FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Anne Little, Director
City of Salisbury Community Engagement
(704) 638-5218
anne.little@salisburync.gov
City Manager Presents Recommended FY2026-2027 Budget
Salisbury, N.C. (Monday, May 18, 2026) – City Manager Jim Greene presented the proposed FY 2026 – 2027 budget of $131,702, 978 during a special May 18 City Council meeting. Balanced as required by state law it includes a tax increase of 1.9 cents, establishing the property tax rate at $0.684 per $100 of assessed value, to support strategic initiatives, critical infrastructure improvements and public safety priorities.
Greene described the recommendations as “fiscally conservative but forward-looking,” noting that all departments reduced operating requests by five percent to offset slowing revenues without sacrificing service quality. “This budget emphasizes our commitment to financial stewardship, service efficiency, strategic investment, infrastructure maintenance, and planning for growth.”
The new recommended tax rate will help fund positions for two new Police Officers and two new Park Rangers, pay range adjustments for all Police ranks, compensation/benefit increases for employees and additional street paving.
The budget moves key priorities forward, including the creation of a Capital Project Management Department to lead planning, delivery, and coordination of special projects across the city, 12 new positions with an emphasis on staffing in the police department. Per City Council’s priority, funding for street resurfacing has increased from $1.1 million in FY 2025 - 2026 to $1.5 million to allow for additional street paving and improvements. Other special projects supported by funding include:
- Street Resurfacing - $1.5 million
- Fire Engine - $750,000
- Roof, HVAC Repairs and Upgrades - $500,000
- Ellis and Bank Street Bridge Repair - $200,000
- Bell Tower Improvements - $140,000
- Website Upgrade/Branding Study - $130,000
- Economic Development Strategic Plan - $50,000
Growth continues to be a factor in city services. The balanced budget proposes no Solid Waste/Recycling or Stormwater fee increases while meeting the goal of bringing recycling services in house. A proposed 4% increase in Water and Sewer rates will support Salisbury Rowan Utilities’ infrastructure needs.
The recommended 1.9 cents Property Tax increase will result in an additional $3.75 per month or $44.97 per year (for an average residential home at $236,702) while the water sewer rate increase will add roughly $2.72 per month for average customers. The anticipated total average monthly impact on residents is $6.47.
Residents are encouraged to comment on the proposed budget at a public hearing on Tuesday, June 2, during the regular City Council meeting. Council meetings are available via livestream at salisburync.gov/webcast and on the City’s Facebook page.
Council must adopt a final budget by June 30, 2026. The full recommended budget is available online at salisburync.gov/Budget. Hard copies are available for review at City Hall, 217 South Main Street, and Rowan Public Library, 201 West Fisher Street.
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. To receive updates regarding local initiatives, meetings, programs and events, please follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CitySalisburyNC