On Monday, May 18, the County Commissioners met early to continue discussing what is arguably Pamlico County’s most pressing dilemma: how do we reconcile the budget? The commissioners have had a series of budget-specific meetings, including one on Monday before the regular County Commission meeting.

The commissioners have spent several meetings going over the budget to address a significant shortfall between revenue and costs.

“Some of y’all haven’t been attending the budget meetings we’ve been having,” Commissioner Ed Riggs said. “The budget meeting before last, wasn’t that line by line? There was no program that none of us agreed the public wanted to see cut. We’ve cut so much there’s nothing left.

“Not everybody uses every service the county’s offering, but every service is needed and wanted by a certain segment of our population,” he said. “Young people really don’t think about rescue, but as you get older, believe me, you do. You don’t think about needing the Sheriff until you’ve had a crime committed.”

As readers may know, the county recently completed a tax revaluation. Approximately 70% of properties in Pamlico County increased in value during this revaluation. A number of individuals have expressed concern that their taxes will increase with the new valuation.

The commissioners are exploring a reduction in the tax rate from the current 64 cent tax millage. Discussion has included a new tax rate of either 50 or 51 cents. This rate could cause an increased tax bill for many properties in the county. However, the reduced millage will also have the effect of reducing tax bills for personal property in the county such as cars and boats.

Those who may be affected by a higher tax bill do have a handful of options to explore.

While the deadline to appeal the 2026 tax rate passed on May 11, property owners can file an untimely appeal with the Property Tax Commission in Raleigh.

Taxpayers do have local options for the 2027 tax year. “Every year, property owners have the ability to appeal their valuation for the new tax year,” Tax Administrator Kathy Wall said.

Taxpayers can also see if they qualify for tax exemptions or exclusions. Three programs apply to property taxes in Pamlico County: Elderly or Disabled Exclusion, Disabled Veterans Tax Exemption, or the Circuit Breaker Tax Deferment. Applications and instructions can be found on the county’s Tax Forms webpage.

Retired Army Colonel Doug Clancy will speak in front of the Pamlico County Courthouse on Monday, May 25th at 10 a.m. to commemorate Memorial Day. 

The commissioners unanimously approved the following:

The commissioners approved a motion to move forward with projects at the EOC building including paving the parking lot. They also approved funds for fingerprint machines and a special operations drone kit for the Sheriff’s Office.

Commissioner Ken Heath observed that Pamlico County had been removed from Senate Bill 1075, which will restore certain zoning authorities to county governments in counties in close proximity to military bases.

The commissioners went into closed session to discuss requests for a security system replacement at the Pamlico County Correctional Institution.