No speakers came forward this morning during a public hearing on Halifax County's proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

County Manager Dia Denton said the budget remains the same as discussed since she delivered her budget message last month. There is no tax increase associated with this proposed financial plan, she said.

The board of commissioners will vote on the budget at their June 16 meeting which will be at 5:30 p.m.

In delivering her budget message last month Denton said the balanced $60,552,080 budget proposal accomplishes the following:

Continues county services at efficient and effective levels.

Is based on an estimated property tax base of $4,664,723,032 and a tax collection rate of 98 percent. 

The tax rate of $0.70 cents per $100 value will be adequate to support the FY 2025-2026 budget.

Absorbs a 15 percent increase in property and liability insurance coverage.

The county provides local funding to each graded school district based on ADM allotments that are provided by North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the amount allocated will increase from $799.37 per pupil to $824.67 per pupil.

Continues to provide a competitive benefits package, which includes 100 percent paid premiums for health coverage for each full-time employee who participates in the county's wellness program.

Provides a 1.75 percent cost of living adjustment for all full-time employees, plus a step increase of 1.25 percent for each employee, for a 3 percent total increase for all staff.

Maintains the longevity pay program, which is a vital employee retention tool to reward long-term full-time employees.

Provides a one-grade increase for all detention center positions. Each grade within the salary grade and step table equates to 5 percent. The total salary increase for all positions in the detention center is 8 percent including the 3 percent cost of living adjustment.

Funds the pay-for-performance evaluation plan, a vital employee retention tool.

Includes funds to support both economic development and contingency operations.

Continues to require employees to use county vehicles, when available, for travel.

Funds needed capital outlay for county departments.

Provides funding to the Community Grants program in the amount of $50,000.

Provides funding to create a county parks and recreation department.