By Jordan Meadows
Staff Writer
The Wake County Board of Commissioners held its first meeting of 2026 on Monday afternoon, marking a new year of leadership and fiscal planning for the county.
During the meeting, Chair Mial presented a proclamation recognizing October 28 as the Cary, NC Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Day of Service.
“Through a comprehensive body of service and community engagement, the young development efforts of Kappa Alpha Psi have produced meaningful civic and improved quality of life outcomes across Wake County,” he said. The organization’s contributions include family support programs, assistance to seniors, scholarships, STEM education initiatives, and training opportunities for young men.
The board also received the annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, presented by Chief Financial Officer Patrick Flanary. The report, audited by independent auditors as required by state law, showed that county revenues exceeded expenditures by $65.5 million. Property taxes, which accounted for the vast majority of revenue, rose nearly $200 million from 2024.
Total spending reached $2 billion, an increase of $181 million from the previous fiscal period, with nearly 37% allocated to education. Approximately 27% of expenditures were classified as “transfers to other funds,” reflecting the movement of money from the General Fund to capital projects, debt service, and special revenue funds, including Wake County Schools and Wake Tech Community College. These transfers, while appearing as spending, are internal reallocations used to cover shortfalls, comply with legal restrictions, or fund future projects, with actual spending occurring later when the receiving fund pays vendors, employees, or lenders.
Health and human services and public safety each accounted for roughly 13% of the budget, while community, environmental services, and infrastructure each made up less than 3.6%. Wake County ended the fiscal year with 20% of its budget in working capital, representing the county’s current assets minus current liabilities, providing a strong financial cushion for ongoing operations. Additionally, the county contributed $8 million to Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB), which support retirement benefits for employees beyond pensions.
The board also reviewed appointments and reappointments to several county bodies, including the Housing Authority, Historic Preservation Commission, and Juvenile Prevention Council, ensuring continuity in governance and community programs.
In December, the board elected Commissioner Don Mial to serve as chair and Commissioner Safiyah Jackson as vice chair for the year ahead. Chair Mial, first elected to the board in 2022, also serves as vice chair of the Public Safety Committee and as a member of the Growth, Sustainability, and Economic Strength Committee. Vice Chair Jackson, appointed to the board in 2025, chairs the Affordable Housing Committee and serves as liaison to the Wake County Housing Authority and Passage Home Boards.
“I’m honored to serve alongside the other dedicated public servants on this board,” said Chair Mial. “Together, we’ll drive progress on Wake County’s top priorities, from affordable housing to public safety, while investing in the parks, libraries and shared spaces that connect us.”
Both will serve in their roles through December 2026.
