No tax increase in budget adopted by Pamlico commissioners

BAYBORO - Pamlico County commissioners unanimously adopted the 2009-10 budget Monday night after a public hearing that produced no comments from taxpayers.

The $16.8 million budget required the use of about $1 million from the county's unrestricted fund balance to maintain the tax rate at 65.25 cents per $100 valuation.

By statute, the county had until June 30 to adopt a budget and levy the tax rate, and commissioners will meet again June 29 for an expected short meeting to address any budget amendments.

Citing the difficult economic times, with sharply reduced revenues, the county held expenses to a minimum, according to Tim Buck, the county manager. The county cut operating expenses by nearly 8 percent.

Several commissioners commented on the budget results, which began in January.

"This is not a perfect budget, and it might not be a good budget to some people," said Paul Delamar III, the commissioners' chairman. "I want to thank the public for understanding that we are facing an unprecedented fiscal situation. I think the people understand that and that we are going to do the best we can."

Commissioner Ann Holton noted that the budget process was achieved by Buck and his staff despite the absence of a county finance director. That position has been vacant since Jim Philyaw left county employment earlier in the year.

Commissioner Jimmy Spain thanked the county department heads and employees for their cooperation in the belt-tightening, which included cuts in travel and training.

The county plans no layoffs or job cuts, although the 165 county employees will not receive a cost of living adjustment, and the county's 3 percent contribution to employee 401k was cut in half.

County funding for the public schools operations remained at current levels of $2.8 million, with a $200,000 cut in a $400,000 request for capital spending.

The county curtailed a number of capital or building projects, including $250,000 for courthouse renovations and $286,000 for a planned multipurpose athletic field at the Alliance recreation park.

Due to revenue shortfalls, the county will use about $1.6 million to balance the current year budget, which ends June 30. Buck said the county's unrestricted fund balance will remain healthy at about $4.6 million.

Charlie Hall can be reached at (252) 635-5667 or chall@freedomenc.com.

Budget facts

♦ $16.8 million for 2009-10, beginning July 1

♦ Tax rate remains the same at 65.25 cents per $100 valuation

♦ No cost of living funding for county employees

♦ No planned layoffs or elimination of postions

♦ County contribution to employee 401k reduced from 3 percent to 1.5 percent of an employee's salary

♦ Eliminated majority of capital requests

♦ Eliminated all requests for new positions.