Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Greensboro adopts FY2026–27 operating budget and capital program, citing infrastructure and public‑safety needs
Summary
Council approved a roughly $910 million combined budget (general fund about $485 million), noting impacts from a suspended property-revaluation and adding investments in public safety, stormwater, parks, and employee retention; the vote included unanimous approval of several budget and capital ordinances.
The Greensboro City Council adopted its FY2026–27 operating budget and related capital ordinances during the June 16 meeting after public comment and a presentation from the city manager.
City Manager Davis told the council the combined budget is about $910 million, including a general fund of roughly $485 million, and that the proposal reflects higher costs for personnel, insurance, construction materials and deferred maintenance. He said the change in state actions around property revaluation reduced the tax base the council initially anticipated, requiring a higher tax rate to maintain previously agreed service levels. “The penny of the tax rate generates significantly less revenue than it would have under a reevaluation,” Davis said.
Public safety investments featured in the debate: firefighter Dave Coker testified in favor of separation‑allowance payments and new fire apparatus to aid recruitment and readiness; the council supported a benefit to retain experienced firefighters. Councilmembers also emphasized investments in behavioral‑health response teams, code enforcement staff, restored parks hours and water/wastewater infrastructure.
Opponents during public comment raised concerns about the size of the budget and short public review time. One resident, Robert Hicks, criticized the increase in overall spending and questioned the timing of agenda posting and the transparency of some processes.
Council members responded by describing cost drivers (inflation, materials and deferred maintenance) and describing work to identify internal savings. After questions and extended debate, council voted to adopt the operating budget, the capital improvements program and selection of grant budgets; multiple related ordinances carried unanimously (9–0). Council also scheduled a reconvened budget session for June 23, 2026, to continue review of budget ordinances and implementation steps.
