Leland Town Council Slashing Tax Rate in New $50M Budget Approval

LELAND, NC — The Leland Town Council has officially greenlit a $50 million budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, signaling a period of strategic growth and unexpected tax relief for the coastal community.

Approved during the council’s regular April session, the balanced budget is set to take effect on July 1, 2026. In a move that may surprise some residents given the town’s rapid expansion, the plan includes a 7.4% reduction in the property tax rate, dropping it from 27 cents to 25 cents per $100 of valuation.

Town officials stated that the financial roadmap is heavily influenced by the town’s 2030 Strategic Plan, focusing on five core pillars: community safety, resilient infrastructure, organizational excellence, and business enhancement.

“This budget ensures fiscal responsibility and transparency while fostering strategic investments in Leland’s future,” the Council noted in a statement following the vote.

The $50 million will be distributed across several critical infrastructure and staffing initiatives:

• Infrastructure: $2.5 million is earmarked for road resurfacing, maintaining the town’s commitment to a 20-year cycle that refreshes 5% of local roads annually. An additional $250,000 will go toward the Pedestrian Infrastructure capital project fund to improve walkability.

• Public Safety: The town is expanding its first responder presence by adding two new Police Officers for the Traffic Division, along with three Firefighters and one Fire Captain.

• Operational Growth: To support town maintenance and digital security, new positions were created for an IT Analyst, a Facilities Maintenance Technician, and two Grounds Maintenance Technicians.

• Emergency Preparedness: A $750,000 emergency contingency fund has been established to handle unforeseen municipal needs.

Residents looking for a detailed breakdown of departmental spending can find the full budget report at the town’s official website.

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