FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on June 23 to adopt the County’s Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget during a special meeting held at the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse.
The adopted budget total $666,456,156 across all operating funds and includes a General Fund budget of $408,269,504. The budget maintains the current property tax rate of 49.9 cents while continuing investments in health and human services, public safety, education, infrastructure and other essential services.
“This budget holds the line on the property tax rate while continuing to invest in health and human services, public safety, education and infrastructure, and it does so with the discipline to prepare for changing federal and state requirements ahead,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere.
“Balancing current needs with future responsibilities requires thoughtful planning and disciplined stewardship,” said County Manager Clarence Grier. “By maintaining essential services, investing in key priorities and preparing for emerging challenges, Cumberland County remains well-positioned to serve residents and support long-term community success.”
“I’m proud of the work this Board, County Manager Grier, and our talented staff continue to do together on behalf of our community,” deViere said. “Through collaboration, strategic investment and responsible planning, we are building a strong, safe and thriving Cumberland County for current and future generations.”
FY27 Budget Highlights
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Continues investment in public health and human services programs
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Maintains the property tax rate at 49.9 cents
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Continues investment in Cumberland County Schools and Fayetteville Technical Community College
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Supports employee compensation and retention efforts
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Continues investment in public safety, including Sheriff's Office operations, School Resource Officers and emergency services
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Supports emergency communications improvements and continued planning for regional 911 operations
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Advances water, sewer and infrastructure initiatives that support future growth
The adopted budget also positions the County to address anticipated federal funding and program changes, including additional administrative costs associated with Medicaid and SNAP program requirements. County leadership will continue working with department leaders and staff to evaluate compensation, workload and service delivery needs while ensuring residents continue receiving essential services.
Throughout the budget process, the Board of Commissioners focused on maintaining essential services, investing in community priorities and ensuring Cumberland County remains financially strong in the face of economic uncertainty and changing federal requirements.
The FY27 budget advances the Board of Commissioners’ strategic priorities through investments in the following areas:
Enhancing Health and Wellness
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Continued funding for public health and human services programs
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Continued support for school health nurses and community health initiatives
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Continued planning and funding strategies to address evolving federal and state human services requirements and program changes
Ensuring a Safe Community for All Residents
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Continued investment in Sheriff's Office operations and public safety initiatives
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Funding to support emergency services and emergency communications improvements
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Continued support for School Resource Officers and crossing guards
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Ongoing planning efforts related to regional emergency and 911 operations
Supporting a High-Performing Education System
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Continued investment in Cumberland County Schools
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Continued investment in Fayetteville Technical Community College
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Support for student health and safety initiatives
Encouraging Quality Development and Smart Growth
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Continued investment in water, sewer and infrastructure initiatives
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Support for regionalization efforts and long-term water and sewer planning
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Continued capital investments that position Cumberland County for future growth
Championing Responsive, Transparent Government
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Maintains the current property tax rate of 49.9 cents
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Continues investment in technology and operational improvements
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Supports ongoing evaluation of County compensation plans, workforce needs and service delivery models
Providing Culture and Recreation Opportunities
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Continued support for libraries, parks and community programs
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Investments in cultural and recreational initiatives
The FY27 budget information is available online at cumberlandcountync.gov/budget.
The FY27 budget meetings and work sessions can be viewed on the County’s YouTube channel.
For more information about Cumberland County Government, visit cumberlandcountync.gov or follow CCNCGov on social media.