BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018-2019 CALDWELL COUNTY BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018-2019

Overview Caldwell County is currently projected to “break even” for fiscal year 2017-2018 meaning it will neither use nor add to fund balance. The recommended budget for 2018-2019 includes a balance appropriation of $5.2 million which is down $128k from fiscal year 2017-2018

Tax Rate This budget maintains the current tax rate of 63 cents. Fire Department Rates Grace Chapel Fire Department has requested to increase their fire tax rate by 1 cent going from 6 cents to 7 cents. Blowing Rock Fire Department has requested to increase their rescue tax rate by 4.5 cents going from 1.25 cents to 5.75 cents.

Education The recommended budget maintains the county’s commitment to education. Funding for both the public school system and the community college is held at its current level. The recommended budget includes 6 new SRO officers to ensure that every school covered by the county has a full time officer.

Capital Outlay Capital Outlay is funded in this budget via borrowing. This budget includes almost $1.6 million in capital outlay. Included in this budget are 16 new patrol vehicles for the sheriff’s office, a new ambulance for EMS and various other vehicles and equipment.

Staffing Costs This budget includes one new staff position in Human Resources, three new staff positions at DSS and converts a part time shelter attendant position at Animal Control to full time. This county is in the process of completing a salary study so no COLA is included.

Water Fund The budget for the water fund includes a 2% increase in fees. This is necessary as the county has experienced an increase in its cost to buy the water it supplies to its customers. Total revenues in the water fund are set at $3.4 million. The water fund currently serves over 8,000 customers.