Council shifts FY27 budget to cover stormwater and waterfront projects, approves Brickyard Commons purchase

At a public hearing on Sept. 28, finance staff described a FY27 budget amendment increasing appropriations by just over $7 million to fund several projects already approved by council. Miss Novak told the council the package included $3,475,000 from the stormwater utility fund balance for the Brickyard Commons (Royal Pines stormwater project), $1,000,000 from local accommodation tax for the Waterfront Park, $400,000 for All Joy and $245,000 for Bridal River fishing projects, and additional workforce housing allocations, for a total package of a little over $7 million.

The Brickyard Commons item prompted a staff explanation of the project’s scope: county staff described a regional stormwater best‑management practice converting roughly 25 acres of developable land into a stormwater pond with an outfall to address local septic and drainage concerns. The related ordinance authorizing the county administrator to execute purchase documents with Brickyard Commons LLC for $3,475,000 moved forward with no public opposition at the hearing. Council voted to advance the budget and related stormwater appropriation on second reading.