City Council adopts fiscal year 2026-2027 budget

Salisbury, N.C. (Wednesday, June 17, 2026) – The Salisbury City Council adopted the fiscal year 2026–2027 operating and capital budget totaling $131,702,978 during the Tuesday, June 16 council meeting.

The new budget represents an 11.68% increase from FY 2025–2026, due to a rise in infrastructure and facility investment needed for Water and Sewer and Stormwater. The balanced spending plan includes a property tax increase of 1.9 cents to support the City’s strategic priorities, critical infrastructure improvements and strengthen public safety including new police officers and a new Police Department Park Ranger Program. A 4% increase in water and sewer rates will support Salisbury Rowan Utilities’ infrastructure needs.

"This year's budget reflects service efficiency, strategic investment, infrastructure maintenance, and planning for the needs of our growing community," said City Manager Jim Greene. "We are committed to maintain quality core services and invest in the future while assuring fiscal responsibility to our taxpayers. The budget continues to invest in additional compensation and benefits for our employees, our most valued asset."

Key highlights of the FY 2026–2027 adopted budget

• Street resurfacing – $1.5 million
• Fire engine – $750,000
• Roof, HVAC, and facilities repair and upgrades: $300,000 for roof and HVAC, $100,000 for fleet restroom repairs, $100,000 for Price High School boiler repair
• Ellis and Bank Street bridge repair – $200,000
• Bell Tower improvements – $140,000
• Economic development strategic plan – $50,000

The 1.9 cents property tax increase will result in an additional $4.74 per month for a residential home valued at $300,000, while the 4% water sewer rate increase will add roughly $2.72 per month for average customers. The anticipated total average monthly impact on residents is $7.46. No stormwater or solid waste recycling increases are included for customers.

The new budget will be available online at salisburync.gov/Budget on July 1.

The City of Salisbury is located in the heart of the Piedmont region of North Carolina, midway between Charlotte and Greensboro. Salisbury is the county seat of Rowan County and provides a full range of municipal services, including law enforcement, fire service protection, zoning and code enforcement and water and sewer systems. For more information regarding the City of Salisbury and its services and departments, please visit us on the web at www.salisburync.gov.