Huntersville staff outlines $139 million budget; board asks for job description before adding downtown business development role

A town staff presenter gave a high-level overview of the proposed fiscal year budget, saying the total town budget is about $139,000,000 with a general fund of roughly $96,000,000 and a proposed tax rate that would stay the same.

The presenter said the town is accounting conservatively for the new 1% PAVE Act sales tax, recognizing six months' distribution in the current proposal at about $6,000,000 (the presenter said a full 12 months would double that estimate). The manager's message highlights a $34,000,000 capital improvement program, operating capital near $2,000,000, no new debt planned in the five-year forecast, and several fee adjustments including a planned increase in the residential solid-waste fee in 2027 to $2.70 to better cover contract costs.

Staff also summarized personnel changes in the proposal: 18 new positions overall, including six part-time firefighters being converted to full time, proposed additions in public safety (a police captain and lieutenant), four public-works crew positions and several administrative support roles (HR, IT, facilities). The presenter said the town will begin bringing electric operations in-house rather than relying on regional management arrangements.

Board members asked questions about specific items and raised procedural requests. Several commissioners expressed support for a proposed downtown business development position intended to help revitalize the downtown area and pursue grant opportunities; others asked for a clear job description and transparency on duties and selection so the board can evaluate overlap with existing staff responsibilities.

The board and staff agreed to circulate a draft job description before the May 19 public presentation and to consider adding the position during the June 2 budget adoption process. The presenter said public hearings on the budget are scheduled for May 19, a publicly advertised budget Q&A May 21, and a projected adoption at the June 2 board meeting.

The meeting record shows no formal votes on budget adoption at this session; staff directed to provide requested clarifications and a draft job description for board review ahead of the next hearings.