06/02/2026
$700.9 Million Budget Adopted for 2026-2027 💰
Mayor Joines and City Council adopted the FY26–27 budget, which allocates $546.4 million for operations, $49.7 million for debt service, and $104.8 million for capital improvements.
Highlights:
☑️ The property tax rate will increase by 2.2 cents per $100 of value (3.9%), meaning a $4.51/month increase for a median-valued home.
☑️ Water and sewer fees average 5% increase beginning July 1, 2026, meaning a $5.89 bimonthly increase for the average customer. Stormwater fees 4% increase on Jan. 1, 2027.
☑️ Winston-Salem Transit Authority fixed-route bus changes designed to increase ridership and reduce headways starting August 2026. Two new microtransit zones will begin service in January 2027.
☑️ Major cost drivers include public safety technology enhancements, information technology security and software upgrades, inflation for general supplies and services, employee compensation (3% merit increases for eligible employees) and rising benefits costs.
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