Cabarrus County FY 2027 Adopted Budget
Fund Summaries
Summaries for the General Fund and every other county fund.
General Fund Summary
The General Fund overall budget totals $503,376,993 an increase of $9,955,489 (2.02%) from the prior year. The General Fund is made up of the General Fund (Operating) and the Community Investment Fund.
General Fund (Operating) Summary
The General Fund (Operating) budget totals $413,572,821, an increase of $14,061,574 (3.52%) from the prior year. The fund accounts for county services for the benefit of the public and the governmental body as a whole. This fund includes funding for Education, Public Safety, Human Services, General Government, Debt Service, Culture and Recreation, Economic and Physical Development functions of the County.
Revenues by Source
| Revenue source | 2024 - 25 Budget | 2025 - 26 Budget | 2026 - 27 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Taxes | $269,281,057 | $280,066,034 | $286,640,815 |
| Sales/Other Taxes | $48,589,000 | $49,039,740 | $50,156,000 |
| Intergovernmental - Grants - Human Services | $20,555,532 | $21,789,947 | $21,249,663 |
| Intergovernmental - Grants - Other | $3,726,346 | $3,092,095 | $2,788,410 |
| Intergovernmental - Other | $6,568,650 | $6,568,650 | $6,546,650 |
| Permits & Fees | $8,897,350 | $9,652,880 | $9,498,270 |
| Sales & Services | $17,202,857 | $19,219,193 | $22,929,229 |
| Investments | $4,500,000 | $4,500,000 | $7,000,000 |
| Miscellaneous | $430,100 | $377,700 | $750,375 |
| Other Financing Sources | $363,344 | $5,205,008 | $6,013,409 |
| TOTAL | $380,114,236 | $399,511,247 | $413,572,821 |
Expenses by Category
| Expense category | 2024 - 25 Budget | 2025 - 26 Budget | 2026 - 27 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personnel Services | $104,814,425 | $107,759,641 | $111,584,322 |
| Employee Benefits | $44,945,332 | $51,643,030 | $55,719,504 |
| Supplies | $11,427,846 | $10,966,761 | $11,362,773 |
| Other Operation Cost | $24,790,346 | $23,859,430 | $23,578,732 |
| Maintenance & Repair | $2,229,992 | $2,165,435 | $2,161,400 |
| Other Services & Charges | $8,047,238 | $10,158,007 | $7,697,494 |
| Contributions to Other Funds or Activities | $178,459,065 | $189,651,283 | $198,101,396 |
| Capital Outlay | $5,399,992 | $3,307,660 | $3,367,200 |
| TOTAL | $380,114,236 | $399,511,247 | $413,572,821 |
Revenues vs. Expenses
| General Fund (Operating) | 2024 - 25 Budget | 2025 - 26 Budget | 2026 - 27 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues | $380,114,236 | $399,511,247 | $413,572,821 |
| Expenses | $380,114,236 | $399,511,247 | $413,572,821 |
| Revenues less expenses | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Community Investment Fund Summary
Also a General Fund
is the Community Investment Fund (CIF) that maintains separate restricted revenues, expenses, and fund balance. The CIF provides dedicated and sustainable funding for capital projects for the county, school systems and community college. The CIF budget totals $89,804,172, a decrease of $4,106,085 (-4.37%) from the prior year.
Revenues by Source
| Revenue source | 2024 - 25 Budget | 2025 - 26 Budget | 2026 - 27 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales/Other Taxes | $28,426,000 | $28,710,260 | $29,284,000 |
| Intergovernmental - Grants - Other | $404,000 | $404,000 | $404,000 |
| Investments | $0 | $2,000,000 | $3,876,182 |
| Other Financing Sources | $45,218,224 | $62,795,997 | $56,239,990 |
| TOTAL | $74,048,224 | $93,910,257 | $89,804,172 |
Expenses by Category
| Expense category | 2024 - 25 Budget | 2025 - 26 Budget | 2026 - 27 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other Operation Cost | $4,250,000 | $450,000 | $2,326,182 |
| Other Services & Charges | $1,000,000 | $100,000 | $250,000 |
| Contributions to Other Funds or Activities | $9,776,242 | $6,090,848 | $4,825,000 |
| Capital Outlay | $1,729,582 | $2,650,000 | $2,650,000 |
| Debt Service | $57,292,400 | $84,619,409 | $79,752,990 |
| TOTAL | $74,048,224 | $93,910,257 | $89,804,172 |
Revenues vs. Expenses
| Community Investment Fund | 2024 - 25 Budget | 2025 - 26 Budget | 2026 - 27 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues | $74,048,224 | $93,910,257 | $89,804,172 |
| Expenses | $74,048,224 | $93,910,257 | $89,804,172 |
| Revenues less expenses | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Landfill Fund Summary
The Landfill Fund budget totals $3,185,283, a increase of $279,009 (9.60%) from the prior year. Tipping fee revenue totals $1,440,000, based on a charge of $64 per ton multiplied by 22,500 tons of incoming commercial and demolition waste. Republic Services as part of the franchise agreement collects curbside residential waste and recyclables from unincorporated Cabarrus residents.
Revenues by Source
| Revenue source | 2024 - 25 Budget | 2025 - 26 Budget | 2026 - 27 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales/Other Taxes | $0 | $75,000 | $75,000 |
| Intergovernmental - Grants - Other | $6,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Intergovernmental - Other | $50,000 | $48,000 | $54,000 |
| Permits & Fees | $150,000 | $180,000 | $210,000 |
| Sales & Services | $1,501,000 | $1,874,000 | $2,088,500 |
| Other Financing Sources | $740,478 | $724,274 | $752,783 |
| TOTAL | $2,447,478 | $2,906,274 | $3,185,283 |
Expenses by Category
| Expense category | 2024 - 25 Budget | 2025 - 26 Budget | 2026 - 27 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personnel Services | $645,557 | $676,342 | $696,797 |
| Employee Benefits | $313,569 | $356,654 | $381,146 |
| Supplies | $597,180 | $633,180 | $650,760 |
| Other Operation Cost | $499,025 | $587,575 | $668,025 |
| Maintenance & Repair | $159,500 | $244,500 | $269,500 |
| Other Services & Charges | $207,647 | $378,023 | $359,055 |
| Capital Outlay | $25,000 | $30,000 | $160,000 |
| TOTAL | $2,447,478 | $2,906,274 | $3,185,283 |
Revenues vs. Expenses
| Landfill Fund | 2024 - 25 Budget | 2025 - 26 Budget | 2026 - 27 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues | $2,447,478 | $2,906,274 | $3,185,283 |
| Expenses | $2,447,478 | $2,906,274 | $3,185,283 |
| Revenues less expenses | $0 | $0 | $0 |
911 Emergency Telephone System Fund Summary
The 911 Fund budget totals $475,793, an increase of $9,908 (2.13%) from the prior year. The primary source of revenue is the 911 surcharge on telephones--both wireless and landlines. The State 911 Board collects and remits fund to the county. Expenditures in this fund are for authorized 911 uses only including equipment, computer hardware and software.
Revenues by Source
| Revenue source | 2024 - 25 Budget | 2025 - 26 Budget | 2026 - 27 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales & Services | $262,342 | $442,764 | $465,793 |
| Investments | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Other Financing Sources | $201,433 | $13,121 | $0 |
| TOTAL | $473,775 | $465,885 | $475,793 |
Expenses by Category
| Expense category | 2024 - 25 Budget | 2025 - 26 Budget | 2026 - 27 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supplies | $21,000 | $14,345 | $24,793 |
| Other Operation Cost | $367,775 | $272,540 | $308,000 |
| Other Services & Charges | $0 | $31,000 | $20,000 |
| Capital Outlay | $85,000 | $148,000 | $123,000 |
| TOTAL | $473,775 | $465,885 | $475,793 |
Revenues vs. Expenses
| 911 Emergency Telephone System Fund | 2024 - 25 Budget | 2025 - 26 Budget | 2026 - 27 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues | $473,775 | $465,885 | $475,793 |
| Expenses | $473,775 | $465,885 | $475,793 |
| Revenues less expenses | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Arena & Events Center Fund Summary
The Arena and Events Center Fund budget totals $2,808,786, a $105,578 (3.91%) increase from the prior year. This fund accounts for revenues and expenditures of the Arena and Events Center, the County Fair and other visitor-related events. Fund revenue includes gate passes, carnival rides and sponsor sales. In addition, the fund receives $366,500 from the Tourism Authority from occupancy taxes. The County contracts with Legends, a management company, to oversee and manage the Arena and Events Center (not including the County Fair).
Revenues by Source
| Revenue source | 2024 - 25 Budget | 2025 - 26 Budget | 2026 - 27 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales & Services | $749,831 | $632,000 | $692,300 |
| Investments | $60,000 | $60,000 | $90,000 |
| Miscellaneous | $5,000 | $5,000 | $8,000 |
| Other Financing Sources | $1,420,686 | $2,006,208 | $2,018,486 |
| TOTAL | $2,235,517 | $2,703,208 | $2,808,786 |
Expenses by Category
| Expense category | 2024 - 25 Budget | 2025 - 26 Budget | 2026 - 27 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personnel Services | $149,723 | $131,063 | $132,328 |
| Employee Benefits | $58,665 | $45,572 | $63,403 |
| Supplies | $64,125 | $64,125 | $64,125 |
| Other Operation Cost | $669,475 | $1,009,514 | $846,850 |
| Maintenance & Repair | $391,500 | $429,000 | $480,150 |
| Other Services & Charges | $892,029 | $1,013,934 | $1,151,930 |
| Contributions to Other Funds or Activities | $10,000 | $10,000 | $70,000 |
| TOTAL | $2,235,517 | $2,703,208 | $2,808,786 |
Revenues vs. Expenses
| Arena & Events Center Fund | 2024 - 25 Budget | 2025 - 26 Budget | 2026 - 27 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues | $2,235,517 | $2,703,208 | $2,808,786 |
| Expenses | $2,235,517 | $2,703,208 | $2,808,786 |
| Revenues less expenses | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Fire District Fund Summary
NCGS 153A-233 authorizes counties to organize and maintain fire departments, enter contracts with municipal or volunteer fire departments and appropriate funds to engage in these activities. Fire protection services are provided to county citizens through contracts with multiple non-profit incorporated volunteer fire departments and municipal departments within Cabarrus County. Departments are funded through established fire tax districts at various tax rates, grants and a portion of sales tax.
Funding
is for distribution of sales taxes to the appropriate local Fire Tax Districts. The proper accounting for these funds is to record them as a revenue upon receipt and an expenditure upon disbursement to the local fire district.
Revenues by Source
| Revenue source | 2024 - 25 Budget | 2025 - 26 Budget | 2026 - 27 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Taxes | $9,549,821 | $9,650,712 | $10,570,152 |
| TOTAL | $9,549,821 | $9,650,712 | $10,570,152 |
Expenses by Fire District
| Fire district (Operations) | 2024 - 25 Budget | 2025 - 26 Budget | 2026 - 27 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concord Rural | $42,801 | $40,881 | $40,626 |
| Rimer Volunteer Fire Department | $398,919 | $407,855 | $427,899 |
| Mt Mitchell Fire District | $198,230 | $200,052 | $203,347 |
| Gold Hill Volunteer Fire Dept | $71,455 | $71,359 | $73,543 |
| Mt Pleasant Volunteer Fire Dept | $881,491 | $902,103 | $1,046,540 |
| Kannapolis Rural (Winecoff) | $366,212 | $373,494 | $392,968 |
| Georgeville Fire District | $449,500 | $461,467 | $478,857 |
| Flowes Store Fire District | $432,111 | $438,995 | $532,301 |
| Odell Volunteer Fire Department | $1,122,121 | $1,141,433 | $1,562,656 |
| Richfield Volunteer Fire Dept | $17,939 | $18,864 | $19,754 |
| Jackson Park Fire District | $303,913 | $312,488 | $314,142 |
| Cold Water Fire District | $491,351 | $499,159 | $509,640 |
| Allen Volunteer Fire Department | $1,074,181 | $1,088,914 | $1,107,451 |
| Midland Fire District | $1,430,528 | $1,393,033 | $1,540,198 |
| Northeast Volunteer Fire Dept | $295,019 | $304,286 | $318,766 |
| Harrisburg Volunteer Fire Dept | $1,974,050 | $1,996,329 | $2,001,464 |
| OPERATIONS TOTAL | $9,549,821 | $9,650,712 | $10,570,152 |
Fire Districts Fund Summary
Revenues vs. Expenses
| Fire Districts Fund | 2024 - 25 Budget | 2025 - 26 Budget | 2026 - 27 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues - Property Taxes | $9,549,821 | $9,650,712 | $10,570,152 |
| Expenses - Contributions to Other Funds or Activities | $9,549,821 | $9,650,712 | $10,570,152 |
| Revenues less expenses | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Social Services Fund Summary
Social Services Fund
is set up to account for moneys held by the Department of Human Services as agent for various individuals who are incapable of managing their own financial affairs. Prior to FY22 these funds were accounted for as agency funds. Based on new guidance from the GASB (Governmental Accounting Standards Board) GASB Statement No. 84 these funds are now accounted for as Special Revenue Funds.
Revenues vs. Expenses
| Social Services Fund | 2024 - 25 Budget | 2025 - 26 Budget | 2026 - 27 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues - Sales & Services | $450,000 | $475,000 | $500,000 |
| Expenses - Other Operation Cost | $450,000 | $475,000 | $500,000 |
| Revenues less expenses | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Intergovernmental Fund Summary
Intergovernmental Fund
is set up to account for the accumulation of fines and forfeitures before they are distributed to the local School Boards. Prior to FY22 these funds were accounted for as agency funds. Based on new guidance from the GASB (Governmental Accounting Standards Board) GASB Statement No. 84 these funds are now accounted for as Special Revenue Funds.
Revenues by Source
| Revenue source | 2024 - 25 Budget | 2025 - 26 Budget | 2026 - 27 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales & Services | $2,600,000 | $2,605,000 | $1,800,000 |
| TOTAL | $2,600,000 | $2,605,000 | $1,800,000 |
Expenses by Category
| Expense category | 2024 - 25 Budget | 2025 - 26 Budget | 2026 - 27 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other Services & Charges | $125,000 | $130,000 | $150,000 |
| Contributions to Other Funds or Activities | $2,475,000 | $2,475,000 | $1,650,000 |
| TOTAL | $2,600,000 | $2,605,000 | $1,800,000 |
Revenues vs. Expenses
| Intergovernmental Fund | 2024 - 25 Budget | 2025 - 26 Budget | 2026 - 27 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues | $2,600,000 | $2,605,000 | $1,800,000 |
| Expenses | $2,600,000 | $2,605,000 | $1,800,000 |
| Revenues less expenses | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Workers' Compensation & Liability Fund Summary
The Workers' Compensation and Liability Fund totals $7,387,000, a $176,018 (-2.33%) decrease from the prior year. The county funds both the workers' compensation and liability insurance plans from premiums generated by a percentage of the salaries of each county employee covered by the plans. Expenditures from the fund are payment of excess coverage, claims and administrative support.
Revenues by Source
| Revenue source | 2024 - 25 Budget | 2025 - 26 Budget | 2026 - 27 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales & Services | $2,363,223 | $4,450,455 | $4,077,992 |
| Investments | $20,000 | $50,000 | $75,000 |
| Other Financing Sources | $2,478,250 | $3,062,563 | $3,234,008 |
| TOTAL | $4,861,473 | $7,563,018 | $7,387,000 |
Expenses by Category
| Expense category | 2024 - 25 Budget | 2025 - 26 Budget | 2026 - 27 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other Operation Cost | $11,000 | $30,000 | $30,000 |
| Other Services & Charges | $4,775,473 | $5,102,000 | $4,857,000 |
| Contributions to Other Funds or Activities | $0 | $2,431,018 | $2,500,000 |
| Capital Outlay | $75,000 | $0 | $0 |
| TOTAL | $4,861,473 | $7,563,018 | $7,387,000 |
Revenues vs. Expenses
| Workers' Compensation & Liability Fund | 2024 - 25 Budget | 2025 - 26 Budget | 2026 - 27 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues | $4,861,473 | $7,563,018 | $7,387,000 |
| Expenses | $4,861,473 | $7,563,018 | $7,387,000 |
| Revenues less expenses | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Self-Insured Health & Dental Fund Summary
The Self-Insured Fund budget totals $27,109,916, a $2,444,744 (9.91%) increase from the prior year. Expenditures in the Self-Insured Fund are associated with the operation of the Employee Health Center and payment of claims and insurance settlements. The County offers two plans for employees: the Open Access Plan and the Consumer Driven Plan. The plans are self-insured by the County, which has purchased stop/loss insurance for claims over $250,000 per member per year.
The Employee Health Center (EHC) has proven to be a major factor in managing health care costs and an asset to employee retention and recruitment. The EHC offers basic health care services, including a focus on prevention and healthy lifestyles, to all full-time Cabarrus County employees, retirees, spouses and dependents enrolled in the County's health care plan. The County offers EHC services to employees of the Water and Sewer Authority of Cabarrus County.
The County also offers a self-insured, employee-paid dental coverage plan. The primary source of revenue for this fund is insurance premiums paid by the County on behalf of eligible full-time employees and retirees, dental premiums paid by employees who select the coverage and dependents of employees via payroll deduction who participate in the plan.
Revenues by Source
| Revenue source | 2024 - 25 Budget | 2025 - 26 Budget | 2026 - 27 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales & Services | $18,756,162 | $23,865,172 | $25,729,766 |
| Investments | $50,000 | $75,000 | $100,000 |
| Miscellaneous | $700,000 | $725,000 | $1,164,738 |
| Other Financing Sources | $35,000 | $0 | $115,412 |
| TOTAL | $19,541,162 | $24,665,172 | $27,109,916 |
Expenses by Category
| Expense category | 2024 - 25 Budget | 2025 - 26 Budget | 2026 - 27 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supplies | $221,500 | $282,005 | $194,500 |
| Other Operation Cost | $3,223,346 | $3,647,618 | $3,696,022 |
| Maintenance & Repair | $498,500 | $555,134 | $581,372 |
| Other Services & Charges | $15,597,816 | $20,180,415 | $22,638,022 |
| TOTAL | $19,541,162 | $24,665,172 | $27,109,916 |
Revenues vs. Expenses
| Self-Insured Health & Dental Fund | 2024 - 25 Budget | 2025 - 26 Budget | 2026 - 27 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues | $19,541,162 | $24,665,172 | $27,109,916 |
| Expenses | $19,541,162 | $24,665,172 | $27,109,916 |
| Revenues less expenses | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Opioid Settlement Fund Summary
In April 2022, drug manufacturer Johnson & Johnson, and three drug distributors, McKesson, AmerisourceBergen, and Cardinal Health, finalized a $26 billion dollar nationwide settlement related to multiple opioid lawsuits. These funds will be disbursed to each participating state over an 18 year period according to an allocation agreement reached with all participating states. The majority of these funds are intended for opioid abatement and the distribution of the funds will be front loaded.
North Carolina's Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the state and local governments for the settlement funds allocates the funds as follows:
- 15% directly to the state ("State Abatement Fund")
- 80% to abatement funds established by Local Governments ("Local Abatement Funds")
- 5% to a County Incentive Fund
As of June 30, 2025, the County has received $5,704,570.96 as part of this settlement. Per the terms of the MOA, the County created a special revenue fund, the Opioid Settlement Fund, to account for these funds. All funds are to be used for opioid abatement and remediation activities. Funds are restricted until expended. The County expended $933,632.41 as of June 30, 2025. Cabarrus County is expected to receive a total of $22,715,252.94 through 2039. Opioid settlement funds were earned when the County entered into a settlement agreement. Since some companies may cease making Opioid settlement payments at some point in the future for various reasons, the County considered a level of offset and recorded an allowance for payments that may not be received.
Cabarrus County
is currently funding a comprehensive set of opioid settlement strategies--developed in part through community input gathered during the FY24 Collaborative Strategic Planning process--including strategic planning and program management support; recovery support services delivered by Cabarrus Health Alliance, Southeastern Recovery Center, Adult and Teen Challenge of Sandhills, and Bridge to Recovery; evidence-based addiction treatment through Cabarrus Health Alliance; early intervention initiatives in collaboration with Cabarrus County Schools; and addiction treatment services for incarcerated individuals provided in partnership with the local Detention Center and Southern Health Partners. In addition, the County is supporting re-entry programs (with partners to be determined); efforts to connect individuals to needed services through the Stephen M. Morris Behavioral Health Center (anticipated to go live in July 2026 with funding through June 2028); targeted services for pregnant or parenting women through the Sun Clinic in partnership with Cabarrus Health Alliance; recovery housing support through Southeastern Recovery Center; prevention initiatives aimed at reducing opioid misuse through a countywide marketing campaign; and supports for first responders, including therapy dog training for EMS personnel.
Opioid Settlement Fund Summary
Revenues by Source
| Revenue source | 2024 - 25 Budget | 2025 - 26 Budget | 2026 - 27 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miscellaneous - Claim Settlements | $670,866 | $1,400,000 | $1,100,000 |
| Other Financing Sources | $0 | $1,789,703 | $2,619,426 |
| TOTAL | $670,866 | $3,189,703 | $3,719,426 |
Expenses by Category
| Expense category | 2024 - 25 Budget | 2025 - 26 Budget | 2026 - 27 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personnel Services | $131,948 | $241,467 | $320,454 |
| Employee Benefits | $65,768 | $117,655 | $124,086 |
| Supplies | $0 | $1,279,500 | $506,484 |
| Other Operation Cost | $0 | $600 | $351,374 |
| Other Services & Charges | $210,000 | $306,606 | $477,282 |
| Contributions to Other Funds or Activities | $263,150 | $1,243,875 | $1,939,746 |
| TOTAL | $670,866 | $3,189,703 | $3,719,426 |
Revenues vs. Expenses
| Opioid Settlement Fund | 2024 - 25 Budget | 2025 - 26 Budget | 2026 - 27 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues | $670,866 | $3,189,703 | $3,719,426 |
| Expenses | $670,866 | $3,189,703 | $3,719,426 |
| Revenues less expenses | $0 | $0 | $0 |