Fayetteville Today

The Fayetteville City Council will hold a Budget Public Hearing on May 28 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. This event provides residents with an opportunity to engage in the local municipal budget process.

The recommended budget represents a 2.83% increase, or $8.8 million, over the FY 2024 adopted budget, reflecting the city's commitment to sustainable growth and improved public services amidst economic challenges.

A component of this budget is a proposed $0.05 ad valorem tax rate increase dedicated to Public Safety Professionals to account for market adjustments and address compression challenges.

The Fiscal Year 2025 Recommended Operating and Capital Budget includes funding for the Office of Community Safety (OCS) and related activities. The OCS was recently discussed at Fayetteville’s Public Safety Summit held at Fayetteville State University on April 30.

The FY 2025 budget addresses significant financial pressures, including inflation, recruitment and retention challenges, and changes to sales tax distribution.

In addition to the $0.05 tax rate increase for public safety, the budget proposes a $0.111 ad valorem tax rate increase for the Downtown Municipal Service District. These measures aim to support essential services and maintain the city's growth trajectory.

There is also a 1% 401K increase to recruit and retain employees, a $1 monthly increase in the Stormwater fee to fund capital and operating programs, and a $10 annual increase to the solid waste fee to provide Solid Waste services. The recommended tax rate and rate increases would result in a $6.00 monthly increase for a house valued at $100,000.

Anyone wanting to speak must sign up by 5:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting with the city clerk, located on the third floor of City Hall at 433 Hay St., by phone at 910-433-1312, by email at pamelamegill@fayettevillenc.gov or by using the form on the City’s website. No electronic media presentations by citizens are allowed.

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