Dare County Commissioners approve $145.6M budget for FY 2026-27

By on June 10, 2026

(Dare County file photo)

With little fanfare and no public comments during its scheduled public hearing, the Dare County Commissioners approved a $145.6 million General Fund budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27 at their June 9 meeting. The General Fund budget is the primary operating fund for Dare County.

County Manager Bobby Outten had presented his recommended budget to the Commissioners at their May 4 meeting. The Outer Banks Voice – Outten proposes $246.5M county budget, $145.6M General Fund budget for FY 2026-27

The approved budget:
  • Keeps the property tax rate unchanged at 26.32 cents per $100 of assessed value. The county reports that its tax base increased from $27.3 billion to $28.7 billion in the past year.
  • Earmarks $46.6 million (32% of the budget) for public safety.
  • Includes $33.06 million (23% of the budget) for education, with a $677,000 increase for Dare County Schools.
  • Includes this breakdown of additional spending by categories: Human Services (15%); General Government (13%); Cultural and Recreational (5%); Environmental Protection (3%).
  • Funds a 3% cost of living increase (COLA) for full-time county staff.
  • Adds 6 full-time and 2 part-time positions.

You can see the full approved budget here. Microsoft Word – Cover (managers).docx.

 

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