Wake County Manager argues state underfunding led to your property tax bill going up

The Wake County Board of Commissioners hears a stark budget presentation linking a tough budget year to state underfunding of schools, prisons, and foster care. The Wake County Manager says homeowners could save $900 on their property tax bill if the state met its obligations. 2mins

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Original Meeting

Monday, May 4th, 2026
11070.469002
Regular Meeting May 4 2026 5:00 PM - Budget Presentation - FINAL
Full Meeting on Granicus
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Liz Schlemmer is the education reporter for WUNC News, covering K-12 schools in the Triangle.
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In This Video
  • The County Manager introduced a particularly challenging ninth budget, citing revenue shortfalls and the need for difficult funding choices to avoid overburdening residents on fixed incomes.
  • A speaker outlined how the county had increasingly funded staff pay, student support services, and school health positions for the Wake County Public School System because the state had not fully met its K–12 obligations, noting that this shortfall contributed to hundreds of millions in extra local costs and a property tax increase.
  • The County Manager detailed how state underfunding of prisons, schools and foster care led the county to fill budget gaps totaling $600 million in FY26.
  • Wake County Manager David Ellis explained that if the state fully met its obligations, the county could have reduced the property tax rate by 19 cents, saving the owner of a $450,000 home nearly $900.
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