Lee County Board of Commissioners Meeting - June 1, 2026

The Lee County Board of Commissioners held a meeting on June 1, 2026, which included a public hearing on the proposed FY 2026-27 budget and the capital improvement plan (CIP). The county manager presented a recommended budget totaling approximately $127 million, proposing a two-cent tax increase to fund essential services, including a significant increase in the emergency medical services (EMS) contract with First Health of the Carolinas, which was approved for a five-year franchise agreement starting June 30, 2026. The budget also included a one-cent increase to boost school funding by 12.7% and restore capital reserve funding to address deferred maintenance. Public comments featured strong advocacy for increased school funding, support for local fire departments' budget requests, and appeals to maintain or increase funding for nonprofit health providers like Helping Hand Clinic. The board also reviewed and approved zoning map amendments and discussed fire department budget increases, which would raise fire district tax rates by up to three cents. The meeting concluded with a reminder of a June 5 work session and adjournment.