Statement on adoption of FY 2023-24 County Budget

[JUNE 19, 2023] Statement by Commissioner Frank Williams:

“Tonight, the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners approved a fiscally responsible budget that focuses resources on our key priorities, including public safety, education, and water and sewer infrastructure, while meeting our unfunded state and federal mandates and dealing with cost increases due to inflation. In response to the increase in property values, we lowered the tax rate from .4850 to .3420, very close to revenue neutral. In alignment with our fiscally conservative philosophy and to ensure that this budget focuses on needs, not wants, our county manager cut approximately $16 million in staff requests to bring the budget down to this rate. This budget also maintains a healthy rainy-day fund, which is critical as we move into hurricane season. This is a fiscally responsible budget that meets critical needs for the fastest-growing county in North Carolina.”

The budget passed 3-1 with Commissioners Randy Thompson, Mike Forte and Frank Williams voting to adopt. Commissioner Pat Sykes voted no, and Commissioner Marty Cooke was absent due to illness.