Commissioners adopt 2026-27 budget, keep property tax rate unchanged

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners approved a Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget Monday that maintains the county’s current property tax rate while increasing investments in public education, public safety and infrastructure projects.

The budget, which takes effect July 1, was approved in a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Stephanie Walker voting against the measure. The adopted plan keeps the county property tax rate at 30.6 cents per $100 of assessed property value.

“Times are tough for a lot of families, and keeping more money in their pocket matters,” said Board Chair LeAnn Pierce. “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.”

Public education remained a major focus of the spending plan.

The budget allocates $111.4 million to New Hanover County Schools for operating expenses, capital outlay and Pre-K programs. The plan also increases the county’s per-pupil funding rate from $3,872 to $4,120 and restores Pre-K funding to the post-pandemic level of $1.95 million.

Additional school-related funding supports school resource officers, nurses, mental health therapists and violence prevention programs, bringing total direct and indirect school funding to approximately $143.4 million.

The county also approved $15.9 million for Cape Fear Community College operations and capital expenses, along with an additional $9.6 million for debt service.

Public safety funding totals $122.6 million in the adopted budget, including enhancements for the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office that will fund three new positions and several equipment and software upgrades.

Commissioners also approved nearly $89.8 million in capital funding over the next five years to support projects including multi-use trails along Carolina Beach Road, improvements at Holly Shelter Business Park and renovations at four county fire stations.

For residents living in unincorporated areas of the county, the Fire Service District tax rate will remain at 7.25 cents per $100 of assessed value. Stormwater utility fees will remain at $6.14 per equivalent residential unit per month.

The budget also includes an increase to landfill tipping fees, which will rise from $52 to $61 per ton. County officials said the increase will support a long-term capital plan for landfill cell closures and efforts to extend the landfill’s lifespan.

County officials said a budget summary document will be available in the coming weeks through the county’s finance department website.