County Manager Presents 2018/19 Proposed Budget

The Manager’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2018/19 was presented by County Manager Bobby Outten at the Commissioners meeting on Monday evening, May 21. The proposal maintains the current property tax rate of 47 cents per $100 of valuation and provides current levels of service provided by County departments.   

The proposal reflects guidance provided by the Board following two budget workshops. Outten pointed out that goals used to develop the budget include the second phase of implementation of a salary study approved by the Board in January 2017, continued funding for inlet maintenance, continued use of the updated Board of Education funding plan, and improving the fund balance of both the Insurance (Internal Service) fund and the General Fund. Other Board priorities include eliminating deferred maintenance and deferred vehicle replacements, and implementing a five-year staffing plan to meet the increased demand for Emergency Medical Services.

The budget includes a request from the Southern Shores Volunteer Fire Department to increase the fire tax from 4.59 to 5.19 cents in their district which  includes fire protection for the unincorporated area of Martin’s Point. The request received support from the Martin’s Point Homeowners Association.

The entire budget, including the Budget Summary and Manager’s Message, may be accessed online at www.darenc.com/budget.

A public hearing for the proposed budget will be conducted by the Board of Commissioners at the Dare County Administration Building, Commissioners Meeting Room, 954 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo, NC on June 4, 2018 at 10 a.m.