Funding services and priorities

• 3.9 cents of the increase will go toward the general fund, which pays for most city services like employee compensation, and vehicle and equipment replacement. The extra funding would meet Pate’s request for a 5.6% increase to the general fund, from $273.8 million to $289.1 million.
• 2.5 cents of the increase would be allocated to the transit fund. The city’s new deal with RATP-Dev USA LLC to improve the Winston-Salem Transit Authority requires an additional $7.1 million in funding.

• Water and sewer rates would increase 7% starting July 1. The average residential customer could expect to pay about $7.27 more on their bi-monthly bill.
• Stormwater fees would increase 8% starting Jan. 1, 2025.
• The motor vehicle privilege tax would double — increasing from $15 to $30 per vehicle.

What’s next?

• Sounds of the Summer: “A Romantic Gem” | Monday, June 17 | 7 p.m. | Calvary Moravian Church, 600 Holly Ave. Northwest, Winston-Salem | Hear music by Sandresky, Boëllmann, and more that highlights the sounds of the Hook and Hastings Organ.

• “A Shore Thing” Book Launch | Tuesday, June 18 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Bookmarks, 634 W. Fourth St., Ste.110, Winston-Salem | Free | Author Joanna Lowell will discuss the Victorian romance about a transmasculine hero and the beguiling woman who captures his heart.
• Salem Band “Olympics” Concert | Tuesday, June 18 | 7:30 p.m. | Salem Square, 649 S. Main St., Winston-Salem | Free | Hear marches and fanfare that celebrates the 2024 Summer Olympics — bring a lawn chair or blanket.
• Tarot-Chi | Tuesday, June 18 | 7-8:30 p.m. | CasaShanti on Trade, 545 Trade St. NW, Unit 100, Winston-Salem | $20 | Bring your deck and get a deeper understanding of the essence of the cards.

• Opening Reception: “Allana Clarke: Tender” | Wednesday, June 19 | 6-8 p.m. | SECCA (NC Museum of Art, Winston-Salem), 750 Marguerite Dr., Winston-Salem | Free | Join Trinidadian-American artist Allana Clarke as she unveils sculptures conveying lived narratives of Black women within the African diaspora.

• Summer Dip | Thursday, June 20 | 4-6 p.m. | Sparq, 486 N. Patterson Ave., Second floor, Winston-Salem | Free | Dip your toe in the networking pool while enjoying food and drinks.

• Forsyth County Commissioners approved the 2024-2025 budget in a 4-3 vote. The $588 million budget does not include a property tax increase and provides an additional $8.3 million to Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. (Winston-Salem Journal)

• Two Twin City restaurants made Triad Business Journal’s list of upscale Triad restaurants, based on Yelp reviews. Di Lisio’s Italian Restaurant (301 Brookstown Ave.) came in at No. 8 + 1703 Restaurant and Catering (1703 Robinhood Rd.) was ranked No. 10.

• Wine and dine with The Caviste and Bobby Boy Bakeshop during the French Bistro event on Thursday, June 27 at 6 p.m. The buffet-style dinner at 1100 Reynolda Rd. is $90 per person and reservations are required — call 336-774-3775 to save your spot.

• Dearest gentle reader, get ready to sip tea fit for the ton Winston. Founders Restaurant is hosting a Bridgerton-themed tea party at The Shaffner Inn (150 S. Marshall St.) on Saturday, July 13 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $38 and include a welcome cocktail, tea service, live music, and a parting gift.

• Enjoy live music during the Old School Block Party Thursday, Aug. 1 through Saturday, Aug. 3. Envision, Phase Band, and Club Nouveau will provide free entertainment in Corpening Plaza (231 W. 1st St.) from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. to celebrate the International Black Theatre Festival.

• Stop by Bookmarks before it closes for renovations on Monday, July 1. The independent bookstore at 634 W. 4th St., Ste. 110 will reopen to the public at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 6. Looking for a summer read? Check out our guide to books by local authors.

• Did you know you could finance your fixer-upper with home equity? You could get up to $50K with a HELOC — calculate your payment.*