‘Better than expected’: Wilmington talks budget for upcoming year

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Wilmington City Council held a workshop Friday afternoon to go over the budget process for the upcoming year.

Mayor Bill Saffo says it is vital to have meetings like this to go through the priorities and needs not only of the city, but of the community as well.

A few items discussed include pay increases for city employees, infrastructure improvements across the city like sidewalks and streets, and economic development initiatives.

Saffo also suggested increased funds for non-profits.

Another major topic was the the financial status of the Wilmington Convention Center. Saffo said many thought it would lose money and hurt the community but that is not the case.

“What it’s done it’s done the exact opposite,” Saffo said. “It has brought business to the community, development, private development following the convention center. We have several million dollars that is in the fund balance now so it’s doing better than we anticipated and we’re very happy for that.”

Saffo said the convention center has also created a lot of jobs for people in the community which was always the goal.

They have two more meetings and a public hearing before the budget is due at the end of June.