North Raleigh Today

Wake County Commissioners unanimously approved a $1.7 billion 2022-23 budget on Monday, and it promises increases in spending that will translate to higher property taxes.

"We're proud to adopt this budget, which invests in areas where the Commission wants to make significant strides to benefit our community,” Commissioner Sig Hutchinson told WTVD on Monday. 

The budget has line items that will translate to investments in health and safety, education, quality of life and housing affordability.

"It shows that we care about our residents and are committed to expanding the programs and services that improve safety, health and the wellbeing of our people, so they can thrive,” Hutchinson said.

To pay for all that, the property tax rate will increase to 61.95 cents per $100 of valuation. That is a 1.95-cent increase, higher than the 1.5-cent rate hike that was first put forth. 

That means the owner of a $337,000 home will hand over an extra $66 per year, bringing in an additional $38 million in revenue, the commissioners said.

More than half of the budget, 52%, will go to the Wake County Public School System.

"There is no greater investment we can make for our children's futures than in education,” Commissioner Susan Evans told WTVD. “These funding increases will help ensure students have well-trained teachers, as well as adequately paid bus drivers, cafeteria workers and other non-certified staff who support effective learning environments.”

Commissioners also will get a raise, bringing their compensation to $37,856, plus $9,000 in “travel and technology” allowances. Those numbers are up from $25,288/$3,300 last year.