Meggan Smith
Robbinsville – A public hearing regarding Graham County's proposed 2026-27 fiscal year budget is set to be held at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, in conjunction with the regularly-scheduled board of commissioners meeting.
Commission chair Meggan Smith wants residents to understand how the board arrived at the draft's numbers – from her perspective.
Smith reached out to The Graham Star last week with her perspective on the budget process, starting off by noting that the six-cent millage rate (ad valorem tax) increase was determined on a 3-2 vote. Beginning with the July 1 fiscal year, the rate will tick from 59 cents to 65.
Smith said herself and commissioner Natasha Williams voted against the measure.
"While I am trying to respect the decision of the board – as I know it has been an extremely difficult time – I remain concerned about the impact this increase will have on our citizens, particularly our elderly residents and those living on fixed incomes," Smith said. "It has also been mentioned numerous times, 'Well, there is the elderly exemption, they will be ok.'
"However, the income guidelines are far too strict – so some do not qualify, leaving them in that 'gray' area."
Properties around the county are currently undergoing tax revaluations, which Smith said only adds to her concerns.
"We know that revaluations generally result in higher property values," Smith noted. "For many taxpayers, this means their tax burden was already expected to increase – even without a higher tax rate."
The 2026-27 proposal has drawn a lot of scrunity in the community, as $1.3 million in cuts ultimately befell departments that often linger at the forefront of the public eye.
Of note:
* Funding for the Graham County Sheriff's Office was reduced $241,833 from the 2025-26 cycle. The office will function on a budget of $2,042,007;
* Graham County EMS has been cut $160,447, to a budget of $1,898,152;
* The Graham County Detention Center saw a minor increase of $38,453, for a total budget of $1,578,903.
* Operations at the Graham County Department of Social Services will proceed on a budget of $2,086,821 (down $279,456);
* Sanitation is appropriated $1,205,170 (a reduction of $128,030), which makes the department the most expensive to operate under the "general government" category.
Smith said more trimming could have been done, as she revealed that between $1.7-$1.8 million in cuts were considered. The chair added that she would have preferred more cuts over a tax increase.
"Throughout the budget process, I worked alongside fellow commissioners and county staff members who were in attendance, meeting-after-meeting, to identify meaningful cost-saving measures," Smith explained. "A lot of time was spent diligently, strategically planning and preparing by our finance officer and county manager, as well.
"There were additional reductions that could have been made. Yes, it would have been very difficult decisions, but I believe the cuts should have been fully considered before increasing taxes. However, not all proposed reductions were ultimately accepted – including some within departments that are not considered essential, frontline services."
Smith stated that she opposed a tax increase from the beginning of the budget process and does not want the county to rely on increases as a means of fiscal concerns in the future.
"I believed additional budget reductions should have been pursued, before asking taxpayers to shoulder a higher burden," said Smith. "I am also concerned about the long-term sustainability of relying on tax increases to address budget challenges. Inflation continues to drive costs higher each year and I believe we must ask ourselves whether continually raising taxes is a responsible long-term solution.
"If spending continues to outpace revenues, will taxpayers be asked to absorb additional increases in the future? These are questions that deserve serious discussion."
Smith's statement to The Star concluded with an invitation to everyone who wishes to attend Tuesday's hearing, noting that public comment will be heard during the session.
Attendees will simply need to sign in at the entrance to the community room (196 Knight St., Robbinsville), to speak during public comment.
"I believe our focus should be on identifying efficiencies, controlling spending where possible and work on creative solutions in hopes to broaden our tax base – rather than repeatedly place a greater burden on property owners," Smith said. "I want the citizens of Graham County to know that I voted against the tax increase, because I felt it was important to protect our taxpayers – particularly seniors and working families who are already facing rising costs in nearly every aspect of daily life."
The Star is tenatively scheduled to livestream the meeting on its Facebook page.