Scotland County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Scotland County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Quarter-cent sales tax on November ballot
Manager Snead presented a menu of options to promote the quarter-cent sales tax before the November vote, from town halls to a marketing firm; board wants clear messaging that it's 25 cents per $100.
FY 2025 county audit results
Commissioner Ivey pressed for a completion date on the overdue county audit; an extension from the state was granted and an RFP for a new auditing firm closes in a few weeks.
Fiscal Management Policies for Health Department
One health department fee goes up to $5.52 because the cost of providing that service rose.
Retiree Medicare insurance rate increase
Two broker firms were scheduled to pitch for the county's insurance business — a choice that affects the coverage and cost of county insurance.
Capital Planning and Requests
A public hearing was scheduled on the SCATS FY 28 grant, which funds senior center administrative and capital needs. Grant approval affects services available to older residents in the county.
FY 2027 Budget Amendments
A budget amendment for the Inspections department was on the consent agenda.
FY 2027 Tax Rate Resolution
Staff clarified what "revenue neutral" really means: it's not a promise your bill stays the same. The number can't be computed yet because commercial appeals are still pending.
Senate Bill 889 Revaluation Reversal
The first revaluation in seven years is underway, with property values still being updated (listings due January 31, big commercial filers not until April 15). No tax rate was set today; commissioners hope to settle it by May.
FY 2027 Budget and 99-Cent Tax Rate
The state's new law forced the county back to old property values, killing the planned 69-cent rate and a $10 million hole. The board adopted a 99-cent rate and is pulling about $2.1 million from savings to balance.
Discontinuing the 5% sales tax transfer to the fire fund
Staff dug through old minutes and couldn't find when the board ever voted to send 5% of monthly sales tax to the fire fund. By consensus, they're dropping it — fire departments will come out ahead under the fire tax on new values anyway.
Fund balance sustainability
Commissioners warned that pulling $1.6 million from savings this year isn't sustainable, especially with no completed audit in two years to confirm the actual balance. They want to grow jobs and the tax base — including the quarter-cent sales tax — so the county isn't living off its savings.
State tax legislation throws FY 2027 budget into limbo
Commissioners warned that Senate Bill 889 names Scotland County specifically and that a proposed constitutional amendment could cap next year's levy, restricting future revenue decisions made now.
FY 27 budget and tax rate
Commissioners set a proposed 69.9-cent tax rate — a reduction — but one member objected that fund balance figures are unaudited and possibly overstated. The budget ordinance itself still must be published and adopted.
Fire tax rate debate
A push to cut the fire tax from 5 to 4.5 cents failed, and the board kept the 5-cent rate, citing fire commission plans for a roughly $1 million truck replacement within a few years.
FY 2026-27 General Fund Budget
The draft general fund budget includes a 5% raise for all employees, a 13% insurance increase, and roof/vehicle capital items, but still needs about $1.2 million from fund balance at a 70.1-cent tax rate. Commissioners are weighing what to add or cut before the June 30 deadline.