attorney Gena McCray reported to commissioners at the June 10 meeting that the Franklin County Board of Education had met earlier that day and had amended its FY25 budget request to $30,541,812 for local expenses and $1,890,611 for capital outlay expenses for a total of $32,432,423. Support for education represents 30.8 percent of the county’s FY25 General Fund budget.
Highlights from the FY25 Budget include:
- $125,346,271 General Fund budget
- Tax rate set at 50.5 cents per $100 valuation of property (reduced from 78.5 cents)
- 13 new county positions to address growth and the expanding need for services
- 23 new vehicles (including 10 for Sheriff’s Office)
- Public Utilities water and sewer rate increases
- $32,432,423 to Franklin County Schools for Local Current Expense and Capital Outlay
The county’s annual Fee Schedule was adopted by Board resolution. The complete Fee Schedule can be found at https://www.franklincountync.gov/county_services/budget___finance/index.php