Local governments in the area have passed their budgets for the next fiscal year, with all holding property tax rates steady except for the city of Wilmington.

The budgets take effect July 1.

On Tuesday night, the Wilmington City Council voted 4-3, with councilmembers Salette Andrews, Chakema Clinton-Quintana and Kevin Spears dissenting, to adopt a nearly $350 million spending plan. The budget includes a property tax increase of 4.9 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.

City officials said in a news release that the budget "prioritizes investments in the people and services that residents rely on every day. More than 70% of these increased investments support police and fire operations, including staffing, equipment and other public safety needs."

The budget also adopts a living wage strategy, which helps "ensure employees are compensated at levels that better reflect the cost of living and support the recruitment and retention of a high-quality workforce," according to the release.

Officials said the plan also addresses "inflationary and operational cost increases and funds critical infrastructure and capital improvements across the community."

"Based on the median assessed home value of $445,000, the increase equates to approximately $18.17 per month for the typical homeowner," according to the release.

NEW HANOVER COUNTY

In May, the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners adopted a nearly $570 million budget that maintains the current property tax rate of 30.6 cents per $100 of assessed value.
It was approved in a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Stephanie Walker dissenting.

"Times are tough for a lot of families, and keeping more money in their pocket matters," stated Board of Commissioners Chair LeAnn Pierce in a news release. "I support the plan we approved, which holds the line on the tax rate while investing in our schools, our public safety, and the continued work to preserve and connect greenspace across the county."

Some of the highlights include:

• $111.4 million to New Hanover County Schools for operating expenses, capital outlay and Pre-K. This includes raising the per-pupil rate from $3,872 to $4,120. The budget also restores Pre-K funding to the post-COVID rate of $1.95 million. Also included is support for school resource officers, school nurses and school-based mental health therapists, "bringing total direct and indirect school funding to $143.4 million," the county release stated.
• $15.9 million to Cape Fear Community College for operating expenses and capital outlay with an additional $9.6 million for debt service. This will maintain level funding for operations from FY 25-26.
• $122.6 million in public safety funding, including $907,000 in enhancements for the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office, which will create three new positions along with several one-time equipment or software upgrades.
• $89.8 million between the General Fund, Fire Services Fund and Environmental Management Fund for the five-year, FY 2027-31 Capital Improvement Plan. This funding will support various projects, including multi-use trails on Carolina Beach Road, the Holly Shelter Business Park, fire station renovations at four sites and more.
• For residents in the unincorporated portions of the county, the budget maintains the Fire Service District tax rate of 7.25 cents per $100 of assessed value. Residents in the unincorporated county will also pay $6.14 per equivalent residential unit per month for the Stormwater Services Utility Fee.
• The landfill tip fee will increase from $52 to $61 per ton to support a capital plan for cell closures and extend the life of the landfill. This new rate is guaranteed for FY 26-27 and the four fiscal years to follow. The five-year capital plan for the site totals approximately $39.1 million. 

BRUNSWICK AND PENDER COUNTIES

In Brunswick and Pender counties, commissioners adopted their budgets on Monday.

Pender County officials stated in a release that in its budget, the county has maintained its property tax rate of 73.75 cents per $100 of value "in anticipation of the expected implementation of SB 889, also known as the Property Tax Reappraisal Moratorium."

"The adopted budget supports the county's daily operations and reflects continued investment in the services residents rely on every day, including county employees, Pender County Schools, the Department of Health and Human Services, public safety, emergency response, fire departments, infrastructure and critical services that help meet the needs of a growing county," according to the release.

Highlights include:

• $6 million in capital funding for Pender County Schools
• 3% cost-of-living adjustment for employees, a step increase for all eligible employees and implementation of the county's workforce alignment program
• Completion of the emergency services merger
• Removing, reclassifying and transferring "underutilized long-term unfilled positions."

Brunswick County's budget also maintains the county's existing tax rate of 34.2 cents per $100 of value.

The board adopted the fiscal year 2027 recommended budget, fees and capital improvement plan during its June 15 meeting after closing the public hearing, which was continued from June 1.

The recommended budget message described the challenges the budget aims to help alleviate:

• Addressing population growth and service demand: "Brunswick County's rapid growth increases demand for public safety, EMS, inspections, utilities and human services. This budget includes additional staff to sustain service levels," according to the budget message.
• Maintaining key infrastructure: A growing population requires expanded water and wastewater systems, public safety facilities and equipment, officials said. "The budget focuses on essential upgrades and long-term capital plans," the message stated.
• Building a strong workforce: "Competitive labor markets make recruiting and retaining skilled workers challenging. FY 2027 includes carefully selected new positions, refined classifications, and more competitive compensation," according to the budget message.
• Managing finances amid rising costs: "Inflation increases operational budgets while growth demands fiscal discipline. The budget recommendation reflects prudent fund balance usage and aligns recurring needs with revenues," the message stated.
• Enhancing emergency preparedness: "Coastal risks and development raise the need for robust emergency management. FY 2027 invests in communication, staffing and rapid response capabilities," officials stated.
• Supporting health and vulnerable groups: "Demand for social, health, and outreach services rises with population changes and economic pressures," according to the budget message. "The budget funds improvements in services, technology and program accessibility."