Snow Hill budget keeps tax rate steady, includes water and sewer rate increases

SNOW HILL, N.C. — The Town of Snow Hill’s fiscal year proposed 2026-27 budget keeps the town’s property tax rate unchanged while increasing water and sewer rates to support utility operations and infrastructure needs.

The budget totals $3.4 million across the town’s general fund, water fund and sewer fund. The general fund accounts for about $1.5 million, while water and sewer operations account for about $1.89 million combined.

Property tax rate remains unchanged

The town’s ad valorem tax rate remains 34 cents per $100 of property valuation. In her budget message, Town Manager April Vinson said the town has worked to maintain the current level of service while reducing excess costs where possible.

“The 2026-2027 budget has been a difficult and thinking outside the box kind of year but reflects a direct effort by the Mayor and Council to maintain the current level of service provided to the Citizens of Snow Hill in a prompt and efficient manner while demonstrating fiscal prudence to reduce excess cost,” Vinson wrote in the budget message.

The budget includes $413,600 in ad valorem tax revenue and $75,000 in motor vehicle tax revenue. Local option sales tax revenue is projected at $340,000, while franchise tax revenue is projected at $96,000.

The budget also includes $52,000 in appropriated fund balance for the general fund.

Water and sewer rates increase

Water and sewer rates were reviewed and increased for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Under the new water rate structure, in-town residential and commercial users on a three-quarter-inch to 1-inch line will pay a $15 basic charge and $8 per 1,000 gallons. Out-of-town users on the same size line will pay a $23 basic charge and $9 per 1,000 gallons.

For sewer service, in-town residential and commercial users on a three-quarter-inch to 1-inch line will pay a $9.75 basic charge and $11.50 per 1,000 gallons. Out-of-town users on the same size line will pay a $13 basic charge and $16.50 per 1,000 gallons.

The water department budget increases from $714,125 in fiscal year 2025-26 to $941,820 in fiscal year 2026-27. The sewer department budget increases from $637,195 to $950,500.

Utility projects remain a focus

The budget message cites several major utility-related projects, including the Well No. 4 project, wastewater treatment plant rehabilitation, lead and copper service line work and wastewater treatment plant upgrades. Vinson also noted $4.2 million from Sen. Buck Newton and Rep. Chris Humphrey for wastewater treatment plant upgrades.

The town also plans to enter into a contract with Clearwater Solutions LLC for wastewater operations, including wastewater operator in responsible charge services, backup ORC services and collections for lift stations.

Police spending decreases

In the general fund, police spending is budgeted at $509,477, down from $560,364 in the previous fiscal year. The budget message states the decrease is tied to capital outlay for a grant award the town did not receive.

Fire protection funding is included

Fire protection is budgeted at $119,135. The budget message states the amount is based on a formula tied to the property tax levy. The document also notes the board has approved completing the necessary paperwork to allow Greene County to bill a fire tax rate of 8.2 cents while Snow Hill’s tax rate remains 34 cents for fiscal year 2027-28.

Streets, sanitation and recreation are funded

The streets department is budgeted at $110,235, while sanitation is budgeted at $157,066. Cemetery expenses are budgeted at $82,990. Parks and recreation expenses are budgeted at $43,000, including $20,000 in capital outlay for final touches on phase two of the park project.

Snow Hill is also projected to receive $62,300 in Powell Bill funds, which are restricted for street-related expenses such as maintenance, repairs, sidewalks, drainage, curb and gutter and related improvements. The budget includes $25,000 in contractor services for priority sidewalk repairs.

Community development receives funding

Community development is budgeted at $129,815. The line-item budget includes $50,000 for economic development and $75,315 for PEG channel reimbursement.

In her message, Vinson said the town’s budget reflects support from the board and staff for ongoing projects and grant-funded improvements.

“The Board and Staff have worked countless hours to better the quality of living in Snow Hill for our citizens,” Vinson wrote.

The budget was approved following a budget process that included a workshop in May and a public hearing June 8. The Snow Hill Board of Commissioners voted unanimously June 8, 2026, to approve the fiscal year 2026-27 budget.