ELIZABETHTON — Although Hurricane Helene made this one of the most difficult budget year’s in the Carter County Commission’s history, the budget process has gone smoothly. The process came to an end Monday night with only one commissioner, Aaron Frasier voting against the budget for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.
The commission had an even easier time with the property tax rate, keeping it at the same $2.18 per $100 of assessed value of 24-25. All the commissioners were in favor of keeping the same rate.
Even though the large expenses the county faced as a result of the Sept. 27 storm resulted in the county drawing its fund balance down from $20 million to $10 million, the commissioners showed faith that many of the expenditures will eventually be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The commission has also generated cash to pay for the repair of many county roads and bridges by means of the general obligation capital outlay note for $40 million. One of the biggest expenditures, the repair of Hampton High School is being helped by a $20 million grant from the state.
The state has also helped with the initial cleanup of debris by loaning the county $7 million for cleaning up the debris on land.
Mayor Patty Woodby was pleased with the final form of the budget.
"Passing this budget reflects our commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars while continuing to invest in the services, infrastructure, and people that made our county strong. It's a balance of fiscal responsibility and forward-looking planning that supports the needs of our community today and prepares us for tomorrow."
