Catawba County News

BOC Adopts FY2026-27 Budget

Published: June 16, 2026

The Catawba County Board of Commissioners adopted its Fiscal Year 2026/27 budget totaling $353,319,157, maintaining the current property tax rate of .3985 cents per $100 valuation and reflecting an overall 4.3 percent increase in the total budget.  The budget includes 1,254.45 full-time staff positions, an increase of 23 over the current year, with most of those positions supporting enhanced public safety response throughout Catawba County.

The General Fund, comprising $264,135,191 of the total budget, will increase 3.1 percent over the current year, supported by natural revenue growth from increased tax base investments in our community and reflecting the positive impacts of the Commissioners’ Strategic Plan, which prioritizes investments in quality of life as a foundation for economic competitiveness and long-term community success.

The adopted budget accomplishes the objective of funding $120 million towards Catawba County Schools’ middle school expansions within the existing tax rate, advancing the top county-wide school construction priority.  It also includes staffing investments in emergency response, public safety, and building services:

• Expansion of emergency medical services, including addition of an EMS crew at the Hickory base to maintain response times as call volumes continue to rise;
• Addition of 12 detention officer positions (partial year) to address a growing inmate population;
• New Building Services Official and Tax Property Appraiser positions to support continued economic growth;
• Targeted investments in Social Services and Public Health to sustain service levels in response to growing community needs; and
• Continued investment in public education beyond school construction, including a 2 percent increase in per pupil operational funding and ongoing support for capital and technology needs.

“This budget continues to advance the Commissioners’ strategic economic and community objectives in the fiscally responsible way that has positioned our community well over the years,” Chair Randy Isenhower said. “Our county services are consistent and reliable, and the Commission has been planful in the way expenditures have expanded to meet service demands responsibly.”

The Fiscal Year 2026/27 Adopted Budget Ordinance, transmittal letter, and supporting documents are available for viewing online at www.catawbacountync.gov.

The adopted budget is balanced and prepared in accordance with the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.