Clay County Approves $27.7M Budget for 2025/2026, Maintains Low Tax Rate

HAYESVILLE, NC – On June 23, 2025, the Clay County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a $27,689,610 budget for the 2025/2026 fiscal year during a reconvened meeting from June 5. The decision followed a motion by Vice Chairman Randy Nichols, seconded by Commissioner Dwight Penland, with Commissioner Clay Logan absent due to prior commitments.

The budget keeps the property tax millage rate steady at 0.43 mills per $100 of taxable value for the ninth consecutive year, reflecting only one minor increase since 2011, aside from a 2018 adjustment for a required property reappraisal. Strong fiscal policies, a growing tax base, and aggressive grant pursuits have enabled Clay County to maintain one of the lowest property tax rates in the region.

Significant budget allocations include $2,099,916 for the Clay County Board of Education, with an additional $100,000 for a new staff position and benefits, $15,500 for student parking lot resurfacing, and $75,578 to support a 3% state-mandated salary increase for school staff, covering various roles and utilities. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office will receive an additional $243,000, funding seven new vehicles through an ongoing lease with Enterprise and covering salary-related costs.

A slight fire tax adjustment raises the Hayesville Fire District rate from 0.03 to 0.04 mills, aligning it countywide and generating approximately $150,000 to offset rising fire department operational costs. A new $100 annual solid waste fee for residential properties, replacing the $125 annual permit, will start January 1, 2026, and be added to property tax bills to fund future Transfer Station expansions and renovations.

Instead of a cost-of-living adjustment, county employees will receive a $2,000 flat bonus. The budget also accounts for a mandated 1% increase in employer retirement contributions for general employees and 1.04% for law enforcement. Additionally, $150,000 from general funds, combined with revenue from an industrial park property sale to Amazon, will support land acquisition for a proposed Agricultural Center/Arena Project.

Capital improvements include completing the DSS Annex, advancing the new Farmers Market and Emergency Management/Community Paramedic Training Facility, and developing a splash pad at Veterans Recreation Park. The Board of Commissioners thanked department heads, Finance Officer Betty Patton, and County Manager Debbie Mauney for their diligent work, noting that their leadership ensures fiscal responsibility, as evidenced by consistently strong annual audits.