The Carteret County Board of Commissioners convened on May 19, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including tax rates and the upcoming fiscal year budget.

The meeting began with discussions regarding the tax rates for various fire districts. A motion was made to set the tax rates for the Atlantic, Sea Level, Stacy, and Davis fire districts at 7 cents. This motion received unanimous approval from the board.

Following this, Vice Chairman Mansfield proposed a motion to approve a maximum tax rate not to exceed 10 cents, which was also seconded and passed without opposition. A question arose regarding the need for a vote to combine the four fire districts into one. After clarification, Vice Chairman Mansfield made a motion to officially combine the Lake Fire District, Davis Fire District, Sea Level Fire District, and Stacy Fire District into the newly named Down East Fire District. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Clark and passed unanimously.

The meeting then transitioned to the main agenda item: the fiscal year 2026 county budget presentation. County Manager Sharon Griffin and Deputy County Manager Dee Michal, who also serves as the Chief Financial Officer, were set to present the budget details to the commissioners.

Overall, the meeting effectively addressed important financial decisions impacting the community, with clear resolutions on tax rates and district consolidations. The board's next steps will involve reviewing the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year.