County of Franklin issued the following announcement on May 17.
Franklin County Manager Kim Denton presented the recommended FY23 Budget at the May 16 meeting of the Board of Commissioners. The recommended budget proposes a decreased tax rate of $0.785 per $100 in valuation, down one cent from the current tax rate of $0.795. Other recommended actions include a focus on improving health resources, additional personnel and equipment in response to growth, and increases in Public Utilities Water and Sewer Rates.
A copy of the FY23 Budget is available on the Franklin County website (www.franklincountync.gov) on the Finance Department page and in the office of the Clerk to the Board at 113 Market Street, Louisburg, NC.
“The pandemic has created a spotlight on the health of our residents. Focusing on identifying and developing resources as we move forward will provide better services and healthier outcomes for all,” Denton said.
Franklin County leadership and its partner organizations will begin an initiative in the fiscal year 2023 to focus on health and improving health resources for Franklin County employees and citizens.
“Statistics indicate that the pandemic has affected the overall well-being of our population in both physical and mental impacts,” Denton said. “The FY23 recommended budget supports a number of items that can contribute to the overall improvement of health for our employees and citizens.”
Franklin County has committed $2,000,000 of American Rescue Fund Act (ARPA) funds to Maria Parham Franklin, the county’s hospital. The County is projected to receive Opioid Fund Distributions of $3,223,326 over the next 18 years, beginning with two installments this calendar year totaling $395,185 as a result of the National Opioid Settlement. Other support includes implementing EMS Study results, supporting Parks and Recreation, and the funding of $50,000 for a Franklin County Health Department Study to determine facilities and programming needs.
County leadership is also recommending the addition of 17 new staff positions across the organization including the Human Resources, EMS, Planning and Inspections, Animal Services, and Tax departments. Additionally, the recommended budget asks for 20 vehicles to be purchased including 10 vehicles in the Sheriff’s Office and three vehicles in Planning and Inspections along with an ambulance and quick response vehicle in the EMS Department.
FY23 Budget also recommends a 2% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for all employees, both full-time and part-time, starting on January 9, 2023.
Franklin County is committed to partnering with our schools to provide appropriate funding based on student population. The partnership between Franklin County and Franklin County Schools (FCS) has been repeatedly demonstrated through the years and the County’s commitment to that partnership remains strong.
The FY23 Budget recommends $21,471,872 to be allocated for operating expenses and $1.5 million for capital projects for Franklin County Schools. In addition, $2,000,000 of capital projects will be reviewed to determine the best funding solution for those critical needs.
“I must emphasize that the recommended funding of less than the requested Operating Expenses should not be interpreted as a lack of support for FCS,” Denton said. “Instead, the County will be placing additional focus and energy on understanding the needs for education.”
The County Manager and Superintendent will meet quarterly with their respective staff to analyze and understand enrollment numbers and the impact of enrollment changes on the funding formulas and facilities’ needs. The County understands that the challenges facing FCS are numerous and can be difficult to quantify in our current education and economic environment.
The majority of the county’s fire departments did not request a change in their fire tax for the fiscal year 2023. Mitchener’s Crossroads Fire Department requested an increase from 7.5 cents to 8.5 cents. Youngsville Fire Department requested an increase from 9.00 cents to 9.57 cents. White Level Fire Department requested an increase from 8.50 cents to 10.0 cents.
A public hearing for the FY23 Budget will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 6, 2022, at Franklin Plaza during the regularly scheduled Board of Commissioners meeting. The public portal for budget comments is currently available on the Finance Department’s page of the Franklin County website (www.franklincountync.gov). Any public comments received through the portal will be shared by the Clerk to the Board with the Board of Commissioners prior to the June 6 public hearing.
Franklin County Government is committed to effective and innovative public services for all Franklin County citizens and businesses.
Original source can be found here.
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