It was a productive morning at the Historic Courthouse in downtown Wilmington as the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners held their second meeting for May. A full look at what took place is below …

Recognizing the best and brightest

Commissioners took time to recognize staff who had reached career milestones, including four retirees. Combined, the group of 16 employees has accounted for 251 years of public service with the county. Additionally, Commissioners took a moment to welcome new employees who joined the team since the last meeting. Thank you to everyone for their continued service, no matter what stage their respective career is at!

Photos of the employees who were recognized can be found here.

Bond obligation for 2026 takes next step

Commissioners unanimously authorized a bond order and resolution, next steps in the process of putting a bond referendum on the upcoming November ballot. The resolution establishes a public meeting, which will be held at 4 p.m. on June 1 as part of the Board of Commissioners meeting at the county’s Historic Courthouse. If placed on the ballot by Commissioners and approved by voters, the $320 million general obligation bond would be used for capital expenses for New Hanover County Schools.

Fiscal Year 26-27 budget approved

Commissioners held a statutorily required public hearing on the recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027, allowing for community discussion and feedback. Following the hearing, Commissioners discussed and approved, in a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Walker dissenting, the recommended budget, which holds the current tax rate at 30.6 cents per $100 of assessed value. A full release on the approved budget is available here.

That’s not all … 

To close the meeting, Commissioners filled vacancies on boards or committees that provide guidance on a variety of community issues. More details on these boards and committees or how to get involved can be found here.

You can view the May 18 meeting by clicking here and below. The next regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners is set for 4 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026.

The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners holds its regularly scheduled meetings on the first and third Monday of each month at the New Hanover County Historic Courthouse (24 North 3rd Street, Room 301), unless otherwise noted. Click here to view the schedule of the 2026 meetings.

All meetings are broadcast live on NHCTV.com, New Hanover County's YouTube channel and Spectrum channel 13. For meeting agendas, minutes and exhibits, visit Commissioners.NHCgov.com.