WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — New Hanover County leaders have released the proposed budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, highlighting investments in education, public safety, infrastructure and long-term planning while keeping the county property tax rate unchanged.
County Manager Chris Coudriet said the recommended budget is balanced at the current countywide property tax rate of 30.6 cents per $100 of assessed value. The proposal also keeps the Fire-Rescue tax rate unchanged at 7.25 cents and does not increase stormwater fees.
The proposed budget totals approximately $480.5 million in expenditures across all county funds…