2023-2024 Budget Message

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Meeting About the Budget Message
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Dear Commissioners and Residents of Mitchell County,

It is my honor to present the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. This budget aims to address the needs and aspirations of our residents while ensuring responsible fiscal management. This Commission Board unanimously agrees that the tax payers of Mitchell County deserve a balanced budget that shows responsible use of our citizen’s hard earned money. In the process of building this budget, we have asked tough questions and set high expectations for those who are funded by the County. Whether it be an internal County department or a service provider for the County, this board expects accountability and responsibility. With this in mind and in accordance with North Carolina General Statute 159-11, it is my privilege to present the FY 2023-2024 Mitchell County proposed budget to the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners for consideration.

The proposed budget totals $24,538,302 and meets the projected needs of all county operations, capital improvements and debt service requirements. This budget reflects an 3.26% increase in expenses from the fiscal year 2022-2023 amended budget of $23,761,643. When compared to consumer price index data that indicates approximately 6.5 % nationwide inflation since last year, the projected increase of 3.26% is substantially less than the inflation rate and is in line with this Board’s desire to fiscally manage our expenditures. The proposed 2023-2024 budget is balanced with a tax rate of $0.56 per $100.00 valuation based on the current value of real, personal and vehicle property. This tax rate of $.56 per $100 is the same as last year. The proposed budget is based on a projected tax collection rate of 97.25%. The 2021-22 fiscal year’s tax collection rate was 97.51% and our current 2022-23 fiscal year collection rate is trending above 97.50%. As a result, we feel this budget’s collection rate of 97.25% is conservative and attainable. Revenues from article 39 sales tax is budgeted at an 8.65% increase which is in line with trending data. With a basis on realistic revenue assumptions and multi-year expenditure trends, this proposed budget is balanced and prepared in accordance with the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act.

I would like to extend my gratitude to this Commission board for working late hours to provide valuable input into this proposed budget. I would also like to thank Ms. Mavis Parsley and her finance team for working tirelessly to build a balanced budget. Their expertise and insight has been essential. This budget represents our commitment to building a brighter future for all who call Mitchell County home. The charts on the following pages provide an overview of the revenues and expenditures in the 2023-24 proposed budget. The full budget will be on display at the Mitchell County Administration office and a public hearing is scheduled during the 6/5/2023 regular Commission Meeting which starts at 7:00 pm. I encourage you to review the budget proposal in detail and provide your valuable feedback.

Sincerely,

Allen Cook,
Mitchell County Manager

Citizens are welcome to review a detailed 2023-2024 Proposed Budget by visiting the County Manager or Finance Director’s Offices (both located in the Administration Building in Bakersville) during regular business hours (Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. except for holidays).

2023-2024 Budget By Category

To learn more details about the various budget categories, tap or mouse over the various portions of each chart.

Revenue Highlights Include:

  • The projected total revenue for the 2023-2024 proposed budget is $24,538,302
  • Property tax rate remains the same for the 2023-2024 proposed budget at $.56 per $100 valuation
  • Property tax collection rate is projected at 97.25%
  • Sales tax revenue continues to stay strong and anticipated to have an 8.65% increase based on past year trends

Revenue By The Numbers

  • Property Tax – $13,591,890 (55%)
  • Prior Year Property Tax – $350,000 (1%)
  • Local Option Sales Tax – $5,500,003 (22%)
  • Other Taxes & Licenses – $125,599 (1%)
  • Unrestricted Intergovernmental – $118,367 (1%)
  • Restricted Intergovernmental – $3,3148,741 (13%)
  • Licenses & Fees – $214,020 (1%)
  • Sales & Services – $1,045,210 (4%)
  • Investment Earnings – $333,641 (1%)
  • Fund Balance EDC Restricted – $110,831 (1%)

Expenditure Highlights Include:

  • Overall expenses are budgeted to increase by 3.26%
  • Most County departments are budgeted in line with past year averages
  • Outside agencies were budgeted to meet projected growth and special needs
  • Capital Expenses such as maintenance, building improvements, equipment, vehicle replacement and IT upgrades have been budgeted at fair market estimates
  • State retirement rates as well as property and liability insurance rates have increased

Expenditures By The Numbers

  • General Government – $3,171,643 (13%)
  • Public Safety – $6,067677 (25%)
  • Transportation – $869,270 (3%)
  • Environmental Protection – $1,814,450 (7%)
  • Economic & Physical Development – $647,523 (3%)
  • Human Services – $6,163,346 (25%)
  • Education – $4,511,258 (18%)
  • Cultural & Recreation – $403,389 (2%)
  • Capital Outlay – $488,423 (2%)
  • Contingency – $25,000 (>1%)
  • Revaluation – $135,000 (1%)
  • Fund Balance Reserves – $241,323 (1%)