[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6527085,"mediaKeyId","3655808-5290aee8f4df47fa3e66753dc4f748f3","parentId",3655808,"title","County manager presents FY 2025-26 recommended budget; board schedules work session and narrows CIP guidance","audioSeconds",131,"startMs",3670000,"endMs",3801000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3655808-5290aee8f4df47fa3e66753dc4f748f3&start=3670&end=3801","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3655808-5290aee8f4df47fa3e66753dc4f748f3/thumbnail_3670000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6527085/Lee-County/North-Carolina/County-manager-presents-FY-2025-26-recommended-budget-board-schedules-work-session-and-narrows-CIP-guidance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6527085-e44d109a6f475ee4b00ae666f51b2db5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144873&Signature=WxMk8t5CnGdDFwJXdN6eZANp6d2SrP5K7jvH1mcs-yiluMS0piTYw2jb7ycCbWbzbyrzMZ3CHpqPKE4k-PAA4gmotHsF1h5YUyYT3R-CsCq--05eA-HGtpgCuey0qBQN6oIMEgwzYUIhKQNv-SfIhQ2CI2MnsElvTC360iPn99kJSKMwBTc4pxNr4QMtxtNLZ1xX9WVq384N-XButVMq21KpjDV-H2aUrLWhkre~79suSnyZW-~cM3PNlrjNKGG8gey2PM-PwxRJPNHfvBkNF5wUfCulbUuNKIsLcK1bLo6KS018xDbTUUgQ7B-g~HifkvJsVMNiiTRgmIVsbpD-lA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lee County","date","2025-06-04T14:15:16Z","article","County Manager Lisa Minter presented the recommended fiscal year 2025-26 budget to the Lee County Board of Commissioners on June 2, asking the board to maintain the existing 65-cent property tax rate while funding a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment, selected position additions, and capital requests.

Minter said the recommended budget reflects a directive to prepare a budget with a zero-cent property-tax change. The manager summarized revenue assumptions (a projected 5.79% increase in property tax revenue driven by a 5.53% increase in the tax base and a modest sales-tax growth assumption of 1%) and $119,389,086 in projected expenditures, a 5.72% increase over the prior year. She told commissioners the recommended budget includes 17 of 28 newly requested positions and a mix of staggered hires for facilities coming online (notably the Lee County Athletic Park and a new main library). The recommended package includes a 3.9% current-expense increase for Lee County Schools and full funding of the school capital request as recommended in the book.

Minter noted operating-cost effects tied to new facilities, including utility and staffing needs at the athletic park and new library, and added ongoing hazardous-waste monitoring costs at the Morse Center that the county must absorb into operating budgets. She also reported an increase in the county's collection rate and itemized personnel assumptions (COLA, pay-plan adjustments, retirement rate increases and health insurance changes).

Commissioners discussed staff priorities and whether to invite department leaders to the board's scheduled budget work session. The board voted to move the scheduled work session on Monday, June 9 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to accommodate members and set an intent to hear the sheriff about staffing and to discuss budget priorities among the board. Commissioners also adopted guidance that new capital-improvement (CIP) proposals must include three-year operating-cost projections in the CIP instructions.

Minter said adopting the recommended budget would allow the county to meet obligations without a tax-rate increase this year but warned that reducing debt-service allocations could delay planned projects and that future tax-rate choices would affect capital and operating capacity. The board did not adopt the budget at the June 2 meeting; the public hearing on the budget remains scheduled for June 16.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lee County Board of Commissioners Meeting - June 2, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Lee County Manager Lisa Minter delivered the fiscal year 2025-26 recommended budget on June 2, proposing a $119.39 million budget that holds the property tax rate at 65', funds a 2.8% COLA and selects 17 of 28 requested new positions while asking commissioners to weigh operating costs for new county facilities.","taxTitle","Lee County, North Carolina","taxId",55520,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6527095,"Lee County approves financing package and agreement terms for Central Carolina Community College Moore Center",1197,395000,1592000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3655808-5290aee8f4df47fa3e66753dc4f748f3&start=395&end=1592","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3655808-5290aee8f4df47fa3e66753dc4f748f3/thumbnail_395000.jpg","/articles/6527095/Lee-County/North-Carolina/Lee-County-approves-financing-package-and-agreement-terms-for-Central-Carolina-Community-College-Moore-Center","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6527095-a1799d7b72dd72a65e0cd1a6c23a8c90/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144873&Signature=loJcdwTsht4x1sIWcMWN-rOmzuJSB9FiYHkQ6b8t34iZlbfnOEajiTyJ~fv1s25ovfJGiwJHhEinrFS6CTQNe81LCYLZA1AKBlM1lj3EkaAGhYlvx65Rj3B5dSyzHYpdwSrXZGg2h0m0oovmPpHR3zGXpcFtLAr9CvfDe6dhi~x5bswirfNlgioXrzkmv98E2H16YlMKrFVD8zp5QsSohxR8bEcR8wmMhXy6ifiI3AxzZ0hQMgsVeWmdlD9nbhMwyj8ecEkQ0c6-aOjBZ~~FN3I~Yf7GD4M64b2FZatq5tnSNYxzhfbN2xLWOmgWkOLwkAJ7k0AO2tT9japgAeKdoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lee County Board of Commissioners on June 2 held a public hearing and took actions to advance a limited-obligation bond financing of up to $4 million to support building improvements at Central Carolina Community College's Moore Center.

The board opened the hearing after staff described the purpose: to provide funding \"to finance various improvements to community college facilities located at the Moore Center on the campus of Central Carolina Community College, and b, pay certain issuance costs related thereto.\" Lisa Chapman, president of Central Carolina Community College, told commissioners she and the college trustees \"are very supportive of this financing\" and said the project will enable construction of a biotechnology building and related programming.

Davenport Public Finance led a request-for-proposal process and recommended Webster Bank's 15-year, fixed-rate loan as the county's preferred option. Davenport's summary, presented by Ted Cole, compared five proposals and advised the board that Webster's offer was a locked, fixed rate (15 years at 4.35% as presented) and that the bank's prepayment provisions stepped down to zero after a set period. Cole said acceptance would require a closing by mid-July and that the financing would later be reviewed by the Local Government Commission.

During public comment, resident David Smoke urged caution about new debt and highlighted the county's fund-balance level; he also noted the financing structure would net roughly $3,820,000 in project proceeds after an estimated $180,000 in issuance costs. Commissioners and staff discussed that the annual debt service would not begin until fiscal 2027 to avoid affecting the current year budget and that the loan would be secured on a parity basis with existing debt on the property.

The board voted to proceed with the financing steps and to accept Davenport's recommendation of Webster Bank as the preferred lender. After the initial motion, a subsequent motion reduced the par amount to $3,820,000 net to the college (so the college receives the same net project proceeds) and directed the county to pay the estimated $180,000 in cost-of-issuance from the county fund balance rather than include those fees in the borrowing. Commissioners approved that approach by voice vote. The agenda included a findings resolution (required as a next step); the board approved the findings resolution and waived the policy that would have required delaying action until a later meeting so the required approving resolution can move forward at the next meeting and then to the Local Government Commission for final approval.

Davenport and county staff noted the practical advantages of a locked, fixed rate in the current volatile market and that Webster's terms avoid breakage costs tied to a rate-lock agreement. Staff also explained that, if the board pursues the Webster option, all loan proceeds at closing would go to the bond trustee and be invested at the county's direction while project costs are incurred; any interest earned on those invested proceeds could offset project costs or early debt service.

Next steps include (1) formal approval of an approving resolution at the board's next meeting, (2) closing of the loan if staff and counsel finalize documents and (3) final review and approval by the North Carolina Local Government Commission.

Commissioners did not record a roll-call tally in the public record for each motion; approvals were taken by voice vote. The record shows the board voted to (a) accept Davenport's recommendation, (b) award the financing on the Webster Bank 15-year terms as recommended, and (c) reduce the borrowing so the college receives net proceeds of approximately $3,820,000 while the county covers issuance costs.","The Lee County Board of Commissioners on June 2 approved steps to issue limited-obligation bonds of up to $4 million to fund improvements at Central Carolina Community College's Moore Center and selected a 15-year fixed loan from Webster Bank as the recommended financing, while directing the county to pay issuance costs so the college receives roughly $3.82 million net.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6527090,"Commissioners remove conditional-use restriction, rezoning 3.39 acres on Hawkins Avenue to light industrial",195,1313000,1508000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3655808-5290aee8f4df47fa3e66753dc4f748f3&start=1313&end=1508","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3655808-5290aee8f4df47fa3e66753dc4f748f3/thumbnail_1313000.jpg","/articles/6527090/Lee-County/North-Carolina/Commissioners-remove-conditional-use-restriction-rezoning-339-acres-on-Hawkins-Avenue-to-light-industrial","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6527090-bfcb04d98422567a97ff6fca261cfb0b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144873&Signature=KmjRDt3Ic-IJl3cjA65m2dy5~pMsTVONorhlzke7cVZfL47V18LYDBP~cuBhUp8mOw1Rdn36uoyJf30aawYiq85jzXBPtkv3RJ5g9BK~IvBWES~2OelPSPU4uB-wXUFi4CsRrSLYJz1ZLbcPnLt5s4FFb27XOkQsQdqpcQz8RxpyssSqkENaw~xWmMetfnYIFM2BKMPaepy1odJAN4I0XP5-icixLTOprzHy6lbk7Tu6z68OAcZTNeeHihb25~3i4F3eoi6sH-Dn3cg0lmiUwWXkJGiKNssQKPy7Y~-zsrtBnpx2zquIWTZwsUg~uy-2U7JkHyYbYj5ma7xiBZN5NQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lee County Board of Commissioners voted June 2 to approve a zoning map amendment that removes a conditional-use overlay on a 3.39-acre parcel with frontage on Hawkins Avenue, Stanley Drive and High Street and returns the property to standard LI (light industrial) zoning.

Planning staff told the board the Planning Board had unanimously recommended approval after its May 19 hearing. Staff said the property previously had a conditional use permit approved in 1994 limiting the site to a self-storage use; commissioners were told that surrounding parcels and the corridor have seen commercial and light-industrial growth since 1994 and that light-industrial zoning is consistent with the current Stanley land-use maker-district designation.

County planning staff recommended two votes: a consistency finding (the proposed zoning is consistent with Stanley's maker-district designation because light industrial is in both the current and proposed districts) and a second motion to approve the zoning map amendment. The board approved both motions by voice vote; no roll-call tallies were recorded in the public transcript.

Staff noted that LI zoning allows a range of uses (including billboards subject to Unified Development Area standards) and that the Planning Board's unanimous recommendation was based on compatibility with adjacent land uses and frontage on Hawkins Avenue.","The Lee County Board of Commissioners approved a zoning map amendment to remove a conditional-use restriction on a 3.39-acre property fronting Hawkins Avenue, Stanley Drive and High Street, restoring full LI (light industrial) zoning for the parcel.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6527076,"Commissioners authorize purchase agreement for Hawkins Avenue property at $5.3 million",338,6449000,6787000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3655808-5290aee8f4df47fa3e66753dc4f748f3&start=6449&end=6787","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3655808-5290aee8f4df47fa3e66753dc4f748f3/thumbnail_6449000.jpg","/articles/6527076/Lee-County/North-Carolina/Commissioners-authorize-purchase-agreement-for-Hawkins-Avenue-property-at-53-million","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6527076-a6d96ed7d8c07cd882f830e4eeef4569/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144873&Signature=imgVlJivlxFO0zwHutcNouh1NSsFi9pdkP-NdFLST3CxxgtekaTJGFxDUht3ZKtto-Zq45xGcs8LrHYEb0WpQPW0xrXQINBVgqLByMBo~l9BosDL-cvDd~Gx533s~~7MYtt0QdYOwYbQZGXLUOQ7YXINC-7-FJ~xdlTLQSo7xsTdLeYaLch1rIabJwaoA9We7psSOyclrkw2Vg6V~tIVHb1yJ2VlTkK-uxIz0LSq0FUqx9~vKwqkgGNTWrLmTKqztC4aj1vNlbFwsGz1viAgiDBtQtObbk2iBdWC2Q4rrZniPJxrE6JOUSf5kWpRqNDqi95BWjZpInSvtHSjp-ftcw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Following a closed session on acquisition of real property under North Carolina statute, the Lee County Board of Commissioners returned to open session and voted to authorize the chairman to enter into a purchase agreement to buy two parcels (listed in the record as 1605/1611 Hawkins Avenue and 0 Burns Drive) for $5,300,000, subject to staff final negotiation of material terms.

County staff told commissioners the county currently leases portions of the subject property at about $10,000 per month (a temporary arrangement that included utilities and maintenance) and that buying the building could allow the county to consolidate administrative and finance functions, relieve space constraints at the courthouse and Summit building, and eventually free up other county-owned space for elections and other uses. Staff said a detailed renovation and cost analysis had not yet been completed; commissioners directed staff to continue due diligence and to return with material terms and any renovation cost estimates as the purchase process advances.

Commissioners approved the authorization by voice vote; the motion recorded in the transcript was made on behalf of Commissioner Reese and the chair was authorized to sign the purchase agreement subject to final negotiation.","After a closed session discussion on acquisition of real property, the Lee County Board of Commissioners authorized the chairman to negotiate and sign a purchase agreement for two parcels (Hawkins Avenue and Burns Drive) for $5.3 million subject to final staff negotiation of material terms.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6527080,"Board approves 2.8% COLA increase to Lee County Board of Education stipends",710,3601000,4311000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3655808-5290aee8f4df47fa3e66753dc4f748f3&start=3601&end=4311","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3655808-5290aee8f4df47fa3e66753dc4f748f3/thumbnail_3601000.jpg","/articles/6527080/Lee-County/North-Carolina/Board-approves-28-COLA-increase-to-Lee-County-Board-of-Education-stipends","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6527080-e8401c8794d06ff75f30b481616c080b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144874&Signature=NDT2Nc32HqQ1yGqYg6uGZjeLn2YAg0f6W4EuKobo326UeVthajyUpq~-cENYgMuiN7dQgiiymgAqzJ1EtmiPSyZQi1lDTyp2hc1FhaFiHYmLq7Zc6vuhHDrZoA3rszMjpyOve8wp7Jx1oXBNv4CIFFZo9wrnXtdTs~pBarM99cc2MNbIuaxZSRYEasNRuO4gfDjdZzKDMOxa0IjSsiz3p30NmRetzHvtCgebrjZUmDzlNysWYGr1aMX6H9ugssfLv~DwN0XB01lBlGiT4StE3-2K8n6fBTp54b8skyZWtgs89Dr7Z73QS5fu0xouMxCuVjQOEJ1-AA1Hd6wegtw16w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On June 2 the Lee County Board of Commissioners voted to increase the compensation (stipend) paid to members of the Lee County Board of Education by 2.8%, matching the county's cost-of-living adjustment for employees in the manager's recommended budget.

The school board had formally requested parity with county commissioners and highlighted that board duties had increased and that stipends had not been adjusted since 2002. Commissioners discussed parity arguments and practical considerations about different roles; after debate the board voted to apply the 2.8% COLA to school-board stipends. County finance staff calculated the fiscal effect: the total annual increase across all school-board stipends was modest (reported in the meeting as roughly $840 total per year reflecting the 2.8% increase). The change is effective for the coming fiscal year and will be reflected in the county payroll/admin processes.

Commissioners noted the request and asked the school board to provide comparative compensation data for peer counties so the board can revisit broader pay questions in the future.","The Lee County Board of Commissioners voted to increase the monthly stipends paid to members of the Lee County Board of Education by the same 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment the county applied to employees for fiscal 2025-26.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County manager presents FY 2025-26 recommended budget; board schedules work session and narrows CIP guidance

Lee County approves financing package and agreement terms for Central Carolina Community College Moore Center

Commissioners remove conditional-use restriction, rezoning 3.39 acres on Hawkins Avenue to light industrial

Commissioners authorize purchase agreement for Hawkins Avenue property at $5.3 million

Board approves 2.8% COLA increase to Lee County Board of Education stipends