In recent state budget news, an updated revenue forecast indicates North Carolina lawmakers have an unexpected $2.6 billion surplus to allocate over the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years due to strong April tax collections.
Despite this increase, the core budget deal featuring state employee raises and tax cuts remains unchanged as negotiations continue with the surplus offering added flexibility for spending or reserves.
And since data centers are a hot topic in North Carolina, lawmakers are also advancing a bipartisan, rewritten Senate Bill 730 that would impose stricter regulations on large, energy-intensive data centers requiring them to cover their own infrastructure costs and limiting their environmental impact.
The bill also contains provisions for nuclear power promotion and accelerated permitting with support spanning both parties despite some uncommitted legislative leadership.

City of Fayetteville
Fayetteville City Council discussions have been dominated by intense debates over local data centers, public safety budgeting and school resource officers. Data centers became the primary flashpoint during a packed public forum at the City Council meeting on June 1.
Fayetteville City Councilmember Shaun McMillan’s motion to formally draft a binding moratorium on data centers died after receiving no second from the council. Mayor Mitch Colvin and the majority cited their previous April decision to enact a 120-day informational pause preferring to research the industry before passing restrictive bans.
Despite the council's previous decision, 38 residents signed up to speak. The majority overwhelmingly demanded a strict data center moratorium. The forum grew so tense that one attendee had to be escorted out by security.
On May 26, the council voted (7-2) to approve an agreement providing 18 school resource officers (SROs) for schools within the city limits. Councilmembers Shaun McMillan and Stephon Ferguson voted against the measure.
City Manager Doug Hewett presented a recommended operating budget of $322.8 million including a $0.01 tax increase to help maintain services. It funds public services featuring a $120 million public safety investment, new mental health response units, a 4% employee pay raise and a $10 solid waste fee adjustment.
The plan also calls for a property tax rate increase of 0.1 cents per $100 valuation — to $.4595 cents, which city officials note is still one of the lowest in the City’s history.
Residents are encouraged to review the fiscal year 2027 budget at FayettevilleNC.gov/budget.
Cumberland County
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners honored the life of former Commissioner Billy R. King, who passed away on May 28 with a proclamation at their June 1 meeting.
King served 6 terms spanning 24 years on the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners. He was first elected in 1990 and served as the board's chairman four separate times.
In other news, County Manager Clarence Grier presented a $656.5 million proposed budget for FY 2027 that features no property tax increase. The budget includes $13.6 million freed-up capacity for the Employee Childcare Center and $60,000 for veterinary medicine space enhancements at Animal Services.
The proposal features a $398.3 million general fund, reflecting a 1.9% ($7.9 million) decrease from the previous year. Despite economic pressures like inflation, the budget preserves core services, supports strategic county goals and keeps the property tax rate steady. County Manager Grier emphasized that the plan balances immediate service needs with long-term financial stability.
Key highlights also included a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for County employees and raising the salary schedule by 1% as well as a 2% increase in current expense funding for Cumberland County Schools and Fayetteville Technical Community College.
Commissioners are receiving community feedback on the recommended budget, which can be found at https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/budget-performance-group/budget_division.

About the Greater Fayetteville Chamber
Advocacy is a cornerstone of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. Every week, the Chamber dedicates staff to attend City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County meetings as well as monitoring updates on the state and federal levels. We monitor legislation locally, statewide and federally to protect our community’s business interests.
With 91% of U.S. adults recognizing a Chamber of Commerce's impact on growth, membership ensures a strong voice shaping policies, driving economic success and building a thriving business community—together. To learn more, visit www.faybiz.com or email jmclaughlin@faybiz.com.

(Photo: "It is with deep sadness that the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners learned of the passing of former Commissioner Billy R. King," said Cumberland County Commissioner Chairman Kirk deViere."Mr. King devoted himself to public service and to the people of Cumberland County, and his contributions left a lasting mark on this community. On behalf of the Board and the residents we serve, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all who knew him." Photo courtesy of Cumberland County, NC)