Board Chairman James Pierce praised staff and department heads for their hard work in developing a budget in a tough fiscal year.

He was particularly pleased the board was able to pass a budget which funded the three school systems in the county at the same level as the current fiscal year.

“I'm proud we were able to maintain the level of services,” County Manager Tony Brown said during this morning's meeting. “I'm proud we maintained all the school systems. With state cuts it's probably not adequate, but it helps to maintain the county portion.”

Commissioner Rives Manning said he was concerned with a $2 million fund balance within EMS.

Brown said, however, EMS cannot use the money unless it is approved by the board.

Manning, along with the rest of the commissioners — Marcelle Smith was absent — voted for the budget.

In delivering his budget message last month for the upcoming fiscal year's financial plan, Brown said, "Through our great fiscal responsibility, the county has been able to build and maintain its fund balance to a level that is greater than the commission's designated range of 18 percent to 22 percent."

Brown commended departments for adapting to the changing economic situations. "County staff are committed to providing efficient and effective services to our citizens at the very lowest cost to all taxpayers; we are are taxpayers as well and wish to keep our tax burden low."

Plans and cuts made two years ago have helped the county adapt during the recession, Brown said. "I am happy to report that we are able to maintain our current levels of service despite requiring departments to take an additional .25 percent cut in their budgets. Though we have experienced reductions in all areas of our major revenue streams, we are in a better position as compared to this time last year."

Sales revenue is down 6 percent, compared to 28 percent last year. Interest earned accounts are down 45 percent, compared to 78 percent last year, Brown said. "Fortunately, our tax collection rate is slightly ahead of last year, so we have not been affected as much in our property tax revenues."

Tax collection rates are up 1.9 percent over last year, Brown said, an amazing feat since the county is classified as a Tier 1 poor county. "Despite our Tier 1 status, we continue to have success in economic development. I applaud the commissioners' forward thinking and proactive approach in aligning the county to bring future well-paying jobs. Along with support from our economic development commission and the proactive approach from the commissioners, we are poised to rebound quickly when the economic conditions improve."

While Brown does not propose a tax increase, $1.9 million from the fund balance is being used to maintain capital needs and services to compensate for reduced revenue projections.

Cost cutting measured are still in place and this year department budgets were cut $87,076. "The county's budget is a lean as it can get without cutting valuable services to citizens; knowing this, however, I and the staff will continue to pursue cost-cutting measures."

The $35,617,215 budget addresses pressing capital needs including debt service payments for the Enfield-Inborden school project, the social services building and water line extensions.

The budget also includes the following:

Continues county services at efficient, effective and adequate levels

No employee cost of living adjustment

No reduction in funding of the three school systems or Halifax Community College

Requirement to use county vehicles for travel when available

Funds an emergency medical services shift schedule