CAROLINA BEACH, N.C. (WECT) -The Carolina Beach Town Council unanimously approved the proposed 2025-2026 budget at their meeting on June 10.

According to the town, the proposed budget is $35,874,658.

The budget includes hiring three more police officers, three firefighters and a building safety inspector.

Property taxes will drop from 23 to 14 cents per $100 of valued property in the new budget, offsetting the recent county-wide valuation that raised the median property value by 74%.

The planned budget will raise utility rates, however, by 5% and by 10% as of next year to pay for future town projects.

“Revaluation is something that happens every four or five years by state law and tax rates are established every single year by,” Councilmember Mike Hoffer said at the meeting.

“This proposed budget reflects our commitment to maintaining fiscal stability while addressing the needs of a growing community. Through strategic investments in personnel, infrastructure, and capital projects, we aim to enhance the quality of life for our residents and visitors,” said Carolina Beach Town Manager Bruce Oakley in his budget message to Mayor Barbee.

The budget is available for public viewing on the Town’s website and at the Town Hall.

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