$40 million budget approved
by Megan Schiffres
HEATHSVILLE—The Northumberland board of supervisors voted 4-1 to approve the county’s $40 million budget following a work session June 21.
Board members Ronald Jett, Joseph Self, Richard Haynie and James Long voted in support of the proposed budget. Board member Thomas Tomlin voted against the budget because he opposes funding the public school system’s debt service without first holding a public referendum.
“I believe in public-funded debt being approved by the voters,” said Tomlin. “It’s a continuing reason why I haven’t voted for a budget in 10 years.”
According to county administrator Luttrell Tadlock, tax rates in Northumberland will remain unchanged.
County staff will receive a 2% pay raise and school employees will receive a 3.5% increase in pay…