Government

Fayetteville City Council adopts $315M budget for fiscal year 2026: Lowest property tax in 30 years

By Staff Report, posted 1 month ago

Fayetteville City Council adopted the city’s fiscal year (FY) 2026 Operating Budget of $315.2 million and Capital Improvement Plan of $91.8 million during the City Council Regular Meeting on June 9. The budget passed with a 9-1 vote.

Despite economic challenges, including reduced sales and vehicle tax revenue, the budget maintains essential services, invests in public safety and infrastructure and has the lowest property tax rate in 30 years at $0.4495 per $100 value.  

The rate remains above the revenue-neutral level to support long-term priorities without overburdening taxpayers. Of note, there are no increases for stormwater or solid waste fees, and FAST transit fares remain the same. 

“This budget is a win for Fayetteville,” said City Manager Douglas J. Hewett in a press release. “It reflects our commitment to safety, neighborhoods and economic development while also being sensitive to household affordability.” 

Substantial capital investments include $30.7 million for stormwater improvements, $20.6 million for public safety and technology and $9.5 million for parks and recreation. Additionally, the city council came to a consensus to include $6.2 million for additional community needs such as public safety cameras, neighborhood enhancements and sidewalk expansions. 

The city is investing $4.6 million in employee compensation, offering a 4% merit increase and a 1% increase to 401(k) contributions. An additional $1.5 million was included in the budget to address pay compression in public safety. 

“We’ve developed a budget that balances today’s needs and tomorrow’s opportunities,” Hewett added in a press release. “It strengthens services, supports our workforce and positions Fayetteville for long-term success.”

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
fayetteville-state-university sambit-bhattacharya-phd headshott

FSU students and faculty make strides towards advancement in applied AI in the Intelligent Systems Laboratory

Sambit Bhattacharya, Ph.D. - Professor of Computer Science and Director of the Intelligent Systems Lab, Fayetteville State University
cape-fear-valley-health daniel-mccullough-md headshott

Navigating weight loss: Insights from a bariatric surgeon

Daniel McCullough, MD - Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Director, Cape Fear Valley Health
north-carolina-military-business-center bill-simons headshott

Federal Food Series Webinars Will Connect North Carolina Food Businesses with Government Buyers

Bill Simons - Regional Program Manager, Goldsboro, North Carolina Military Business Center

In The Current Issue

Creating opportunities: The Defense Alliance Foundation seeks to strengthen the local defense innovation ecosystem

DAF Chairman Phil Williams (far left) pictured with City of Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin (center) on June 10 following a presentation on a 25- year vision for the city’s continued growth and transformation. Photo provided by the DAF.The Defense Al


Empowering the mission: Linchpin Solutions provides tools to turn the tech of the future into the tools of today

Linchpin Solutions attends defense conferences throughout the year, using conferences and tradeshows to exhibit their services and connect with network professionals, including industry, military and government leaders to address and understand today


Lumberton is ready for takeoff: Lumberton Regional Airport embarks on major expansion to meet growing demand

Photo provided by Gary Lewis.The City of Lumberton is moving forward with a new terminal project at the Lumberton Regional Airport. It’s a collaborative effort involving several partners, including Cooper Tacia General Contractors, Talbert & Brig