Kathy Bangley

This document presents the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget for the City of Wilson, outlining the City Council's seven strategic goals: Building a Better Wilson, Economic Development, Infrastructure, Homes and Neighborhoods, Downtown, Recreation and Parks, and Community Involvement. The budget aims to achieve these goals by ensuring efficient services, promoting economic prosperity, and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens, all while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

This document outlines the Wilson City Council's strategic goals for the 2026 budget, focusing on seven key areas: Building a Better Wilson, Economic Development, Infrastructure, Homes and Neighborhoods, Downtown, Recreation and Parks, and Community Involvement. The plan aims to enhance the quality of life for all citizens, promote economic prosperity, ensure sound policy decisions through community input, and foster a participatory local government. It details key initiatives and departmental objectives designed to achieve these strategic priorities through collaborative efforts and measurable performance indicators.

The proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26 totals $274,003,270 and maintains the current tax rate. It addresses revenue growth, potential economic challenges, and supply chain improvements. Priorities include revitalization of Historic Downtown Wilson, infrastructure to accommodate growth, and economic development initiatives. The budget includes funding from the American Rescue Plan and other sources for recreational facilities, public safety software, transportation programs, redevelopment, and infrastructure improvements. It also focuses on investing in employees through merit increases and maintaining competitive benefits. Revenue sources, expenditures, and debt service are detailed, with a focus on conservative budgeting and essential services.

This document outlines the goals and initiatives for the City of Wilson's Public Works Department, aiming to deliver professional, well-organized, and cost-effective services to its citizens. Key strategic pillars include maintaining and improving critical infrastructure (streets, sidewalks, stormwater), ensuring environmental compliance and effective waste management, optimizing traffic flow and safety, managing and modernizing the city's fleet, and providing efficient administrative and engineering support. The plan emphasizes fiscal responsibility, employee growth, and responsive customer service, with a timeframe spanning from fiscal year 2022-23 through 2025-26.

The document provides a guide for reviewing the City of Wilson's budget, including an introduction to the fund structure, budget process, and state laws regarding local government budgets. It outlines the budget format, budgetary goals, and guiding financial principles. The guide also details the relationship between departments and funds, the budget preparation timeline, and the budgetary accounting basis.