The Wake County Board of Commissioners has approved a $2.1 billion budget for the fiscal year 2026, with a 6-1 vote. The fiscal year will span from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
This budget includes an increase in funding for the Wake County Public School System’s operating budget by $40.3 million, aligning with the Board of Education’s request. Susan Evans, Chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners, stated: “The County is not statutorily required to stand in the gap left by the State and help fund the operational needs of the school district. We do it because we want our schools to remain excellent places for students to learn and thrive.”
To allocate an additional $5.3 million to WCPSS, changes were made regarding fire tax in certain areas. The fire tax will rise by 1.5 cents to reach 12.25 cents per $100 of property value in unincorporated areas and Wendell. This means that owners of homes valued at $450,000 would see an annual increase of $67.50 in addition to a property tax hike of $16.20 annually.
The generated revenue is intended for replacing ten aging fire stations over a decade and implementing salary study recommendations to ensure competitive pay for fire tax district employees.
The FY2026 budget also focuses on public safety staffing and infrastructure while addressing state mandates and growth impacts. It prioritizes education investment, support for unhoused individuals, and improved access to parks and libraries.
For further details on the FY2026 adopted budget, visit wake.gov/budget.
