County Manager Grier presents FY 2027 recommended budget
By Staff Report, posted May 22, 2026 on BizFayetteville.com
Cumberland County Manager Clarence Grier presented his recommended Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget to the Board of Commissioners during a meeting on May 21.
The County Manager’s FY27 recommended budget totals $656.5 million across all operating funds and includes a general fund budget of $398.3 million. The general fund recommendation represents a decrease of approximately $7.9 million, or 1.9%, from the current fiscal year’s adopted budget. The budget maintains the current property tax rate while continuing to support essential services and align funding with the Board of Commissioners’ strategic priorities.
“The Fiscal Year 2027 recommended budget reflects our continued commitment to delivering high-quality services while remaining fiscally responsible and preparing for future needs,” said Cumberland County Manager Clarence Grier in a press release. “This budget prioritizes essential services and strategic investments while balancing current needs, economic conditions and the County’s long-term financial sustainability.”
FY27 Recommended Budget Highlights
Maintains the current property tax rate of 49.9 cents
Includes a 2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for eligible County employees and a 1% increase to the County salary schedule
Includes a 2% increase in current expense funding for Cumberland County Schools and Fayetteville Technical Community College
Continues investment in capital projects, technology and infrastructure improvements
Supports required federal and state mandates while maintaining core County services
The budget was developed to address economic uncertainty, inflationary pressures, evolving federal and state requirements, and growing service demands while maintaining the County’s long-term financial stability.
The Board of Commissioners will review the proposed budget during a series of work sessions and public meetings. Residents are encouraged to participate in the process and provide feedback.
FY27 Budget Meeting and Public Hearing Schedule
All meetings and hearings will be held at the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse, 117 Dick St., Fayetteville.
May 28, 3 p.m.: Budget Work Session, Room 564
June 1, 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.: Budget Public Hearing/Optional Budget Work Session during the Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting, Room 118
June 9, 3 p.m.: Budget Work Session, Room 564
June 11, 5:30 p.m.: Budget Work Session, Room 564
June 18, 2:30 p.m.: Budget Work Session (if needed), Room 564
The FY27 recommended budget presentation will be available on the County’s YouTube Channel and Budget & Performance department webpage. A print copy is also available for public review through the Clerk to the Board office.
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