On Monday, Wake County Board of Commissioner’s Meeting, County Manager Jim Hartmann presented his proposed 2015-2016 budget.
(You can watch the video of Hartmann’s presentation, or view the slides here. During the video, the presentation begins at the 1 hour and 23 minute mark.)
The $1.13 billion proposed budget includes a 2.9 cents tax increase.
The proposed budget provides $34.6 million for WCPSS, a 10.1 percent increase. The WCPSS budget requested a $48.3 million increase in county funding. The proposed amount is $13.7 less than requested.
Hartmann noted the focus of the increase was to raise per-pupil local spending to pre-recession levels. The increase actually exceeds that by $119, providing $2,374 per pupil. County spending per student in 2009 was $2,255.
Hartmann emphasized quality education and an educated workforce as two of the strongest economic development tools. He also indicated Wake County’s sincere interest to, “do more for our county through measured funding increases.”
During budget preparation, the county received funding requests for $72 million. Growth in sales and property taxes, along with the tax increase, provide $67.1 million in new revenue. It’s fair to say that most everyone is not getting exactly what they asked.
On June 1, the Board of Commissioners will hold two public hearings on the budget. At 2:00 PM, the public hearing will be at the Wake County Justice Center. At 7:00 PM, the public hearing will be at the Wake County Commons.
You can also submit comments on the proposed budget online.
The Board of Commissioners will have a budget work session on June 8, and adopt a budget on June 15.
