Davidson County commissioners evaluate spending at annual meeting

The Davidson County Commissioners spent several hours Thursday morning talking about a proposed sports complex, the needs of local school districts and how much money the county is planning to spend in the upcoming year.

During their annual budget retreat, the board heard an overview from county manager Casey Smith on a variety of topics including several large capital improvement projects. Smith stated he did not expect the need to raise property tax this year, but a pending revaluation in 2026 could mean looking at a rate adjustment in the future to offset any significant increases in property values.

But the topic which got the most discussion was the budget for capital improvement projects over the next five years, including building a $65 million sports complex in Southmont. The proposed project would include soccer and baseball fields, an aquatics center, indoor basketball courts, tennis courts and an RV park.

During their Feb. 6 meeting, the commissioners had voiced support for completing the sports complex all at once instead of phasing the project out over several years, which would mean the $65 million would come out of the countt’s CIP budget this year.

In a previous proposed CIP budget, there was $29 million allocated for the sport complex first phase. Commissioners supported redirecting $50 million budgeted this year for a sewer expansion project, which is now in question, to offset the cost of the sports complex.

A majority of the county commissioners voiced their support for the sports complex noting benefits for the youth in the community, as well as an improvement in the quality of life for Davidson County citizens, job opportunities and the economic impact the facilities would bring.
“Look at Yadkin River Park,” said Commissioner Steve Shell. “So many people said no, it was a waste of money but look where it is now…We can choose to give (our citizens) something top notch.”
Other commissioners pointed out the facility would not only pay for itself without having to go into debt, but could bring in additional revenue. Estimates from the engineering firm hired by the county, claimed the sports complex could bring up to $1.3 million in yearly revenue through admissions, concessions and other fees.

But county commissioner Fred McClure stated he was against spending $65 million on the sports complex this year because the project hasn’t been thoroughly planned and was not on
any previous CIP budgets. He also said there were many other projects that are not complete.

“I just don’t think we have done much planning,” said McClure. “That $65 million would go a long way to solving a list of things that needs to be done... We had a five year plan of things we wanted to do prior to this, and this (project) wasn’t even on it.”

He also said the county hasn’t done enough to help Thomasville and Lexington build new high schools. Smith stated both Lexington and Thomasville are planning to apply in the fall for a need-based grant from the state to build new schools, which would require a 20% match in funding from the county. But, he said, if both school districts are denied again, the county is budgeting to fund major renovations and improvements.

There is currently $33.5 million included in the 2025-2026 CIP budget for possible renovations at the three school districts. The county funded a $12 million renovation of Lexington Middle School this year.

The county commissioners will hold a more budget discussion in coming months, before approving the 2025-2026 fiscal year budget by July 1. They also stated they plan on holding public hearings on the proposed sports complex in upcoming county commissioners meetings.