The Lee County Budget 2026 has been approved, allowing property owners to avoid a tax increase for another year. After months of discussion and debate, the Lee County Board of Commissioners voted 4-3 to adopt a $127.86 million budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
The decision comes after county leaders worked to close a nearly $9 million budget shortfall without increasing the property tax rate. While residents will welcome the news of stable taxes, officials acknowledge that some financial challenges may simply be delayed until future budget cycles.
Lee County Budget 2026 Keeps Tax Rate at Current Level
The approved budget maintains the county’s property tax rate at 65 cents per $100 of assessed value. Earlier proposals called for increasing the rate to 70 cents to generate additional revenue and help offset rising costs.
Commissioners ultimately chose a different approach, reducing spending in several areas and using reserve funds to balance the budget.
The decision means the county will collect approximately $5.1 million less in property tax revenue than it would have under the proposed increase.
Budget Cuts and Funding Changes Help Close Gap
To avoid raising taxes, county leaders removed more than $1 million from capital reserve funding that had been planned for building improvements. Another $1 million that was intended to reduce long-term debt obligations was also removed from the budget.
The county also adjusted how it will fund an increase in emergency medical services costs associated with its contract with FirstHealth.
County Manager Lisa Minter said the budget will rely on approximately $2.5 million from the county’s fund balance, which functions as a savings account for unexpected expenses and emergencies.
While using reserve funds is allowed under state guidelines, it reduces the county’s financial cushion and could create additional pressure during future budget discussions.
New Positions Included in Budget
Despite spending reductions, the budget includes funding for three new county positions. Two new deputies will be added to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and one new real property appraiser position will be created.
County leaders say the additional positions are necessary to support public safety and accommodate continued growth throughout the county.
Looking Ahead
Several commissioners acknowledged that larger structural budget issues remain unresolved. Board Chair Samantha Martin proposed conducting a performance audit of county operations during the coming year.
The audit would examine how county services are delivered and identify opportunities for increased efficiency before next year’s budget process begins.
Although Lee County is outside Moore County, neighboring communities throughout the Sandhills often monitor regional budget decisions because many local governments face similar challenges tied to growth, infrastructure, and rising service costs.
For more information, visit the Lee County Government website.
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