FY 2026-27 Proposed Budget and 3-Cent Tax Increase
New Bern, NC
Summary
The budget proposes raising the property tax rate from 39 to 42 cents per $100 of valuation — 2.75 cents to pay off the $24 million bond and a quarter cent for operations. Budget adoption is set for May 12.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed May 12, 2026.
Impact analysis
A 3-cent property tax increase on every property owner, plus an estimated $805,000 boost in sales tax revenue.
Residents benefit from bond-funded street, sidewalk and other capital projects the debt service supports.
Property owners will pay higher tax bills if the rate is adopted.
Mentions & discussions (5)
Board of Aldermen - May 12, 2026
The new budget raises the tax rate by a quarter of a cent — about $6 a year on a $250,000 home. The mayor wanted the ~$136,000 taken from fund balance instead; the Board majority said services can't be sustained without the increase.
Board of Aldermen (Work) - May 5, 2026
The budget proposes raising the property tax rate from 39 to 42 cents per $100 of valuation — 2.75 cents to pay off the $24 million bond and a quarter cent for operations. Budget adoption is set for May 12.
Board of Aldermen - Apr 28, 2026
The proposed budget carries a 3-cent property tax increase: 2.75 cents pays for the bond referendum voters approved, and 2.5 cents balances the budget. No one spoke at the public hearing, and a workshop is set for May 5.
Board of Aldermen - Apr 14, 2026
The city's proposed budget raises the property tax rate from 39 to 42 cents per $100 of value and bumps solid waste rates 3%, while cutting two positions and dipping $500,000 into fund balance. Residents get their say April 28 before the May 12 vote.
Board of Aldermen Retreat - Jan 7, 2026
The aldermen were slated to walk through how the upcoming budget will be built. It sets the stage for taxes, fees, and what services the city can fund.
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
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