Greensboro council approves budget focused on safety, services and growth

Greensboro City Council adopted a budget of about $909.8 million to $913 million that raises the city tax rate to 79.85 cents per $100 of assessed value, a 12.6-cent jump from the current 67.25-cent rate. The plan also adds 30 police officer positions, expands Behavioral Health Response Team coverage and increases water utility rates 11.4% as the new fiscal year begins July 1.

The money is split across the city’s operations, with a General Fund budget of $485.9 million. City leaders presented the FY 2026-27 plan to council on May 19 and tied the adopted budget to Vision36, Greensboro’s long-term strategic framework, around core services, public safety and future growth.

For Guilford County homeowners, the tax change will be calculated on current property values rather than recent Guilford County revaluation values because of Senate Bill 889, the state law that altered how local tax planning had to be handled. The higher rate reflects rising operating costs across public safety, transportation and transit, solid waste, technology, personnel and infrastructure.

The budget adds 30 police positions, keeps funding for technology, communications systems and public safety equipment, and expands Behavioral Health Response Team coverage. The city also restored hours at lakes and recreation centers after resident feedback.

The 11.4% water rate increase is meant to cover higher costs, including about a 50% rise in water treatment chemical costs over the past four years. Construction costs have also climbed, with asphalt up about 38% and stone materials up about 66% over six years, as the city continues work on roads, facilities, utilities, stormwater, water and sewer, capital planning and regulatory compliance.

The new budget is larger than last year’s adopted FY 2025-26 plan, which totaled $830.6 million.