Robbinsville – A draft of the much-discussed 2025-26 Graham County budget was presented to the board of commissioners at May 20's meeting.
The county is targeting a balance of $25,453,201 for the fiscal year, which begins July 1 and continues through June 30. Additionally, the millage rate will remain at 59 cents.
The largest chunk of revenue anticipated by the county is from current property taxes, which makes up 37% of the projection ($8,770,941). Restricted revenue and grants is at $5,439,336 (22.96%), while sales tax is estimated to bring in $3,947,017 (16.66%).
On the flip side, public safety makes up the biggest portion of planned expenditures, at $6,976,963 (29.46%). General government costs are close behind ($6,389,617, or 26.98%) and health/human services come in at 21.54% of the tab ($5,102,295).
Under the public safety category, the Graham County Sheriff's Office will receive $2,283,840 – just slightly more than Graham County EMS ($2,058,599). The Graham County Detention Center is also looking at a budget of $1,540,450.
Sanitation covers the largest portion of the general government expense ($1,333,200), with the Graham County Department of Social Services receiving $2,366,277.
The full draft budget can be viewed by the public at the Graham County Community Building (196 Knight St., Robbinsville). A public hearing concerning the budget will be held during the next regularly-scheduled commissioners meeting, which is at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 17.
* Next week: The Graham County Sheriff’s office provides updates on SROs. Plus, estimates arrive on permanent repairs at the Snowbird sanitation site.