On Monday, Wake County Manager David Ellis unveiled a $2.1 billion budget proposal for fiscal year 2026 to county commissioners, featuring increased investments in public safety and education. The plan allocates an additional $35 million to Wake County Public Schools, raising the total to about $737 million from last year’s $702 million.
Last month, Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor requested a $40 million increase in county funding for the district.
“If the commissioners approve what was presented tonight, the district will still face budget cuts,” said Christina Cole, President of the Wake NCAE.
Cole emphasized that teachers remain deeply concerned about potential cuts to staff and benefits in both the superintendent’s and county’s proposed budgets, even with the increased funding.
“We’ve spoken at every budget hearing and had a dozen or more advocates pushing for a no-cuts budget,” she said. “We’ve shown up at every school board meeting since the proposal in March with the same message.”
The additional $35 million would push the two-year increase in public school funding to over $93 million. Last year, commissioners boosted school funding by $58 million. During Monday’s presentation, Ellis acknowledged the challenges Wake County schools face.
“Our discussions with Superintendent Taylor, his team, and the Board of Education make it clear they have significant needs, many of which are complicated by uncertainties at the state and federal levels,” Ellis said.
Cole stressed that educators won’t support any plan that jeopardizes teacher positions or benefits.
“We’ll continue attending meetings and talking with board members and commissioners to ensure they understand the impact on both staff and students,” she said.
Property Tax Increase for Library Bond and Other Key Investments
According to a county news release, the proposed budget includes a property tax hike to support a voter-approved library bond. It also invests in staff, infrastructure, and services that address state mandates and accommodate Wake County’s continued growth.
“Even with a volatile economy, this budget is financially sound and prioritizes our residents’ most critical needs,” Ellis said. “I’ve recommended funding that aligns with our strategic goals and reflects our community’s feedback.”
The budget relies on natural revenue growth to fund all other expansion efforts.
Budget Highlights
Library Bond
-
Requires a 0.25-cent property tax increase.
-
The $142 million bond will fund five new libraries and expand or renovate nine existing ones over seven years, improving access and service delivery.
Fire Tax District
-
Supports fire services in unincorporated Wake County and Wendell.
-
Ten outdated fire stations will be replaced over the next decade, at a cost of more than $60 million.
-
The fire tax will rise by 1.5 cents to 12.25 cents per $100 of property value.
Wake County Schools
-
$1.15 billion dedicated to education and related facilities (53% of the total budget).
-
$737.6 million for Wake County Public Schools
-
$133.8 million for Wake Tech
-
$8.2 million for income-based Pre-K programs for 3- and 4-year-olds
-
First Responders
-
15 paramedics and 10 EMTs will join Wake County EMS to improve emergency medical response.
Continuum of Care
-
Nine new positions will be added to support the county-led agency that works to reduce homelessness.
Legal Services
-
For the first time, the budget funds two legal assistants for the District Attorney’s Office and one social worker for the Public Defender’s Office to ease workloads and accelerate case processing.
Board of Elections
-
Six new staff will join to help meet the requirements of Senate Bill 382, which mandates faster ballot counting.
