WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – New Hanover County commissioners approved the county’s fiscal year 2026-27 budget Monday in a 4-1 vote, keeping the property tax rate unchanged while funding schools, pre-K, public safety, transit and several nonprofit organizations.
Commissioner Walker cast the lone “no” vote, saying she supports the budget’s priorities but not how the county plans to pay for them. Walker objected to using fund balance and borrowing to cover recurring expenses, arguing it creates a long-term structural problem.
Commissioners backing the budget said it reflects months of work and protects taxpayers at a time when families are already strained by higher prices for necessities such as groceries, gas, insurance and utilities. They emphasized that the plan maintains the current tax rate while fully funding New Hanover County Schools, continuing pre-K support, investing in public safety, supporting nonprofits and adding money for WAVE Transit…