New Hanover County proposed budget keeps tax rate flat while boosting school, public safety funding
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — New Hanover County leaders have released the proposed budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, highlighting investments in education, public safety, infrastructure and long-term planning while keeping the county property tax rate unchanged.
County Manager Chris Coudriet said the recommended budget is balanced at the current countywide property tax rate of 30.6 cents per $100 of assessed value. The proposal also keeps the Fire-Rescue tax rate unchanged at 7.25 cents and does not increase stormwater fees.
The proposed budget totals approximately $480.5 million in expenditures across all county funds.
Education and public safety make up the largest portions of the county’s general fund budget, each accounting for about 26% of spending. Human services account for 17%, while general government represents 15%.
One of the largest investments in the proposal is funding for New Hanover County Schools. The county is proposing a total of $111.4 million for schools, including $106.6 million for operating expenses, nearly $2 million for Pre-K and $2.8 million for capital funding. The recommendation also restores Pre-K funding to post-COVID levels.
Funding for Cape Fear Community College would remain at prior-year operating levels, with the county recommending $13.3 million for operating expenses and $2.6 million for capital projects. Planned capital improvements include roof replacements, HVAC upgrades and chiller replacements.
Public safety is another major focus of the proposed budget. The county is recommending more than $122 million in public safety spending, including new positions within the sheriff’s office and 911 communications.
The sheriff’s office would receive funding for three new positions, including a crime scene investigation detective, a deputy assigned to county facilities and libraries and a K-9 deputy trained in firearm detection. Additional funding is also proposed for camera upgrades, communications software, e-bikes and public safety technology improvements.
The proposal also includes investments in parks and recreation, including $125,000 for a new 10-year Parks Master Plan and $15,000 for a shaded dog park at Ogden Park.
Stormwater fees would remain at $6.14 per ERU under the proposal. Planned projects include culvert replacements at Courtney Pines, Hixon Place and Peters Lane.
While taxes and stormwater fees would stay flat, county leaders are proposing a $9 increase in landfill tipping fees, raising the rate from $52 to $61 per ton. Officials said the increase would support landfill expansion, cell closures and extending the life of the landfill.
The budget also outlines a five-year capital improvement plan totaling nearly $90 million. Planned projects include multi-use trail designs along Carolina Beach Road and Masonboro Loop Road, fire station projects in Porters Neck and Myrtle Grove and environmental management projects tied to landfill operations.
The Board of Commissioners will hold an Agenda Review meeting at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 14, with a formal budget presentation and public hearing scheduled for the Commissioners meeting at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 18.
You can take a look at the proposed budget here.
