WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Wilmington City Council approved the first reading of a $349.8 million budget for fiscal year 2027 in a 4-3 vote Tuesday evening.
The budget will go before council for a second reading and final vote on Tuesday, June 16.
City Manager Becky Hawke first presented the budget on May 4 with a proposed property tax increase of 5.75 cents per $100 of assessed value, according to city officials. Councilmember David Joyner moved to reduce the increase to 4.9 cents per $100, which the council approved.
The revised increase amounts to about $18.17 per month for a home with the median assessed value of $445,000.
More than 70% of the increased costs in the budget support police and fire services, the city said. The budget also includes funding for the city’s living wage strategy, operational costs and infrastructure projects.
Council approved using $2,504,978 from the city’s fund balance to pay for one-time public safety purchases, including police vehicles and equipment.
The budget will take effect July 1, 2026, if adopted on second reading.