Lee County proposed budget increases taxes while schools fall short

On May 18, the Lee County Board of Commissioners reviewed the FY 2026-27 proposed budget, accepted Chairman Kirk Smith’s resignation, and voted Commissioner Samantha Martin as the replacement chairperson.

Citizens concerned about taxes, school capacity and county priorities during growth may attend the June 1 public hearing on the budget due to the partially met school funding request and increases for EMS, debt, and county operations.

On a side note, because regulations govern development, citizens may want to contact state representatives to discuss North Carolina House Bill 1119, written to coordinate development to prevent school overcapacity in Iredell County, and whether their representative supports Lee County as an additional county for the new bill.

Rapid growth led to Lee County’s proposed $127.86 million budget for 2026-27, with property taxes rising from 65 to 70 cents per $100 valuation.

About 77% of growth is residential, creating more service expenses than revenue. A $360,000 home is needed for projected per-pupil school spending.

According to the presentation, education is the county’s top expense at $33.44 million, up 10%. Lee County Schools’ request was not fully funded by the recommended budget. With a $1.58 million gap, the school board’s $26.75 million funding request exceeded the commissioners’ $25.18 million recommendation. The proposed figure will fund operational growth and some salary adjustments.

Commissioners fully funded the school system’s $2.12 million capital outlay request and included another $685,000 for lottery-funded school projects. The budget presentation declares the county has fully funded school capital requests since 2020.

However, major spending hikes for other county priorities equaled or surpassed the gap in school operating funds. The new EMS contract’s $1.77 million cost increase accounted for most of the $3.08 million rise in public safety spending and was a major factor in the tax increase.

County facilities and debt planning will receive major budget funding. General Services requested over $4M for repairs; commissioners recommended $2.63M. The penny tax hike will address debt and fund future needs, including a new jail.

The sheriff’s office will receive over $1 million in budget increases, with about $819,665 allocated for new vehicles and equipment.

Funding for Central Carolina Community College increased 5% for current expense funding, $285,000 for capital projects and $250,000 for a K-14 education program.

During public comments, Jim Womack said taxpayers were not pleased with the commissioners’ priorities and oversight of taxpayers’ funds. “This library is not a mandated cost,” he said about adding to taxpayers’ burdens. He pointed out that re-approaching FirstHealth for EMS services increased the costs upwards of several hundred thousand dollars. He called the tax increase “inappropriate” and said he’d contacted state officials to investigate the board.

Resignation and Protocol Update

Chair Kirk Smith resigned as the chairman, following controversies.

Read Allegations of Lee County commissioner breaking disclosure rules “ring” after 4:24 a.m. text on $5B Project and Lee County meeting crowd BOOS Chairman Kirk Smith after comments on Sandhills News: transparency coverage by activists.

Smith served Lee County citizens through government activism for about 16 years, sharing countless hours for research and developing relationships.

The board also updated protocols to help strategize how it will handle improper behavior by board members.

Development, Rezoning

The board approved Buckhorn Land Partners, LLC’s subdivision, The Pines at Buckhorn, with 67 dwellings in the Countryside with one dwelling per acre despite Plan SanLee’s maximum of one dwelling per two acres. Read details beginning on page 305 here.

The subdivision’s student population will impact Broadway Elementary School, East Lee Middle School and Lee Senior High School.

Commissioner Taylor Vorbeck requested the board begin considering school capacity when approving development. On May 12, Lee County Schools’ Chairperson Sherry Womack introduced this coordinated approach. Read Lee County School board adopts development impact resolution.

No citizens spoke against either public hearing on two rezoning requests.

During the first public hearing, the board reviewed Oldham Investments, LLC’s request to rezone 1.31 acres at 800 White Hill Road in Greenwood Township from Residential Agricultural to Highway Commercial to allow future commercial redevelopment. The property, with a mobile home, is near White Hill Road and U.S. Highway 1, adjacent to a former hosiery site now commercial.

Commissioners held a second public hearing for Lemon Springs Volunteer Fire Department to rezone 1.39 acres next to the Lemon Springs Volunteer Fire Department at 1138 Greenwood Road, from Residential Restricted and Residential Agricultural to Highway Commercial to allow a proposed building addition.

After a previous public hearing, the board approved Jacob Newton’s request to rezone 3.51 acres with a barn and a house addressed as 5906 Farrell Road from Residential Agricultural (RA) to the Residential Agricultural Conditional Zoning District to allow the development of a motor vehicle repair and service business.

EMS

The county’s transport agreement with FirstHealth expires June 30, 2026. County staff sought franchisee applications in summer 2025. FirstHealth of the Carolinas was unanimously recommended by the Ambulance Advisory Committee to the Board of Commissioners. The Board conducted three public hearings and a workshop.

The County and MedEx did not reach an agreement for the franchise, so the County contacted FirstHealth of the Carolinas, Inc.

Staff is negotiating the franchise agreement. The board will review a second reading and franchise agreement on June 1, 2026.

The next meeting is June 1 at 6 p.m.

May 18, 2026

Stephanie M. Sellers

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