STATESVILLE, NC – Iredell County Manager Beth Milton presented the recommended Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget to the Board of Commissioners on Tuesday night, outlining a conservative but strategic financial plan aimed at managing the county’s rapid growth while maintaining critical services and infrastructure.
The proposed budget keeps the property tax rate steady at 50 cents per $100 valuation, which remains among the lowest in North Carolina. Despite significant increases in population and service demands, the plan maintains a balanced approach to core funding needs and long-term investments.
Responding to Growth Pressures
Milton noted that Iredell County’s population has grown by over 11 percent since 2020, reaching an estimated 207,382 residents. The surge has led to a 9 percent increase in parcel counts and an 18 percent rise in building permits over the past year, primarily for residential development.
“Growth is positive, but it must be planned,” Milton said, cautioning that unmanaged growth could strain emergency services, transportation systems, and schools. Strategic planning, in partnership with organizations like the Iredell Economic Development Corporation, has helped guide new investments, including seven business projects in 2024 totaling $121 million and generating 267 jobs.
Education Investments and Rising Costs
Education remains a priority in the recommended budget, which proposes a 5.4 percent increase in funding for Iredell-Statesville Schools, Mooresville Graded School District, and Mitchell Community College. Per-pupil operational funding will rise to $2,354, in line with inflation.
However, escalating construction costs are straining capital budgets. Major projects facing increased price tags include:
- Weathers Creek High School: Originally projected at $80 million in 2020, the cost has grown to $130 million. The County borrowed $40 million and redirected $10 million from a planned Health Department project.
- Parkertown Elementary: Now estimated at more than $52 million, up from $40 million. Funding will come from cash reserves set aside for future county needs.
- Mitchell Community College Public Safety Training Center: Expected to cost over $23 million, more than twice the initial projection. Funding will come from reserves and capital improvement funds.
“These are hard decisions, but they reflect our commitment to students and public safety,” Milton said, acknowledging that such funding strategies are not sustainable over the long term.
Capital Improvement Plan Continues
The proposed budget supports ongoing efforts in the County’s eight-year Capital Improvement Plan. Planned projects include:
- Final renovations to the historic Government Center
- ADA compliance work and LED lighting upgrades
- A new warehouse to house mobile units and equipment
- Planning for renovations at Government Center South
- Technology upgrades across County departments
- Parks and recreation enhancements, including improvements at Jennings Park and Big Leaf Slopes
Routine facility maintenance, including HVAC, roof, and chiller replacements, is also funded.
Focus on Retention, Not Expansion
Unlike the previous year, which added 57 new positions primarily in Social Services and EMS, the FY 2025-26 budget proposes no new hires or reclassifications. Instead, the focus is on retaining current staff through a 3 percent pay-scale adjustment and an equivalent increase in the minimum starting salary, both effective in July.
Milton attributed improvements in staffing stability to earlier Board-approved changes, including a fair pay structure based on market data. “Being competitive in today’s workforce means rewarding those who choose to serve our community,” she said.
Looking Ahead
To prepare for continued population growth, the County is nearing completion of a Space and Needs Study, which will inform future facility planning. A separate fire services study is also underway to assess funding, equipment, and infrastructure needs across fire districts.
“Our aim is to make informed, long-term investments that support our citizens today and position us for tomorrow,” said Milton. “This budget is about balance — meeting the needs of a growing community while holding firm to conservative financial principles.”
Commissioners are scheduled to begin budget workshops on May 12, with additional sessions on May 13 and 14. Final adoption of the FY 2025-26 budget is expected in June.
