Johnston County Commissioners Adopt 2022-2023 Budget

SMITHFIELD – Monday night, in a unanimous vote, the Johnston County Board of Commissioners adopted a $309 million budget for fiscal year 2022-2023 during its regularly scheduled Board meeting. The budget takes effect on July 1, 2022 and maintains the current tax rate of 73 cents per $100 of property value.

“We are pleased to adopt this budget as we continue to value our role as financial stewards of County funds,” said Board Chairman, Butch Lawter. “The Board has also prioritized employee retention and recruitment efforts to preserve the excellent services and programs that residents expect in Johnston County.”

The Board voted to allocate $85,573,000 for Johnston County Public Schools’ current expenses. The school board had previously requested $91.2 million.

Johnston Community College will receive $6,028,933 for current expenses and $1,090,943 for capital outlay. The Board also approved rural fire tax increases for several fire departments to help maintain a consistent level of service and retain quality firefighters.

Funding highlights from this year’s budget Include:

• Employee pay adjustments of 3% in July with a potential performance pay adjustment of up to 2% in October.

• 51 new positions approved for 13 County departments to expand customer service.

• Fee increases approved for building inspections, public utilities and solid waste services.    

• The Board approved $722,000 to the Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield.

• $625,000 in funding to the Triangle Land Conservancy.

• Fire tax collection fees have been approved to be transferred to a special fund to assist fire departments.

• Approval of fire tax increases, as recommended by the fire tax committee, for the following fire departments:

– West Johnston: 7 cents to 9 cents
– Bentonville: 8 cents to 12 cents
– Wynn (Four Oaks): 8 cents to 10.5 cents
– Strickland’s Crossroads: 10 cents to 12 cents

• Approval to maintain the 8 cent tax rate for the Research Training Zone, which supports the workforce development center.

• Funding $50,000 to Johnston County Regional Airport toward grant matches in addition to $200,000 in the proposed budget.

• Approval of an additional $158,339 toward Johnston County Area Transportation (JCATs).

• Funding $50,000 for the Partnership for Children of Johnston County.

• A one-time appropriation of $250,000 to Harbor of Johnston County in addition to $75,000 in the proposed budget. 

• $15,000 to support Special Olympics in Johnston County .

• Approval of $28,000 toward Smithfield Rescue Mission. 

• The Board approved the recommendation from the Moccasin Creek Service District property tax rate to increase from 1.5 cent to 3 cents per $100 of property value. 

“This budget aligns with the Board’s priorities of investing in education and public safety and funds the County’s critical services and programs,” said Board Vice Chairman, Patrick Harris. “It also reaffirms the Board’s dedication to guide future growth and development in a responsible manner.”