City Council allocates $50,000 for residency assistance in new budget

The Wilmington City Council held a budget hearing on April 28, 2025, focusing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget. A key topic of discussion was the allocation of funds for the residency assistance fund, which was established by ordinance number 23-40 in November 2023.

During the meeting, it was confirmed that the proposed budget includes $50,000 earmarked for the residency assistance fund. However, it was noted that no funds have been utilized in the current year, as they will only be available once the budget is officially adopted. The Department of Human Resources (HR) will oversee the implementation of this fund, guided by recommendations from the residency task force.

The task force suggested that relocation assistance be provided to employees who have completed six months of service. Eligible employees could receive reimbursement for moving expenses, with specific amounts based on the distance of their relocation. Those moving within a 25-mile radius could receive up to $5,000, while those relocating from further away could receive up to $7,500. A stipulation was also proposed that employees must maintain their employment for three years to qualify for this benefit, which would be limited to nonunion employees due to their residency requirement.

Additionally, the HR department plans to promote the relocation assistance program by including information in job descriptions for nonunion positions and in offer letters for candidates residing outside the city limits. This initiative aims to attract talent from out of state, as the city typically hires around ten out-of-state employees annually.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the importance of these funds in supporting employee relocation and enhancing recruitment efforts for the city. Further discussions on the budget and its implications are expected as the council moves forward with the approval process.