Caswell County proposes budget with staff pay adjustments and property tax increase

The Caswell County Board of Commissioners convened on May 5, 2025, to discuss the county's budget and financial strategies amid ongoing economic challenges. The meeting highlighted the dedication of county employees and the need for strategic adjustments to maintain services and employee morale.

The discussion began with a commendation of Caswell County employees, who were described as "the best" among the speaker's experience across five counties in North Carolina. Despite significant financial hurdles, the speaker emphasized the employees' resourcefulness and commitment, noting their ability to deliver quality service with limited resources.

The budget proposal presented included a 3-cent increase in property tax, raising the rate to 61.5 cents per hundred dollars of valuation. This adjustment aims to address a revenue shortfall of $643,000, attributed to declines in various revenue sources, including fees from federal and state inmates and reductions in intergovernmental revenues following the cessation of COVID-related funding.

Key budget highlights included a 1.5% cost of living adjustment for employees and funding for a pay and classification study to ensure competitive compensation. The speaker expressed regret that the budget did not do more for employees, as neighboring jurisdictions offer higher pay, leading to talent loss.

The budget also proposed changes to the solid waste fee structure, maintaining the fee at $125 but adjusting it for different groups, including town residents and businesses, to reflect the shared costs of solid waste management.

Overall, the budget reflects a careful realignment of resources across departments, with increases in some areas offset by reductions in others. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue addressing the financial challenges while prioritizing employee welfare and community services. The next steps will involve further discussions and adjustments as the county moves forward with the proposed budget.