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New Hanover County adopts FY 2026-27 budget, keeps tax rate at 30.6 cents; vote 4-1
Summary
The board on May 18 adopted the FY 2026-27 budget that holds the property tax rate at 30.6 cents and includes transfers to schools (roughly $111 million in a baseline figure, about $140 million when additional school supports are included). The motion passed 4-1; Commissioner Walker recorded a dissent over reliance on one-time funds and borrowing.
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners adopted the FY 2026-27 budget on May 18, maintaining the county's property tax rate at 30.6 cents and approving staff-recommended appropriations, capital projects and economic development funds.
County finance staff reported nine-month fiscal results through March 31, 2026 and described revenue and expenditure trends that shaped the recommended budget. Staff noted property-tax receipts through May 7 totaled $237.1 million against a $241 million budget and that sales taxes through February were lower than expected in part because of a large, multi-year refund request from a single entity. The presenter identified Novant Health as the primary filer of those refunds.
Commissioners and staff emphasized strong funding for public education in the recommended budget. The presentation and subsequent discussion referenced a baseline transfer to the New Hanover County Public School System of about $111 million; when additional items such as SROs, school-based mental health therapists, school nurses and capital/pre-K investments are included, commissioners referenced a cumulative figure near $140 million.
During public comment, school officials, nonprofit leaders and arts organizations urged continued and expanded county support for schools, urban forestry, cultural institutions and small-business programs. Following public comment and deliberation, the board voted to adopt the budget and approved a set of discretionary nonprofit allocations discussed on the floor, including $300,000 to the Community Justice Center, $150,000 to the Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County, $30,000 to Thalian Hall, $30,000 to Legal Aid, $30,000 to the Alliance for Cape Fear Trees, $25,000 to the Wilmington Symphony and $20,000 to the Cameron Art Museum.
Commissioner Walker recorded a dissent, saying he supported the budget's values but opposed how those values were being funded because the adopted plan relies on one-time fund balance draws and borrowing for recurring expenses. The motion to adopt the budget passed 4-1.
