Budget Public Hearing - May 19, 2026

The Forsyth County Government in North Carolina held a Budget Public Hearing on May 19, 2026, primarily to receive public comments on the proposed 2026-2027 county budget. The hearing featured extensive community input from various stakeholders including educators, nonprofit leaders, and residents advocating for increased funding in areas such as public education, early childhood programs, senior services, behavioral health, and community grants. A significant focus was on the school system's budget request for an additional $33 million to address staffing shortages, especially for exceptional children, and to improve educational services. Several speakers emphasized the need for full funding to prevent further cuts to critical positions and programs. Other community organizations requested continued or increased grant funding to support services for vulnerable populations, including seniors, veterans, youth diversion programs, and cultural institutions. The board discussed procedural adjustments to accommodate the large number of speakers and emphasized the importance of hearing community voices. No specific contract awards, RFPs, or vendor selections were detailed in the transcript, but the budget deliberations and grant funding requests indicate potential future procurement and funding decisions.