Forsyth County adopts FY‑26 budget after split vote; commissioners decline $32.1M school payment request

Forsyth County commissioners adopted the fiscal year 2026 budget ordinance on a 4‑3 vote, approving option B that includes $1.816 million in community grants and sets the county property tax rate at 53.52¢ per $100 of assessed value.

The vote followed several hours of discussion about the county’s fiscal position and an ongoing $18 million deficit reported by Winston‑Salem/Forsyth County Schools. Commissioners separately voted 6‑1 to send a formal letter to the School Board denying the district’s request for a one‑time $32.1 million payment to cover fiscal year 2025 shortfalls.

The budget adopted by the board appropriates total resources in the range presented for FY‑26 (the recommended budget document cited totals in the $589–591 million range depending on options). Option B adds $225,000 for an additional community grant line and raises the tax rate from the revenue‑neutral figure discussed during deliberations to 53.52¢. County staff said the adopted budget is approximately 0.9% higher than FY‑25 after multiple adjustments, including removing longstanding…