Wilmington Wraps FY 2026 Budget Hearings, Final Vote Due By June 1

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The proposed budget includes funding adjustments across key departments, including Land Use & Planning, Licenses & Inspections, and Real Estate & Housing. (Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko)

WILMINGTON — After five weeks of departmental hearings, Wilmington City Council has concluded its review of Mayor Carney’s proposed $201.6 million general fund and $95.4 million water/sewer utility budget for Fiscal Year 2026.

READ: Mayor Carney outlines his $200 M budget at latest Town Hall meeting

The Council must now finalize and adopt a balanced budget by June 1, or 30 days before the new fiscal year begins.

The proposed budget includes funding adjustments across key departments, including Land Use & Planning, Licenses & Inspections, and Real Estate & Housing. These changes reflect shifting priorities and ongoing city initiatives aimed at improving housing stability, neighborhood revitalization, and code enforcement.

Land Use & Planning

The FY 2026 proposed budget for the Department of Land Use & Planning totals $4.6 million — a 0.1% decrease from last year. Notable changes include the elimination of the Land Use Deputy Director position, resulting in a $145,000 savings. A new Mechanical Code Enforcement Inspector role is being added at a cost of $105,000.

Other increases include:

$29,000 net increase for consultant services
$50,000 for demolition costs
$20,000 for engineering services

A total of $2.8 million is allocated for Neighborhood Planning Councils. Consultant contracts include $95,000 to CSi for plan reviews and inspections, and $10,000 to Larsen and Landis for engineering assessments.

Licenses & Inspections

The Licenses & Inspections Department is proposed to receive $3.7 million, reflecting a 1.8% increase over FY 2025. The department anticipates $920,000 in revenue from vacant property fees in the upcoming fiscal year.

Key changes in spending include:

$67,000 increase in regular salaries
$36,000 increase in personal services expenses
$22,000 decrease in pension contributions
$50,000 for overtime and standby pay
$290,000 allocated for animal control

The department also budgeted $130,000 for property maintenance tied to neglected properties. No new staff positions were added under the current proposal.

Real Estate & Housing

The Real Estate & Housing Department’s proposed budget totals $2.6 million — a 3.9% increase. Two positions are being eliminated: a Senior Rehabilitation Specialist II and a Senior Program Director, saving a combined $20,000.

Key investments include: