Budget Memo Certification Agencies July 2026
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
OFFICE OF STATE BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT
JOSH STEIN
GOVERNOR
KRISTIN WALKER
STATE BUDGET DIRECTOR
July 10, 2026
TO: State Agency Department Heads, Chief Financial Officers, Budget Officers, All State Departments, Institutions and Agencies
FROM: Kristin Walker, State Budget Director
SUBJECT: Certification Guidance for SL 2026-41 and SL 2026-42
With the passage and signing of the Appropriations Act and the Budget Technical Corrections Bill (SL 2026-41 and SL 2026-42), OSBM and state entities will work to certify the budget as expeditiously as possible. OSBM will host trainings for the certification process and has prepared training materials and job aids. Key certification training dates and deadlines follow.
| Date/Time | Activity/Deadline |
|---|---|
| Wed., July 15, 11:30 AM-12:15 PM | Certification Training for Agencies |
| Wed., August 5, COB | All certification entries due to OSBM |
OSBM plans to certify all actions included in SL 2026-41 and SL 2026-42 prior to the close of the July accounting records. Agencies will use the Integrated Budget Information System (IBIS) to prepare certification entries for all appropriations in the session laws. After OSBM approval, certification entries will interface with the North Carolina Financial System (NCFS).
Agencies are encouraged to submit entries as soon as they are complete and notify their Budget Development analyst so the review process can begin promptly. ALL certification entries are due to OSBM for review by close of business on Wednesday, August 5.
Certification instructions for state agencies are available on OSBM’s website. Other tools, including an IBIS certification user guide and the certification bulk upload template, are also available to assist you and your staff.
OSBM will host certification training for agency budget staff on Wednesday, July 15, at 11:30 AM-12:15 PM. Staff should register on OSBM’s website to attend in-person in OSBM’s Blue Ridge Training Room (A309) or via Microsoft Teams.
SL 2026-41 includes appropriations for Hurricane Helene recovery. OSBM’s website has a job aid for NCFS structure for Helene funding. Those instructions do not apply to Department of Transportation or the University of North Carolina system, who should follow existing guidance. The Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina will reach out to agencies receiving new state appropriations to ensure consistent interpretation of session law language.
If you have specific questions or concerns, please speak to your OSBM Budget Development analyst.
Thank you for your continued partnership.