Wake County approves $1.7 billion budget with bigger property tax increase
The Wake County commissioners passed a $1.7 billion budget Monday night that raises the county tax rate more than originally proposed.
The increase of nearly 2 cents per $100 of assessed property value will provide more money for the Wake County Public Schools System, though it falls short of the school board’s full funding request.
“We’re proud to adopt this budget, which invests in areas where the commission wants to make significant strides to benefit our community,” said Sig Hutchinson, chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners. “It shows that we care about our residents and are committed to expanding the programs and services that improve safety, health and the well-being of our people, so they can thrive.”
The $1.7 billion budget that County Manager David Ellis proposed in May included a 1.5 cent tax-rate increase.
The tax increase approved Monday raises the county tax rate by 1.95 cents to 61.95 cents per $100 of assessed property value.
The owner of a $337,000 home, the average assessed value in Wake County, will pay about $66 more per year in county property tax. The county tax is in addition to property taxes levied by city and town governments.
More money for Wake schools
The proposed budget recommended $38 million more for schools, for a total of $582.5 million.
However, Superintendent Cathy Moore had requested a $56 million increase, and after three public hearings and budget work sessions, the commissioners agreed to increase the allotment by $50 million.
Part of that increase came from the additional tax increase, but also from a $2 million decrease in the county’s affordable housing development program and another nearly $1.3 million from delaying hiring for new positions for a month.
Commissioners also added $40,000 to increase funding for universal breakfast at area schools.
“Growth continues to be the defining characteristic of Wake County,” said Commissioner Matt Calabria. “We’ve got to continue to be mindful that we don’t want to get behind when it comes to building infrastructure, building new schools, renovating schools and making sure that we have the amenities in place, as the chair sometimes says, not just grow and maintain our quality of life but grow and improve our quality of life as we move forward in time.”
More money for county commissioners
The budget raises the pay for the seven members of the Wake County Board of Commissioners.
Their annual salary will rise from $25,288 to $37,856, a 50% increase.
And their travel and technology allowances will increase from $3,300 to $9,000, for a total increase in compensation of nearly 64%.
A handful of community members spoke at Monday’s meeting, asking the commissioners not to raise their own pay.
“Every family is hurting right now financially,” said Donna Williams. “And so to me, for county commissioners who are elected officials, your job is to serve this community. I ask you please think about the citizens of Wake County and what they are making.”
Other budget items
“This was not an easy budget,” said Commissioner James West. “These are not easy times. There are hard choices that have to be made.”
In other highlights, the budget:
- Adds 210 new positions, including in Wake EMS and the fire departments.
- Gives the county’s 4,500 employees a 3.1% cost-of-living increase and merit raises ranging from 2% to 6%.
- Restores 10 library hours cut during the pandemic.
- Raises the pay for all regular employees to at least $18.20 per hour
- Increases staff at regional centers including in health and social services departments.
- Funds early voting for the 2022 elections.
The entire budget can be found online at wakegov.com/budget.
This story was originally published June 6, 2022 at 7:24 PM.
