The property tax rate in Alexander County will decrease by 12 cents in the new budget approved by the Alexander County Board of Commissioners. The board adopted the 2023-2024 budget at their meeting Monday (June 19). As a result of the decrease, the property tax rate will be 67 cents per $100 valuation, effective July 1, 2023.

County Manager Shane Fox said the 2023-2024 general fund budget totals $55,970,932, which includes an appropriation of $2,820,826 from fund balance. The budget is approximately $1.2 million (2.4 percent) more than the 2022-2023 budget.

Fox said that since he began duties as county manager on June 8, numerous changes were made to the proposed budget resulting in a $964,153 decrease in appropriated fund balance. Chairman Marty Pennell said he is pleased with the latest cuts in the budget but believes more reductions can be made.

General fund revenues are comprised of property taxes – 48 percent, sales tax – 24 percent, restricted/grants – 13 percent, sales and services – 8 percent, and other – 7 percent. Fox said the total tax base for fiscal year 2024 totals $4.028 billion following the recent revaluation.

General fund expenditures include public safety – 33 percent, health and social services – 27 percent, general government – 18 percent, education – 15 percent, culture and recreation – 4.5 percent, debt – 1.4 percent, and economic development – 1.1 percent.

Fire district tax rates remain unchanged in the new budget. There are no fee increases for building inspections or fire inspections. For additional information, view the 2023-2024 Alexander County budget ordinance at https://bit.ly/23-24-budget-ordinance.

[Story courtesy of Rick Gilbert, WACB]