Greensboro interim city manager proposes $802M budget

Greensboro Interim City Manager Chris Wilson presented his nearly $802 million budget to the city council this week.

The recommended budget would keep property taxes flat, but it would increase water, sewer and stormwater rates by an average of 9.1%. This would mean a typical customer would pay over $4 more each month if it is approved.

Wilson told the council the city faces a significant need for investment in capital improvements and is looking to replace 22 miles of water and sewer lines next year.

"Being faced with almost a billion dollars of infrastructure needs we must invest in our infrastructure and maintenance," he said.

The budget includes adding staff to the city's Behavioral Health Response Team and to the neighborhood traffic safety program. It also recommends setting a $20 minimum wage for employees and increasing the starting salaries for police and firefighters.

The Greensboro City Council will hold a public hearing on the budget on June 4.