Emerald Isle, NC (May 20, 2024) — The Emerald Isle Board of Commissioners convened today for a Budget Workshop, resulting in several decisions that will shape the town’s financial landscape for the upcoming fiscal year.

 Key Decisions and Financial Implications

1. Revenue Adjustments:

The Board approved updates to the Emerald Isle Fee Schedule, effective July 1, 2024. 

These changes are expected to generate approximately $156,000 to $168,000 annually in non-tax revenue, primarily derived from user-based services.

 2. Employee Compensation:

The Board also voted to provide a 4.0% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to all full-time and part-time employees. 

This adjustment, an increase from the originally proposed 3.0% COLA, aligns with the Southeastern Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 3.8%. 

The additional 1.0% increase will incur a cost of approximately $69,000.

3. Contingency Funds:

Any surplus funds from these measures will be allocated to a Contingency Line Item. 

These funds can be accessed by a Board vote in the event of an emergency.

These updates and the COLA adjustment will be reflected in the FY 24/25 Draft Budget, with a Public Hearing scheduled for June 11, 2024, at 6:00 PM.

Detailed Fee Schedule Updates (Effective 07.01.24)

Police Department

Golf Cart Permits: 

Increase from $100 to $125, with a $25 discount for passing a safety exam. There will no longer be a discount for LSV carts or commercial cart rentals.  Each cart registered will cost $125, or $100 if the owner passes the safety exam.  Updates are expected to generate $36,750. 

Beach Driving Permits: 

Implementation of a $10 fee for passes issued to seniors, disabled veterans, and ADA permit holders.  This fee is intended to cover the cost of permit processing and the associated decal.  Emerald Isle resident permits will remain $50 (no change).  Carteret County resident permits will increase by $25 to $125.  For any person that resides out of Carteret County, a beach driving permit will be $200.  These changes are anticipated to bring in $49,235.

Paid Parking: 

A standard hourly rate of $4 will be set for paid parking lots (April - September). The change is estimated to yield $37,000.

Parks & Recreation

Membership Fees: 

Annual fees raised by $25; resident fee will be $175 and Non-Resident will be $225.

These changes projected to add $20,100.

Class Fees: 

Per class average increase from $5 to $7, expected revenue of $3,915. 

Child Care Services: 

Program fees increased by $25, with projected gains of $2,125.

Tennis Court Fees: 

The annual tennis only membership will increase to $100. 

The expected revenue increase will be $1,050.

Credit Card Service Fees

Implementation to recover the cost impact of credit card usage is anticipated to generate $18,000. 

These fee adjustments are designed to ensure that Emerald Isle continues to provide high-quality services while maintaining financial health.

For more detailed information on the budget workshop and the updated fee schedule, residents are encouraged to attend the upcoming Public Hearing or visit the town's official website (www.emeraldisle-nc.org).

Town of Emerald Isle

7500 Emerald Drive

Emerald Isle, NC  28594

252-354-3424