FY 2027 County Budget Adjustments and Tax Rate Considerations
Forsyth County
Summary
Budget staff presented a preliminary look at the fiscal year 2027 budget, noting that personal services, school funding, and debt service make up the vast majority of county spending. Officials are working to right-size department budgets and monitor potential cost shifts from federal and state policy changes.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 8
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jun 4, 2026.
Impact analysis
Merit increases of 1 to 6% and projected retirement contribution rate increases will add pressure to the upcoming budget.
County employees and partner agencies like public schools receive stable financial support through aligned budget planning.
Property owners facing a marginal increase in tax burden.
Mentions & discussions (8)
Board of Commissioners (Special) - Jun 04 2026
The county adopted a $600 million budget that includes a slight property tax increase to support school exceptional children programs and courthouse upgrades. Residents will see a modest adjustment in their tax bills while funding is secured for critical services and staff.
Budget Workshop - 2026-05-28
Commissioners reviewed the manager's recommended budget and explored various options adjusting tax rates to fund county services, employee benefits, and school requests.
Budget Workshop - 2026-05-21
County management outlined recent budget adjustments, including the utilization of state ARPA award clarifications and contract changes, leaving roughly $1.16 million available for reserves, capital projects, or a potential tax rate reduction.
Board of Commissioners Meeting - 2026-05-21
During public comments, a speaker urged the county to increase funding for public schools to meet basic operating needs. Commissioners also reviewed ongoing budget adjustments and monthly financial reports.
Detailed Budget Presentation - 2026-05-14
The county manager recommended a $598.9 million budget featuring a 1.68-cent property tax increase to cover operational costs, personnel, and debt service. Commissioners discussed revenue pressures, including declining sales tax receipts and flat growth in parts of the tax base.
Board of Commissioners Meeting - 2026-05-07
The county manager proposed a $598.9 million budget for fiscal year 2027 that requires a 1.68-cent property tax increase to 55.2 cents to keep up with rising operational costs and slow revenue growth. The plan holds the line on new program spending while funding public safety, human services, and level-funded support for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools.
Board of Commissioners Briefing - 2026-05-04
The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office requested an additional $1.02 million to cover budget shortfalls in jail medical and food services. Surging off-site medical costs, higher patient acuity, and an increasing average daily inmate population are driving the overages.
Winter Work Session - 2026-02-12
Budget staff presented a preliminary look at the fiscal year 2027 budget, noting that personal services, school funding, and debt service make up the vast majority of county spending. Officials are working to right-size department budgets and monitor potential cost shifts from federal and state policy changes.
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