Haywood County Finalizing Budget Includes Capital Funding for New Detention Center

The Haywood County Commission is finalizing its upcoming budget, which includes a 7-cent property tax increase to cover operational costs and debt service for a new detention center nearing completion. Despite public pressure to fully fund a $3 million request from the school system, officials have proposed a $1 million fund balance appropriation, leaving the schools approximately $700,000 short of their goal. Commissioners cited rising facility maintenance costs and the necessity of staffing the new jail as primary drivers for the current fiscal allocation.

The debate highlights tensions between funding capital improvements and supporting educational programs. While school officials noted that their long-standing funding model fails to account for modern inflation and utility expenses, board members emphasized that they have exhausted fund balance options and must prioritize the operational viability of the new detention facility.