Winston-Salem adopts $700.9M budget with tax and utility increases

Winston-Salem residents and businesses have a new city budget to review after the mayor and City Council adopted a $700.9 million fiscal year 2026-27 spending plan.

The city says the budget includes $546.4 million for operations, $49.7 million for debt service and $104.8 million for capital improvements. The property tax rate will rise by 2.2 cents per $100 of value, which the city estimates at about $4.51 more per month for a median-valued home.

Utility customers will also see changes. Water and sewer fees are set to increase by an average of 5% beginning July 1, 2026, with the city estimating a $5.89 bimonthly increase for the average residential customer. Stormwater fees will rise by 4% starting January 1, 2027.

• What to know: Several user fees will also rise, including fees tied to picnic shelter rentals, Historic Bethabara Park programs, road closures, annexation petitions and electric vehicle charging.
• Transit note: Winston-Salem Transit Authority fixed-route changes are scheduled for August 2026, with two microtransit zones planned for January 2027.
• Why it matters: The budget affects tax bills, utility costs, park and permit fees, transit service and city capital projects across the Winston-Salem desk.

Residents should review the adopted budget details before July utility changes take effect and watch city communications for transit updates later this summer.

Source: Reporting based on the City of Winston-Salem's June 2, 2026 budget notice, $700.9 Million Budget Adopted for 2026-2027, checked June 9, 2026.