Wilmington City Council hears more about proposed budget with tax increase, higher first responder pay

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington City Council moved one step closer Tuesday to approving its budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which includes a proposed property tax increase and raises for police officers and firefighters.

During a council meeting, City Manager Becky Hawke presented details of the proposed spending plan before opening the floor for public comment.

The proposed budget totals more than $350 million, representing a 14% increase from the previous fiscal year.

The plan also includes a proposed property tax rate increase of 5.75 cents, which would raise the city’s tax rate to 34 cents per $100 of assessed property value.

Several speakers voiced support for the proposal during the meeting, including Jordan Pettid, who said the budget would provide critical support for first responders.

“We’re here in support of the budget and the living wage and everything that comes with it, all the safety, the safety aspects, the money going towards our apparatus to fix everything that happens to you on a daily basis,” Pettid said.

Under the proposed budget, starting salaries for Wilmington police officers would increase from $52,000 to $62,000 annually. Starting pay for firefighters would rise from $48,000 to $58,000.

Hawke said another budget work session is scheduled for later this month as city leaders continue discussions before the budget is finalized.