Wilson County’s FY2025/2026 Budget Unanimously Approved
WILSON, NORTH CAROLINA – On Thursday, May 29, 2025, Wilson County Commissioners unanimously passed a $137.4 million budget for the 2025/2026 Fiscal Year. It represents a 1.4% increase over last year’s approved budget and the smallest rate of budget growth since 2019. The county’s $0.595 tax rate remains the same as last fiscal year with no increase in the rate.
The approved budget makes investments in education, employees, public safety, emergency medical services, human services, economic development and many other vital and essential services for Wilson County citizens. Commissioners spent the last five months reviewing each department’s revenues and expenditures, while assessing the county's needs. The new fiscal year will begin on July 1, 2025.
“Wilson County’s continued growth is driving many of our budgetary priorities,” said County Manager Ron Hunt. “The approved budget allows for our short-term commitments to county and education capital along with the stability to secure long-term financing for future capital. I appreciate our amazing budget team, department directors and staff. I cannot state enough how fortunate we are to have our Commissioners support, leadership and dedication to a thorough budget process.”
The 2025-26 Budget season started internally in the fall of 2024 with county administration budget preparations.
- Official meetings kicked off on February 18, 2025, providing Commissioners a preview of revenues, needs and expenditures.
- Department directors, along with Wilson County Schools and Wilson Community College, presented budget needs in April.
- County Manager Ron Hunt gave his proposed budget presentation to Commissioners on May 5. Commissioners immediately started reviewing the budget line-by-line that same night.
- Commissioners held another budget work session on May 8 to review each item line-by-line and ask additional questions.
- A public hearing was held on May 29 at the Wilson County Government Center. After the public hearing closed, County Commissioners approved the $137.4 million budget.
Commissioner Chairman Rob Boyette thanked citizens for attending the public hearing and expressed appreciation to County Manager Ron Hunt, county government leaders and staff. Commissioners expressed support for the budget’s investment in vital services, staff and citizens while not increasing the tax rate.
Wilson County Government’s approved budget supports its five core values of Sound Financial Management, Innovative County Workforce, Community Partnerships, Quality of Life and Superior Education and Workforce.
Review the adopted budget in more detail here.
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