Proposed Winston-Salem city budget calls for property tax hikes and fee increases

Winston-Salem residents could see increased fees and property taxes under a preliminary city budget presented this week. 

The proposal calls for a 7% increase in water and sewer rates – that means the average customer would see their bill go up by about $7 on a bimonthly basis.  

The city plans to pay for street resurfacing projects by doubling motor vehicle fees from $15 to $30. Fees for stormwater are set to go up too, by about 8%. 

Under the budget, property tax rates would increase by 6 cents per $100 in valuation. That would in part pay for evening and weekend public transit hours. 

In a statement, City Manager Pat Pate noted that even with the increases, the average Winston-Salem homeowner would still pay less for services than in Greensboro or Charlotte. 

The public is invited to voice concerns about the budget on the city’s website, or during a public hearing at city hall on June 17. The city council is set to vote on it during the same meeting.