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Two public workshop meetings have been set for next week regarding the proposed budget for Stanly County for the 2023-24 fiscal year.

At Monday’s meeting of the county commissioners, the board agreed to have workshops on June 13 and 15 at 3 p.m.

The budget was presented at the May 15 commissioners’ meeting by County Manager Andy Lucas.

Thanking the county staff for their assistance, Lucas said the bottom line for the budget included no tax rate increase. The tax rate will remain at $0.61 per $100 of valuation.

Stanly will receive higher revenues in several categories, including ad valorem taxes ($3.26 million – 8%) and sales tax ($1.56 million – 9%). The budget also reflects an increase of more than $1.05 million in public education operating, grants and teacher supplement funding (7.5%).

Eleven new positions at a cost of $732,000 are recommended in the budget, along with funding for three elementary school resource officers (SROs).

A cost-of-living increase (COLA) of 4% is in the budget, along with $170,000 for additional volunteer fire personnel and $170,000 additional in radio upgrades for county VFDs.

Major projects in the budget include the livestock arena ($5.8 million), replacing the county’s CAD system ($2.5 million), a new sheriff’s office ($7.2 million estimated) and a new 911/emergency operations center (estimated at $6 million).

Stanly County Schools will receive an additional $1,051,760 in operational funding, while the county will put forth $2,357,000 in tax incentives for economic development.

The Stanly County Airport will also receive an increase in its budget of $465,674 for facility repairs and equipment.

Norwood’s EMS base will be remodeled at a cost of $300,000 along with a staffing increase of $169,000.