Wake, Raleigh officials approve new budgets

The commissioners voted unanimously for a $1.57 billion spending plan that includes more than $890 million for education without raising property taxes.

In addition to providing $544 million to the Wake County Public School System, the budget sets aside $350,000 to launch Wake ThreeSchool, a new pre-kindergarten program for 3-year-olds.

The budget also dedicates an extra $1.6 million to address longer-term public health-related needs, restores $1.5 million for affordable housing that was cut last year, adds back two peak-load ambulances and the eight EMT and paramedic positions needed to run them and opens Sandy Pines Preserve, a 563-acre former farm in eastern Wake County.

"We’re pleased to approve this budget because it makes fiscally sound investments in the areas where we have the greatest needs and where we want to achieve bold outcomes,” Matt Calabria, chairman of the Board of Commissioners, said in a statement. “This budget is another step in our efforts to realize our theme for this year, which is ‘Prosperity for all.’”

The $543.9 million budget approved by the City Council increases the property tax rate by 2.78 cents, to 38.3 cents per $100 valuation, to pay for more affordable housing and park maintenance. The increase raises the annual tax bill on a $250,000 house by $69.50.

Raleigh's budget raises the minimum living wage for city employees by about $1,900 and includes raises for other employees. The budget also funds a new public safety unit to patrol parks and greenways.

Both new budgets take effect July 1.