Tyrrell County Manager David Clegg on May 21 recommended a one-cent increase in the property tax when he presented his budget recommendations to the county commissioners.

The governing board scheduled a May 31 workshop to discuss the spending plan, and a public hearing was set for 1 p.m., June 5, to give residents and property owners opportunity to comment on the proposal.

State law requires that a budget be adopted by June 30.

Clegg’s budget letter follows:

• “Pursuant to G.S. 115-11, I hereby submit a proposed budget for Tyrrell County government for Fiscal Year 2018-2019. I appreciate the good work of county department heads and other grantees to timely submit documents and understand the realities of a stringent budget. This budget is based on a total county valuation of $381,709,776 ($381,300,967 last year). Once cent of tax rate equals approximately $40,000.
• “This budget is in the amount of $8,108,286 in general funds and $1,336,104 in utility funds. As presented today, the budget requires a tax rate of 84 cents. It complies with the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act and the Machinery Act.
• “This budget increases regular employee salaries by 2.0 percent at a cost of $40,013. It includes an Income Maintenance Caseworker II position representing $19,479 in new expenditure. It includes half year funding for the former tele-communicator position in the Sheriff’s Department at $24,189 as well as two LEO separation allowances at $10,140. It includes a $10,000 increase in the supplement for the School Social Worker and a dedicated $25,000 for contribution for the School Athletic Director position that will also administer county recreation programming.
• “Employee Health Insurance has increased by $41,436 and retiree coverage has increased by $8,000. Property and Flood insurance has increased by $17,780. Utilities have increased by $18,800.
• “The Detention Center budget has increased by $47,000 and the lease on the DSS building has increased by $14,903.
• “As to significant budgeted equipment and outlay purchases;
• Register of Deeds: shelving, document scanner and records preservation at $21,883;
• DSS: Dual monitors, ipads for field work, and air cards for NCFAST compliance at $10,500;
• Sheriff: Air cards and 13 bullet proof vests at $28,205.

“Most operational departments are essentially unchanged from the prior year with the exception of a 10% across the board Travel and Training reduction.

“The fire department is budgeted at $120,000 for operations, $40,000 for equipment and $25,000 reserve. EMS is fully funded in accordance with agreements including a $25,000 contribution to ambulance reserve.

“As to the school system, Current Expense is unchanged at $567,595 and Capital Expense is $120,000 funded through restricted sales tax funds.

“The Finance Officer and I are available to assist the Board in whatever level and length of deliberation is required. The public hearing as required by law should be set for June 5.

“Thank you for your attention to these matters.”