It’s budget season, and local governments are deciding spending priorities for the next fiscal year, which starts July 1.

On Monday, New Hanover County Commissioners approved a $458 million budget for 2021-22.

The budget included a property tax rate of 47.5 cents per $100 valuation, compared to last year’s 55.5-cent rate. That was not considered a revenue-neutral rate, however, because revaluations this year pushed up property values for many homeowners.

New Hanover County Manager Chris Coudriet joined WilmingtonBiz Talk on Thursday to explain how and why that’s happening, as well as where the county’s money will be spent next year – from economic development projects to higher teacher pay.

Click below to see the entire conversation:




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