Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
North Wilkesboro council adopts $12.5M FY2026–27 budget, keeps property tax rate at $0.41
Summary
The North Wilkesboro Town Council approved a roughly $12.5 million budget for FY2026–27, adopted a 41-cent property tax rate, approved a fee schedule and awarded $29,000 in nonprofit appropriations; staff also detailed pay adjustments including a 7% increase for 12 patrol officers.
The North Wilkesboro Town Council on June 9 adopted a combined FY2026–27 budget of about $12.5 million and voted to keep the property tax rate at $0.41 per $100 of assessed value.
Council members approved the budget package, which the town said includes roughly $9 million in the general fund and $3.5 million in the water and sewer fund, with contingencies of about $279,000 and $59,000 respectively. The package also included a newly developed fee schedule the council adopted the same night.
The budget letter and staff presentation noted personnel adjustments: the town recommended a 7% pay increase for 12 patrol officers tied to a recent pay study and set an entry-level wage for those officers at $43,866. Other town employees were proposed to receive 3% or 4% cost-of-living adjustments; staff said a follow-up pay study for remaining positions is underway and results will be returned to the council within 60 days.
During debate, several council members voiced concern about economic pressures on residents, citing high food and fuel costs and the prior year's tax-rate changes. Staff noted that hospital investment proceeds and sales tax receipts have been significant revenue sources; accounting staff presented comparative percentages showing North Wilkesboro's tax revenue share lower than some neighboring towns when hospital funds are excluded.
Council also approved nonprofit special appropriations totaling roughly $29,000 for local organizations, and separately approved a $3,000 award for the Wils Art Gallery after a recusal was noted for the gallery item.
Votes on the budget, fee schedule, nonprofit appropriations and the tax-rate motion were taken by voice and recorded as approved; a roll-call tally was not stated on the record.
The council directed staff to return with results of the ongoing pay study and a budget amendment reflecting upcoming capital projects. The town manager said budget amendments for major capital items will be presented at a future meeting. The council also discussed long-term revenue considerations, noting that hospital-related investment income historically has helped balance the operating budget and may decline with changes in interest rates.
The council adjourned after completing the evening's business.
