Commissioners approve county's 2023-2024 budget

CALDWELL COUNTY — The Caldwell County Board of Commissioners approved its annual budget for fiscal year 2023-24 during its meeting on Monday, June 12. The county’s property tax rate will remain the same, but fire taxes will increase for several volunteer fire departments.

County Manager Donald Duncan presented the proposed budget to the board. The total proposed budget for fiscal year 2023-24 is just over $118 million. This includes $96 million in the General Fund; $18 million for education; $4 million in Utility Fund; $23 million for Human Services; $12 for General Government funds; $9 million for economic and physical development; as well as funds for debt services and cultural and recreational development. This year also begins the first full year of the county receiving opioid settlement funds totaling $560,700.

“I’m proud of the professional manner in which the county and staff assisted with the preparation of this budget,” said Duncan. “We stand ready to assist [the board] in any way possible as we move forward to adopt this budget.”

The county’s property tax rate will remain at 63 cents per $100 assessed value. Duncan explained that the tax base has grown by $170 million with a 5% sales tax growth estimated year over year. To read the full article click here