Henderson County raises property tax to fund education, law enforcement

The Henderson County Board of Commissioners approved a 4.3-cent property tax increase during their June 3 meeting, raising the total tax rate to 47.4 cents per $100 of valuation. This change funds a $17.6 million addition to the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, totaling $244.8 million, with key allocations for education (27%), public safety (26%), and human services (19%). The tax hike equates to about $4 per week for a $400,000 home, as outlined by Commissioners Rebecca McCall and Michael Edney. The board emphasized the necessity of the increase despite Henderson County’s already low tax rates compared to neighboring regions. County Manager John Mitchell recommended the budget after departments requested additional funding, including $62.4 million for education and $58 million for public safety. Teacher pay was raised from 9% to 10% above North Carolina’s state minimum, a $1.2 million increase, to compete with nearby districts like Buncombe County and South Carolina. Advocacy groups, such as Henderson County Public School Strong, warned of teacher shortages if wages remained stagnant. The budget also allocated $3.9 million for sheriff deputies’ pay, addressing drug-related crime and staffing shortages, including seven vacant school resource officer positions. Additional funds included $178,600 for two new social worker roles, $50,000 for a library branch concept study, and $41,000 for cost-of-living adjustments for the Rescue Squad. The county also approved $1 million for solid waste management and $160,000 for a passport office, while deferring a proposed $45 fee for improved properties. The tax increase will also cover $9.1 million in debt service for the courthouse expansion project, though Commissioners Jay Egolf and Sheila Franklin expressed concerns about future financial strain from the debt. The updated budget aims to improve local services while positioning Henderson County as an attractive area for industry and commerce.