During the Carteret County Board of Commissioners meeting on May 19, 2025, significant discussions centered around proposed tax rate adjustments for various fire and rescue districts in response to increasing operational demands and budgetary needs. The meeting highlighted the necessity for these adjustments to ensure adequate emergency services for the community.

One of the primary topics was the recommendation for a half-cent tax increase for the Broadgales Creek Rescue, which is facing rising call volumes and the need to establish a second station on Steel Tank Road. The increase aims to address these operational challenges and ensure that the emergency medical services can continue to meet community needs effectively.

Commissioner Mark Shaw detailed the financial situations of several rescue and fire districts, noting that many have not raised their rates in years despite increasing costs for equipment and staffing. For instance, the Mill Creek Rescue is recommended to increase its rate from 6 to 9 cents due to inadequate living quarters for 24/7 staffing and pressing equipment issues. Similarly, the Beaufort Fire District is proposed to increase its rate from 6.5 to 8 cents to support staffing increases and operational demands.

The meeting also included a public hearing on consolidating four separate fire tax districts—Atlantic, Sea Level, Davis, and Stacy—into a single Downeast Fire Tax District. This consolidation aims to streamline financial management and improve service delivery without reducing the quality of emergency response. The chief of the newly formed district will benefit from a unified budget, making it easier to allocate resources effectively.

Public feedback during the hearing emphasized the community's concerns about rising taxes, particularly regarding the need for enhanced rescue services. One resident, Raymond Nelson, passionately advocated for prioritizing funding for rescue services over fire departments, highlighting the critical nature of timely medical responses.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the Board's commitment to maintaining and improving emergency services in Carteret County through necessary tax adjustments. The proposed changes aim to address the growing demands on these services while ensuring that the community remains adequately protected. The Board will continue to evaluate these proposals and their implications for residents as they move forward with the budgetary process.