Swain County’s fund balance is about to dip below the state-recommended 8% minimum. This happened four years ago, triggering oversight by the NC Department of Revenue.
The problem was resolved that time with eight layoffs, reduced overtime, and mandatory furloughs. The county’s auditor had recommended raising taxes. Even though Swain hasn’t raised property taxes in ten over ten years, it has the seventh-highest tax rate in the state, 33%.