Budget Work Session May 15, 2026

The City of Wilmington held a Budget Work Session on May 15, 2026, focusing extensively on the FY27 budget, including detailed discussions on salary adjustments, living wage proposals, and capital improvement projects. Key procurement-related topics included the proposed living wage pay scale adjustments with a cap on increases, the impact of tax rate changes on sales tax distribution, and the funding and timelines for major infrastructure projects such as the Pinerove South Greenville Loop Trail and Greenville Loop Park design. The session also covered operational budgets for public safety, including police and fire department staffing and training costs, and the maintenance and capital funding for parks and city facilities. Fee schedule changes were reviewed, including parking fees and golf course rates, with considerations for affordability and revenue generation. Economic development incentives and contracts, including film permit fees and grants, were discussed with attention to budget alignment and future RFP processes. The council debated potential budget cuts, including council member pay raises and certain capital projects, and requested further analysis on salary increase caps and hard-to-fill positions. The meeting concluded with a focus on transparency and performance metrics for budget impacts and service delivery.