Robbinsville – As budget season begins, Graham County has heard some good news on its potential 2021-22 budget.
County finance officer Becky Garland told the Graham County Board of Commissioners that the county would likely have a surplus for the first time in a dozen years.
The county’s tax base is just over $1 billion, with a millage of .65. The figure gives an estimated levy of $6,849,549 and a revenue per mill of $102,000. The county’s fund balance is approximately $9 million, which at 44 percent surpasses the 35 percent mandated by the state.
Garland recommended putting the surplus into the county’s construction fund toward the planned justice center.
She also said she would likely have a draft budget ready for the board by the county’s next budget meeting Friday.
County seat
The Town of Robbinsville also started its budget process last week, presenting its draft budget at a brief special meeting held May 19.
A budget hearing will be held on Wednesday.
The draft budget shows an estimated $624,254 in the general fund and an estimated $1,162,169 under water and sewer.
Finance director Sonya Webster also said there would likely be an additional $82,000 toward streets if nothing unexpected happens.
She also said that the Town of Robbinsville did not have to dip into its fund balance.