Wake County residents will have their first opportunity Monday to voice their opinions on the proposed fiscal year 2025 budget.
The County Commission is scheduled to hold a budget hearing on Monday, May 20th at 2:00 p.m. in Room 2700 of the Wake County Judicial Center.
“This budget is consistent with the county's newly adopted strategic plan. The budget includes funding to advance each of the plan's six focus areas,” Ellis said in a news release. “We can improve the quality and scope of our programs and services while remaining fiscally responsible.” ”
The proposed budget would reduce the current tax rate by 22 percent, from 65.7 cents per $100 of assessed value to 51.05 cents.
The proposed tax rate would be lower, but that would mean more people would likely pay more in total.
“I think we need to look at what the needs of the county are,” Wake County Commission Chairwoman Sinica Thomas said. “Growth doesn't pay off on its own. You have to make sure there's enough.”
Thomas said the county needs additional revenue to continue serving its rapidly growing population.
“Public safety is our top priority. Education is always a priority for us, and housing is a priority as well,” she said. “We're looking at a lot of different things, but we also understand that budgets are tight.”
The fiscal year runs from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.
Funding for public education, including the Smart Start program, the Wake County Public School System and Wake Tech, totals more than $1.1 billion, or about 54% of the county's budget.
Another public hearing will be held at the Commons Building, 4011 Carya Drive, Raleigh, on Tuesday, May 21 at 7 p.m.
County commissioners are scheduled to adopt the budget at a meeting on Monday, June 3, at 5 p.m. in Room 2700 of the Judicial Center.
