$3M school funding request and potential property tax increase
Haywood County
Summary
The school system is asking the county for $3 million more next year — $1.3 million for raises for bus drivers, custodians and other non-certified staff, $700,000 to stop draining fund balance, and about $1 million to keep teaching positions the state won't fund. Commissioners signaled a tough budget decision ahead and hinted a tax increase may be needed.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 8
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jul 20, 2026.
Impact analysis
A $3 million increase in county funding — roughly $460 more per pupil — that commissioners say could drive a property tax increase.
School employees getting raises, and students who keep current teachers, AP courses and programs.
County taxpayers if a tax increase is required to fund the request.
Mentions & discussions (9)
Board of Commissioners Regular Evening - Jul 20, 2026
Your property's assessed value is on average 44% below what it would actually sell for, and the state-mandated January 1, 2027 reappraisal will fix that. Your tax bill could go up or down — the board sets the rate afterward — and the tax office is holding outreach sessions so you can correct errors in your property record first.
Board of Commissioners Regular Morning Meeting - Jun 1, 2026
The county adopted a budget raising the property tax rate from 55 to 62 cents, with a $2.275 million increase for schools and heavy use of fund balance. Commissioners and school leaders debated whether schools should contribute $700,000 from their own reserves.
Board of Commissioners Regular Evening - May 18, 2026
Fines Creek (9 to 10 cents) and Waynesville (8 to 10 cents) fire districts are requesting rate increases in the proposed budget.
Board of Commissioners Regular Morning Meeting - May 4, 2026
Haywood County Schools asked for an extra $3 million to stop draining fund balance, protect 14 locally paid teaching positions, and fix pay for support staff. The proposed budget includes about $1.25 million, and school advocates warned of program cuts and larger class sizes if the full amount isn't funded.
Board of Commissioners Regular Evening - Apr 20, 2026
The school system is asking the county for $3 million more next year — $1.3 million for raises for bus drivers, custodians and other non-certified staff, $700,000 to stop draining fund balance, and about $1 million to keep teaching positions the state won't fund. Commissioners signaled a tough budget decision ahead and hinted a tax increase may be needed.
Haywood County Schools seeks $3 million county increase in proposed $96 million FY2026‑27 budget to fund pay raises and avert cuts
Haywood County Schools seeks $3 million county increase in proposed $96 million FY2026‑27 budget to fund pay raises and avert cuts citizenportal.ai
Board of Commissioners (Special) - Mar 26, 2026
Haywood County Schools wants a $3 million funding increase to maintain — not expand — its current model. Without it, the district says it may cut 25+ teaching positions and reduce advanced and career programs. Funding it would take about a 4.29-cent property tax increase, roughly $12/month for the average homeowner.
Board of Commissioners Regular Morning Meeting - Mar 2, 2026
The county is applying $70,000 in lottery repair funds to fix a rotted sewer line at Jonathan Valley Elementary and replace a failed HVAC system at Canton Middle's band building.
Board of Commissioners Regular Morning Meeting - Jan 5, 2026
The school system is buying 13 acres from HCA behind Tuscola High as a strategic investment for possible future school development, paid from sales-tax-backed capital reserves rather than operating funds. Discussion touched on long-term plans for replacing aging Canton Middle School, potentially with a $52 million state grant.
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