Wilson County Gov News

On Thursday, July 10, we held a ribbon cutting ceremony for our recently renovated Wilson County Government Center. In an effort to enhance the customer experience, the Water Services Department and Development Services Department moved to the first floor of the building. We also expanded and updated parking lots, which more than doubled our spaces, enhanced safety and added reserved spaces for veterans. The aging roof and HVAC system was replaced as well. Fresh paint, new carpet, LED lighting and new interior and exterior signage were also part of the enhancements to the building. The $2.6 million capital improvement project was budgeted over two county budget cycles.

On Tuesday, June 8, 2025, Wilson County officials broke ground on the Wilson County Sheriff's Office Tactical Training Complex. The facility is located off Commerce Road in Wilson County and will feature a training center, including an indoor training area and an additional classroom space. This project is being funded by $2 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Once completed, the training center will provide a dedicated space to enhance the skills and preparedness of officers, ensuring they can continue to serve and protect our community effectively.

After breaking ground in September 2024, Wilson County EMS’ new North Central City Station is now fully operational after a ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Tuesday, July 8. The 3,700 square foot facility is located at 708 Brentwood Drive N. and was funded by $1.5 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars. The new station will take on over 32% of the estimated 16,000-plus calls in a given year and will help maintain response times.

The location of this station is strategic as the County strives to meet citizens where they are and to place emergency services as close to residents as possible. The next EMS substation that will be built in East Wilson on the corner of U.S. 264 Alternate and Landfill Road is currently in the design phase.

25/26 Budget Approved - No Tax Rate Increase

On Thursday, May 29, 2025, Wilson County Commissioners unanimously passed a $137.4 million budget for the 2025/2026 Fiscal Year. It represents a 1.4% increase over last year’s approved budget and the smallest rate of budget growth since 2019. The county’s $0.595 tax rate remains the same as last fiscal year with no increase in the rate.  

The approved budget makes investments in education, employees, public safety, emergency medical services, human services, economic development and many other vital and essential services for Wilson County citizens. Commissioners spent the last five months reviewing each department’s revenues and expenditures, while assessing the county's needs. The new fiscal year will begin on July 1, 2025.

“Wilson County’s continued growth is driving many of our budgetary priorities,” said County Manager Ron Hunt.  “The approved budget allows for our short-term commitments to county and education capital along with the stability to secure long-term financing for future capital.  I appreciate our amazing budget team, department directors and staff.  I cannot state enough how fortunate we are to have our Commissioners support, leadership and dedication to a thorough budget process.”

The 2025-26 Budget season started internally in the fall of 2024 with county administration budget preparations. 

• Official meetings kicked off on February 18, 2025, providing Commissioners a preview of revenues, needs and expenditures.

• Department directors, along with Wilson County Schools and Wilson Community College, presented budget needs in April.

• County Manager Ron Hunt gave his proposed budget presentation to Commissioners on May 5.  Commissioners immediately started reviewing the budget line-by-line that same night.

• Commissioners held another budget work session on May 8 to review each item line-by-line and ask additional questions.

• A public hearing was held on May 29 at the Wilson County Government Center. After the public hearing closed, County Commissioners approved the $137.4 million budget.

Commissioner Chairman Rob Boyette thanked citizens for attending the public hearing and expressed appreciation to County Manager Ron Hunt, county government leaders and staff.  Commissioners expressed support for the budget’s investment in vital services, staff and citizens while not increasing the tax rate.

Wilson County Government’s approved budget supports its five core values of Sound Financial Management, Innovative County Workforce, Community Partnerships, Quality of Life and Superior Education and Workforce.

Review the adopted budget in more detail here.

Wilson County Emergency Management Director Earns 20-Year Recertification from IAEM

Gordon Deno, Wilson County’s Director of Emergency Management, recently earned his 20-year Certified Emergency Manager recertification from the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM). This certification is the highest professional achievement available from the Association, which has more than 6,000 emergency managers in its ranks.

In order to maintain certification, Deno had to continue a program of professional development over successive five-year periods. Currently, the CEM® designation is held by 2,454 individuals in the emergency management profession worldwide. This demonstrates his high level of competence and ethical fitness in the field of emergency management.

“I am in my thirty-second year as the Emergency Manager for Wilson County. Many years ago, I chose to pursue the voluntary Certified Emergency Manager credential through the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) as a personal goal,” stated Deno. “The initial process included documentation of training, education, work experience, professional contributions to Emergency Management, a written exam and at that time, a written essay.”

Deno has been a member of IAEM since 1999. During that time, he served on the IAEM Certified Emergency Manager Commission for four different three-year terms. In 2009 and 2010, he served as the Vice-Chair and Chair of the Commission, respectively.

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