Inside Wilmington’s budget

Wilmington, NC (WWAY)– Last year the City of Wilmington had a total budget of $122.5 million. After factoring in the proposed 3.75 cent property tax increase the city will actually increase the total budget to $126 million dollars for the upcoming fiscal year.

Even though the tax will mean more money for the city some programs won’t get funding. The Cameron Art Museum received a lot of attention for the $100,000 they’ve received from the city in years past. In the proposed budget, it won’t get anything. And the museums not alone.

The Cape Fear Youth Soccer Association received more than $110,000 last year, and they won’t see a dime either.

While there will be some major cuts in programs, employees will be able to keep their jobs. However 18 vacant positions will be eliminated, and once again employees will go without a raise.

For Wilmington residents, property taxes won’t be the only thing going up. For the second year in a row the city has proposed a solid waste and storm water increase that will cost residents a little less than a dollar per bill.

And if your visiting the city, bring some extra change. Parking may go up 25-cents per hour in January.

But all these cuts, and fees, and taxes will balance the city’s budget, which right now stands at seven point five million dollars.