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RUTHERFORDTON, N.C. — During Rutherford County's budget workshop on May 27, Commissioner Michael Benfield launched into a fiery monologue against what he called “keyboard warriors,” criticizing residents who, in his view, stir up negativity online without fully understanding the budget’s complexities. Benfield lamented that “90% of people are mad because somebody online told them to be mad,” adding that many wouldn’t confront commissioners face-to-face. Tensions escalated when Commissioner Hunter Haynes spoke up, accusing Benfield of targeting him for his steadfast support of local schools. Haynes responded to Benfield’s challenge to “give up his salary” by stating he would be “glad to” and suggested other commissioners should as well. According to official county records, the Chair of Commissioners earns $12,536.55 per year and the other commissioners earn $11,764.61 each, meaning if the entire board relinquished their salaries, it would save Rutherford County taxpayers $59,594.99 annually. Benfield and Haynes are both sworn law enforcement officers.
10 key takeaways
1. A potential tax increase (although very unlikely)
The initial budget requests total $107.2 million, which would require a tax rate increase from the current 45.4 cents to 69.4 cents per $100 valuation—an increase of approximately 24 cents. However, commissioners emphasized exploring options to avoid a tax hike altogether. (Catch up with documents and more in the archives.)
2. Staff Raises Still in Play
The county plans a 4% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for employees, addressing rising costs and retaining talent amid workforce challenges, particularly in public safety and administrative roles. The county manager makes nearly $150k/year, and the lowest-paid full-time employee makes just over $30k/year, according to public records. (Commissioners are considered part-time employees.)
3. Public Safety Upgrades
The county manager’s budget recommendation prioritizes $300,000 for public safety technology, including eight Flock Safety ALPR cameras for the sheriff’s office (they said it will cost less than $39,000), upgraded jail surveillance, and modernized emergency response software.
4. Fire District Tax Changes
Several fire districts—including Bills Creek, Cherry Mountain, and Ellenboro—have requested fire tax increases to fund personnel, replace aging equipment, and maintain ISO ratings, which directly impact homeowners’ insurance rates.
5. Solid Waste Service Adjustments
The Solid Waste Department discussed reopening convenience centers (county-run garbage sites) on Wednesdays after midweek closures were made, caused by rising operational costs. Proposed adjustments include a modest fee increase for certain services, possibly around $2, to cover reopening costs and maintain services.
6. Declining School Enrollment Sparks Debate
Rutherford County Schools’ enrollment has dropped by over 2,500 students since 2008, prompting scrutiny of the $23.5 million requested for operations. Commissioners questioned whether the cost per student is sustainable, especially compared to neighboring counties like Burke and McDowell.
7. Nonprofit Funding Trimmed
The budget reduced nonprofit allocations from $133,000 to $94,103, focusing on essential services. It is unclear which nonprofits will be funded or impacted. No list was shared during Monday’s meeting or posted to the agenda. The county manager’s budget detail document isn’t searchable by keyword and was uploaded on its side, making it unreadable. (I uploaded it to DocumentCloud and edited it earlier this month.)
8. Enterprise Fund Challenges
The solid waste system, funded through enterprise fees rather than tax dollars, faces rising costs for equipment and landfill operations. Maintaining sustainability and compliance with state regulations is a top priority.
9. Public Participation vs. Observers
While the workshop welcomed public attendance, participation was restricted to observation only, reflecting the board’s commitment to focused internal discussions on fiscal matters.
10. Commissioner Commitments
Amid tense exchanges, commissioners voiced their dedication to public service, some even vowing to forgo compensation. Emotions ran high, with pledges to protect core services such as libraries, senior centers, and child welfare, despite financial pressures.
What’s next? The Rutherford County budget process continues with a public hearing scheduled for June 2 at 6 p.m. during the regular commissioners’ meeting, where community members will have the chance to voice their opinions. Then, the board will move toward a formal budget adoption on June 5 at 5 p.m., solidifying decisions that will impact the county’s fiscal future.
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Opinion & Analysis: Cops & Congress commentary
My exclusive video of the Rutherford County budget workshop has already garnered nearly 5,000 views in less than 36 hours from the live stream on Facebook, a testament to the community's deep interest in these critical issues. (I love “keyword warriors”, as Commissioner Benfield called people, who, in my view, are interested in the facts.) Unfortunately, Facebook deletes live videos after 30 days, so I’m sharing this footage here for archival and news purposes. I edited the 2.5 hours down to a 20-minute highlight worth watching (TikTok/Facebook). I encourage you to watch, share, and help spread awareness of the decisions shaping our county’s future. The Rutherford County government version was finally uploaded to their website more than 24 hours after the meeting, but it’s impossible to hear some of the speakers or read the lips of those who aren’t facing the camera. Once again, it is another hurdle for deaf people like me, or any taxpayer wanting to know what is happening.
5 things I’m watching for at the June 2 public hearing
As Rutherford County gears up for its June 2 budget public hearing, there’s plenty of tension in the air—and I’ll be right there to cover every twist and turn. Here are the five key things I’ll be watching for as the commissioners face public scrutiny:
1️⃣ Will Public Safety Funding Hold Up?
The workshop revealed deep concerns about fire department staffing, outdated equipment, and soaring costs for protective gear. With ISO ratings (and homeowners’ insurance rates) hanging in the balance, will the commissioners hold the line on critical investments—or will budget cuts win out?
2️⃣ School Funding: Scrutiny or Support?
As school enrollment continues to decline sharply, commissioners have openly questioned the $23.5 million budget request from Rutherford County Schools. Will the public demand a reexamination of this allocation—or will schools defend their funding as essential?
3️⃣ Solid Waste Services: Convenience or Cost?
Public frustration over convenience center closures on Wednesdays has reached a boiling point. With proposals to reopen mid-week and adjust fees, I’m watching to see whether commissioners will prioritize service convenience for residents or financial prudence.
4️⃣ Fire Tax Increases: A Dealbreaker or a Lifeline?
Fire districts are asking for increases to their tax rates to fund essential staffing and equipment. Will commissioners grant these requests, or will resistance from taxpayers and fiscal conservatives block these plans?
5️⃣ Public Engagement: Participation or Observation?
Finally, I’ll be watching how public participation shapes the debate. Will citizens merely observe, or will they take this opportunity to press commissioners with tough questions? Your voices could tip the scales.
Let’s just hope they’ll stop funding fake plants. I’ll be spending the next few days trying to read through the 324-page budget details, which is likely to be edited by the county manager prior to the budget hearing on Monday.
I’ll be there, capturing every moment—and holding the powerful accountable. Stay tuned. I invite you to become a paid subscriber if you haven’t already to support my work.
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Thank you for reading and watching. Learn more about this newsletter and my background. I am guided by the Society for Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics. Follow me on X (Twitter), Facebook, Linkedin, TikTok, and YouTube. Send constructive criticism, fan mail and tips with public documents for future stories: CopsandCongress@gmail.com.
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