Wilmington City Council hears public feedback on proposed $350 million budget

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington residents voiced support and concerns Tuesday night as the Wilmington City Council held a public hearing on the city’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

City Manager Becky Hawke updated council members on the proposed spending plan, which calls for a budget of just more than $350 million for the next fiscal year.

The proposal includes increasing the property tax rate by 5.75 cents and raising the city’s living wage for employees, including police officers and firefighters.

Several residents spoke during public comment, with some expressing concerns that higher taxes could create financial strain, particularly for retirees, and potentially force some residents to leave the city.

Others said they supported paying more in taxes if the additional money is spent where it is most needed.

Tom Harris, one of the owner’s of Front Street Brewery, said he believes the city should focus resources on areas experiencing staffing challenges.

“What specific positions are we unable to retain people? Raise those salaries, raise that pay rate, but act like we do in the business, in the real business world? I just don’t think that that starting out in some positions at forty five is, is real world and the right thing,” Harris said. “I don’t care if you raise my taxes twenty percent, but just use it where it really needs to be used.”

Final approval of the city budget is expected following additional review next month.

Council members also approved two grants for the replacement of the Lion’s Bridge in Greenfield Park.