Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
3 <br /> overall sales tax growth rate has slowed significantly from the last three fiscal years. Following the pandemic, there <br /> was an initial surge in consumer spending due to pent-up demand and federal stimulus support. Then the <br /> subsequent increase in consumer prices was a factor as well. As these factors wane, pending levels have normalized, <br /> contributing to the slower sales tax revenue growth. <br /> Sales Tax has a three-month revenue lag from the NC Department of Revenue (NCDOR) with the first month of July <br /> collections to be received by local governments by October 15. The flowchart below illustrates this three-month lag. <br /> Sequencing of Local Sales Tax Collections & Receipt <br /> July = Sale Aug. = Vendor Sept. = DoR Oct. 15 = County <br /> submits report reconciles receives $ <br /> Charges for services are 41.5% of the budget as compared to 40.6% in the prior fiscal year. Federal Marsal <br /> Inmate fees are $574,898 or 22.1% of budget compared to $1 million or 46.9%the prior fiscal year; this budget <br /> is unlikely to be achieved. Emergency Medical Charges for ambulance services are at $2.5 million or 48.4% of <br /> budget compared to $2 million or 38.5%the prior fiscal year. The Charges for Services category also includes <br /> Register of Deeds Excise Stamps paid on real estate transactions and Emergency Medical Charges for <br /> ambulance services. <br /> Intergovernmental revenue is a key category given the Administration's executive orders. As of December 31, <br /> 2025, Intergovernmental revenues are at $7 million or 31.3% of budget compared to $6.8 million or 33.3% the <br /> prior fiscal year. Staff will work closely with key departments to monitor exposure and deploy best practices <br /> including 1) submitting reimbursements as soon as possible 2) working with state agencies on pass-through <br /> grants and 3) establish strong audit trails with supporting documentation. The Human Services departments, <br /> which include Social Services, Health and Housing, are the most susceptible in this uncertain period. The initial <br /> and now rescinded OMB memorandum did not apply to ARPA or Opioid funds. <br /> Investment earnings are on target to meet the budget at $952,322 or 52% of budget compared to the prior <br /> fiscal year budget to actual percentage of 30.1%. The investment policy emphasizes Safety, Liquidity and Yield in <br /> that priority order. The portfolio is within the North Carolina statutory permitted investments of a high credit <br /> 3 <br />