Fayetteville City Council Adopts Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
The City of Fayetteville adopted the fiscal year 2025 budget, totaling $320.9 million on June 24. Councilmembers unanimously voted to adopt the budget during a Regular Council meeting held in the council chambers at city hall. The budget can be found at fayettevillenc.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/25866.
“This council did not take lightly and they took into consideration every impact that we could think of to provide the services that residents are accustomed to,” said Mayor Mitch Colvin. “We sent the budget back over and over again to find other ways to do it and to be conscious of the fact that people are recovering financially and economically, but still want service and want to feel protected.”
The FY 2025 budget represents a 3.01% increase over the previous fiscal year and includes critical investments aimed at enhancing community services, ensuring fiscal sustainability, and addressing key priorities identified by both the City Council and residents.
"Working through the budget process this year has been a testament to our commitment to the residents and employees of Fayetteville,” said City Manager Doug Hewett. “I'm proud of the collaborative efforts of our City Council and staff to ensure that we provide the best possible outcomes. Together, we have crafted a budget that not only addresses our immediate needs but also sets a strong foundation for future growth and prosperity.”
These allocations demonstrate the City's commitment to enhancing public safety and community well-being through targeted investments.
Ad Valorem Tax Rate Increase: 100% of the $0.04 ad valorem increase is dedicated to public safety personnel, ensuring competitive compensation for police, fire, and emergency communications employees. The $0.04 ad valorem tax rate increase is expected to generate approximately $6.176 million with each $0.01 increase generating approximately $1.544 million. The new ad valorem tax rate will be $0.5795 per $100 of property valuation for City residents. This funding is crucial to ensure the City of Fayetteville can recruit and retain qualified public safety personnel, maintaining high standards of safety and security for the community.
Allocations to support the Office of Community Safety: $2.5 million in funding is allocated to maintain current Office of Community Safety related activities with $2.3 million in additional funding for the OCS. The new Office will focus on four identified pillars: mental health response and diversion, violence prevention and intervention, homeless risk reduction, and youth opportunities.
Municipal Service District Tax Rate Increase: The tax rate increase for the Municipal Service District is necessary to enhance the quality of life and support the growth of the downtown area. The proposed increase from $0.10 to $0.17 will generate just over $105,000 to maintain services such as enhanced security, street maintenance, beautification projects, community events and Downtown Hospitality Officers.
Employee Compensation: An investment of $4.6 million will provide all non-step employees with a 4% salary increase, along with an additional 1% contribution to the 401(k) plan, bringing the total contribution to 3%. This is part of a multiyear recruitment and retention strategy to reach a total of 5% to be competitive with other employers, municipalities and counties in North Carolina.
Infrastructure Improvements: The budget includes significant investments in infrastructure, such as a $1 monthly increase in the stormwater fee to support stormwater management and ongoing maintenance of the city's 751.6 miles of streets and 122 parks and recreation facilities.

FAST began service to Bill Crisp Senior Center on July 1
The Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST) is adding an additional stop to Route 17 which includes the Bill Crisp Senior Center. Service to the center was slated to start July 1.
A new bus stop pad and shelter has already been installed near the entrance to the senior center, which has an average of 4,500 to 5,000 participants per month. The new service will run Monday through Friday during the center’s operating hours. The frequency of this route will be about every 90 minutes. The new stop will provide convenient access to the center from Cross Creek mall, Two Bale Lane, and numerous other destinations on the west side of Fayetteville.
FAST will also be replacing seven obsolete bus shelters with new upgraded amenities that will match the City’s brand. The total cost of the new shelters is $129,786.60. This includes seven complete shelter packages with a 12-foot shelter, bench and trash can. The shelters were funded by federal grants.
The precise location of each shelter has not yet been determined. For more information on bus schedules and stops, please contact Jaimie Walters, Transit Planner, at 910-433-1626 or by email at JaimieWalters@FayettevilleNC.gov

Additional Flight from FAY to ATL to begin in September
Delta Airlines is set to enhance travel convenience for passengers at the Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY) by adding a third daily flight to Atlanta (ATL) starting September 9. The additional frequency flight will increase travel options and reduce layover times for passengers flying through Atlanta.
The new frequency flight will contribute to a total of 20 flights in/out each day at FAY starting in September. This includes flights operated by both Delta Airlines and American Airlines.
“We are thrilled to announce the addition of a new flight service from Fayetteville Regional Airport. This expansion not only enhances connectivity for our residents and visitors but also stimulates local economic growth,” said Interim Airport Director Deontae Watson. “By providing more travel options, we are making Fayetteville even more accessible and attractive as a destination. We look forward to the positive impact this will have on our community.”
Passengers can now expect Delta Airline flights in the morning, afternoon, and evening arrivals and departures, alleviating layover times.
Passengers can book tickets now for the new flight at FlyFay.com or Delta.com.