RURAL HALL — Stokes County has announced it’s proposed 2015-16 budget, which includes an increase of 1.5 cents to the county’s fire tax rate.
“After working closely with Stokes County officials for over a year, Rural Hall is pleased with the proposed budget,” said Rural Hall Town Manager, Frank James.
During the Rural Hall Fire Department’s budget workshops, the department determined the need for additional funding. According to James, a request for $82,500 was presented to the county for increased training and maintenance of emergency apparatus. “The proposed increase will provide for the amount we requested,” James said.
James expressed appreciation for the level of professionalism that has been displayed by both Stokes County and Rural Hall officials during the budget discussions.
“Elected officials have a difficult job, and I respect those who understand the need to fund emergency departments to meet the level of service we want to provide,” said James.
Review of the budget is on the agenda for the next Stokes County Board of Commissioners meeting, which will be held on June 8 at 1:30 p.m. in the Administrative Building, 1014 Main Street, Danbury. Rural Hall representatives including James, Mayor Pro Tem John N. McDermon, and Fire Chief Eddie Horn are expected to attend the meeting.
In Addition, the Stokes County Board of Commissioners will hold a Public Hearing to hear citizen input regarding the 2015/16 Fiscal Year Proposed Stokes County Budget on June 9, at 7 p.m. in Courtroom “A” of the Stokes County Government Center Complex located at 1012 Main Street, Danbury.
If the budget is approved as stands, the tax increase will go into effect with the new fiscal year beginning July 1.
Diane Blakemore may be reached at 336-368-2222 or on twitter @PilotReporter.