Cumberland County Board of Commissioners adopts FY2026 budget; Reduces property tax rate by 30 cents

By Staff Report, posted Jun 20, 2025 on BizFayetteville.com

The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on Thursday, June 19, 2025, to adopt the County’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget during a work session held at the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse.

“This year's budget delivers transformative investments in our strategic priorities: public safety, education, infrastructure, economic prosperity and quality of life for all Cumberland County residents,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere in a press release. “We lowered the property tax rate to 49.9 cents, down from 79.9 cents, easing the burden on taxpayers while advancing essential services and strategic investments.”

“We made historic investments in education by fully funding the school board's requests, including teacher supplements, new school construction and maintenance for existing facilities,” continued deViere. “We strengthened public safety through targeted resources for our sheriff and funded a much-needed inpatient mental health facility to address our region's service gap. Essential infrastructure investments include clean and safe drinking water systems, while economic development funding enhances our ability to recruit industry and create quality jobs.”

The FY2026 budget directly supports the Board’s six strategic priorities:

Supporting a High-Performing Education System

$103 million in current expense funding for Cumberland County Schools, fully meeting their FY26 request. This includes continued support for teacher supplements, school nurses, School Resource Officers and crossing guards.
$300 million capital investment in school facility maintenance and $160 million earmarked for future new school construction.
$16.25 million in operating support and $11.5 million in capital funding for Fayetteville Technical Community College.
$10 million investment in the Cape Fear Valley Medical School, supporting a well-educated and healthy community.

Ensuring a Safe Community for All Residents

Targeted funding to strengthen recruitment and retention of Sheriff’s Deputies and Detention Officers.
Continued investment in public health staffing to enhance service delivery.
Funding for Legal Aid to expand access to justice across the county.
Ongoing support for volunteer fire departments to improve emergency response capacity.

Fostering Economic Prosperity

Strategic investments in economic development partnerships to attract new industries, including support for site-ready locations.
Historic funding to expand access to clean, safe, and regulated drinking water throughout the county.
Continued technology enhancements to streamline services and promote business growth and innovation.

Enhancing Health and Wellness

Targeted support for regional organizations delivering health and community-based services.
$30 million investment in a mental health diversion facility offering 24/7 inpatient care.
Additional funding to support newborn health and early-life wellness.
Increased resources for Veterans Services to better serve those who served.

Encouraging Quality Development and Smart Growth

Expanded investment in local nonprofits to address critical needs and strengthen community partnerships.
Continued enhancements to transportation services for senior and disabled residents, promoting greater accessibility and independence.

Championing Responsive, Transparent Government

Property tax rate reduced to 49.9 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, providing significant tax relief following the 2025 revaluation.
Investment in the County’s professional workforce, including a cost-of-living adjustment, ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality services.

Providing Culture and Recreation Opportunities

$500,000 allocated for planning and scoping a regional aquatics center.
Expansion of Parks and Recreation access, particularly in rural areas, promoting equitable access to leisure and wellness opportunities.

For full details on the FY2026 budget, visit cumberlandcountync.gov/budget.

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