Salisbury City Council adopts budget supporting public safety, compensation, infrastructure improvements

In May, Greene presented a recommended city budget of $119,746,878 to City Council, which included a general fund total of $68,053,759. The balanced budget includes a property tax recommendation of $0.665 per $100 of valuation, a 4.9 cent increase from last year’s tax rate of $0.616. Last year, an average Salisbury home worth $231,685 had an estimated annual city tax of $1,427. For the upcoming fiscal year, the tax bill for the same home will be $1,541, up $114 for the year. The new budget will fund initiatives related to City Council’s strategic plan priorities, such as an improved employee compensation package, new positions to support growth, capital investments, and public safety.

Additional items in the adopted budget:

• $102,000 for Fusus Enterprise Solution (law enforcement software)
• $100,000 for roof audits for city facilities
• New positions in police, fire, IT, public works and transportation
•  Stormwater and water/sewer projects
•  $197,000 for neighborhood stabilization
• $30,000 for small business entrepreneur development grants

The FY25 budget also includes rate increases for Salisbury-Rowan Utilities to support infrastructure costs; Stormwater’s Capital Improvement Plan to support the implementation of the Eaman Park and Marsh Street drainage improvement studies; solid waste to address increased service demands, with additional collection points; and recycling contract increases. 

The adopted budget can be found on the city website at salisburync.gov/Budget by Monday, July 1.