When is the tax rate set?

The tax rate is set by elected officials in the annual budget. The Wake County budget process, like that of many municipalities, includes a presentation of the recommended budget by the County Manager in May. Residents have opportunities to learn about the budget and provide comments in various ways, including advisory commissions, informal conversations, round-table briefings, TV and video presentations, etc. Residents are encouraged to participate in opinion surveys, neighborhood meetings, office hours, letter writing, telephone calls, and e-mail regarding the budget and the tax rate. The Board of Commissioners also holds special hearings on the budget in May. The tax rate is adopted in conjunction with the adoption of the annual budget, typically in June. 

Wake County and its municipalities operate on a July 1 - June 30 fiscal year.