City and county leaders have been locked in a tense, state-mediated negotiation over consolidating emergency 911 communications. While both municipalities firmly agree that a consolidated emergency system is necessary, they remain divided on the underlying administrative details
The Fayetteville City Council initially approved a framework favoring a state-funded, third-party consultant to decide the administrative lead.
On June 26, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a response resolution reaffirming its commitment to creating a unified 911 communications center (PSAP) with plans to designate the County as the lead administrative agency under a shared governance structure. The proposal includes hiring a third-party consultant for a 36-month implementation, establishing employee protections via a memorandum of understanding and inviting Fort Bragg to participate while requesting the General Assembly pause legislative action.
Following a June 29 special meeting of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, Chairman Kirk deViere announced that state Senator Tom McInnis had extended the deadline for the City and County to reach a joint resolution to July 8 at 11:59 p.m.
City of Fayetteville
On June 22, the council adopted a $327.3 million operating budget and a $117 million Capital Improvement Plan. Notably, this was achieved without any property tax increase, holding the rate at $0.4495 per $100 of assessed valuation.
The council has been aggressively advancing tighter regulations for data centers. Following public pushback and debate, council members have actively toured data center facilities and continued pushing for stricter ordinances to protect utility and resource demands.
Cumberland County
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted the $666.45 million budget (with a $408.26 million general fund). The budget maintains the current property tax rate of $0.499 per $100 of assessed valuation.
On June 24, the Board approved $105.8 million in current expense funding for Cumberland County Schools.
North Carolina House and Senate
The North Carolina House and Senate have given tentative approval to a $34 billion state budget, with final votes scheduled to move the package forward. While the spending plan drew bipartisan backing, a few Democrats crossed party lines to vote with the Republican majority. Conversely, two Republican senators voted against the bill due to opposition over a proposed ferry toll in Eastern North Carolina. The bill now heads to Democratic Governor Josh Stein, who has 10 days to sign it, veto it or let it become law without his signature. If vetoed, Republicans have the numbers to override him in the Senate but remain one vote short in the House, meaning they would need to secure at least one opposition vote to pass the law.
The massive financial package directs money toward heavy infrastructure, relief and healthcare initiatives. Medicaid receives $1 billion to cover non-federal costs while hurricane recovery programs get more than $700 million to support local projects, private road repairs and volunteer fire departments.
Lawmakers also allocated the following special appropriations, state capital improvements and general fund expenses for local projects:
• Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity, $100,000 for a directed grant
• Greater Fayetteville Chamber, $90,000 for capital improvements, technology and equipment needs
• Cumberland County Schools, $50,000 for the Gray’s Creek High School FFA chapter
• Fayetteville Veterans’ Home, $10 million for a contribution to a new facility
• Fayetteville State University, $5.5 million for renovation to the H.L. Cook Building
• FTCC, $3.75 million to establish a community college seamless skills initiative
Public safety and education workforce raises make up another significant portion of the budget. Law enforcement officers will see salary increases ranging from 13% to 20%, depending on the specific agency, alongside a one-time bonus for local officers. Educators will receive an average 8% raise backed by an additional $30 million for advanced teaching roles, while standard state employees get a 3% salary increase and a corresponding bonus.
Higher education and state services also see targeted funding, including $57 million for the community college workforce initiative Propel NC and millions split among state universities for athletic programs, research, and campus reconstruction. The Division of Motor Vehicles receives $20.2 million to hire compliance staff and boost examiner pay, while programs like SNAP and the summer food initiative SUN Bucks get multi-million dollar matches. Notably, leadership kept individual member projects to a minimum and omitted a $1.7 billion Raleigh Major League Baseball stadium framework, though House Speaker Destin Hall indicated the stadium plan could be revived in future sessions.
In other news, the North Carolina House passed the NC Farmland and Military Protection Act (HB 133) in a 111-2 vote, sending the legislation to Governor Josh Stein. The bill prohibits foreign governments designated as adversaries by the U.S. Department of State from acquiring agricultural land or property within a 50-mile radius of military installations. Proponents argue this compromise legislation ensures food security and protects military installations.
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.