Forsyth County Budget & Management
Commissioners approve budget that maintains services and invests in community
Forsyth County commissioners approved a $600 million budget on June 4 that maintains county services, increases school funding and continues their support of community agencies while strengthening the county’s fiscal health.
FY27 Budget At A Glance
$600 Million
Approved Budget
Maintaining Core Services
Aligned with Board Priorities
Preserving Financial Stability
Revenue Challenges
Limited Revenue Growth
Property tax base growth projected at only 1%, generating just $3.38 million in new recurring revenue.
Declining Sales Tax
FY26 Adopted: $110.8 million
FY27 Recommended: $107.3 million
Collections trending below adopted budget for 3 consecutive years.
Intergovernmental Revenue Decline
FY26: $50.6 million
FY27: $44.6 million
$6.0 million decrease
Rising Operating Costs
- Inflation
- Healthcare costs
- Jail medical & food costs
- Utilities & fuel
- State cost shifts
Property Tax Rate
55.40¢
per $100 of assessed value
1.88¢ Increase
Taxpayer Impact
Median home value: $269,700
+50.70 / year
+$4.23 / month
Where Your Tax Dollars Go
FY27 Recommended Budget by Service Area
| Service Area | Budget | % |
|---|---|---|
| Education | $192,146,990 | 32% |
| Public Safety | $115,666,166 | 19% |
| Health & Human Services | $101,137,981 | 16% |
| Debt Service | $84,864,850 | 14% |
| Administration & Support | $45,992,478 | 8% |
| General Government | $22,249,016 | 4% |
| Culture & Recreation | $20,252,519 | 3% |
| Community & Economic Development | $9,530,725 | 2% |
| Environmental Management | $5,294,971 | 1% |
| Community Grants | $1,819,212 | 0% |
FY26 Adopted Budget: $591,011,518
Where County Revenue Comes From
61%
Property Taxes
$365.9M
18%
Sales Taxes
$107.3M
8%
Intergovernmental Revenue
$44.6M
13%
Other Revenue Sources
$81.1M
Property tax remains the County's largest
revenue source and funds core services.
*Includes charges for services, fund balance, investments, other revnues, and other finances
Responsible Financial Stewardship
No fund balance used for recurring operations
Focuses on sustaining core services
Funds only critical enhancements
Positions the County to maintain a strong bond rating
Balances service needs with long-term fiscal sustainability
