— Information courtesy of Franklin County Public Information Officer James F. Hicks
Franklin County Schools is a big winner in the newly adopted 2023-24 budget, getting an additional $2.6 million from the draft originally presented to the board of commissioners for a total amount of more than $25 million.
This figure represents the largest education budget ever funded in the county.
“Quality education is the foundation for a qualified and engaged workforce needed to support economic development,” said County Manager Kim Denton.
The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Franklin County’s FY24 Budget at the conclusion of the public hearing on Monday, June 5.
“Franklin County staff works hard every year to put together a balanced budget that will meet the County’s growth,” said Denton. “The county is committed to be a ‘Fiscally Strong and Engaged Government’ as stated in the County’s Mission, Vision, Values and Goals.”
The FY24 Adopted Budget added positions specifically identified as providing direct services, funding technology solutions, providing vehicles to accomplish service delivery, maintaining competitive employee compensation and benefits and providing resources to complete infrastructure and economic expansion projects.
The budget includes increased support for public safety including four new positions, 10 new vehicles for the Patrol Division, and salary adjustments in the Sheriff’s Office, Detention Center and Emergency Communications. Additionally, a new position within the Emergency Medical Services Department (EMS) and the purchase of an ambulance were also included in the budget. EMS will use the new position and four reassigned positions to establish a second peak demand shift to respond to emergency calls during high volume times.
In addition to the historic budget allotment, the board of commissioners and board of education, along with their respective staffs, will continue discussion of school capital needs during the 2023-24 fiscal year.
Highlights from the FY24 budget include:
- $113,849,022 General Fund budget
- No increase to the current ad valorem property tax rate ($0.785)
- 20 new county positions to address growth and the expanding need for services
- 16 new vehicles (including 10 for Sheriff’s Office)
- 2% COLA (cost of living adjustment) for county employees effective September 4, 2023
- Public Utilities water and sewer rate increases
- $26,828,192 to Franklin County Schools for Local Current Expense and Capital Outlay
In addition to the 2 percent COLA, the budget also funds a Classification and Compensation Study to help the county remain competitive for pay and recruitment of county positions.
A Community Care Team was approved and funded with the National Opioid Settlement Funds received by Franklin County. The team will coordinate the county’s response to tackling substance abuse, mental health and opioid epidemic issues affecting our residents.
The County’s annual Fee Schedule was adopted by Board resolution. The complete Fee Schedule can be found on the Finance Page of the County’s website. Fire Tax rates were increased for three fire districts: White Level, Franklinton and Hopkins.
Find the complete budget here: www.franklincountync.gov – under the Finance Department page.
