Lenor manager unveils FY2026–27 proposed budget; council schedules June 2 public hearing

Lenor — City Manager Scott Hildbrand presented the proposed FY2026–27 annual budget at the May 19 council meeting and the council agreed to hold a public hearing on the proposal on Tuesday, June 2 at 6:00 p.m.

Hildbrand told the council the proposal is built around five priorities the council set earlier this year: competitive employee compensation and benefits, improved corridor appearance and code enforcement, closing sidewalk gaps in partnership with NCDOT, strategies to attract attainable and affordable housing, and improving public outreach.

Key elements the manager highlighted include a proposed 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment and a $2,000 increase in base pay for full‑time employees (effective July 1); a proposed 1% 401(k) employer match for non‑law‑enforcement employees (law enforcement receives a higher contribution under state law); and state-mandated increases in retirement contributions for law enforcement and non-law enforcement staff. The proposal also includes funding for personnel, technology upgrades, code enforcement, street resurfacing ($430,000) and an additional $150,000 for strategic downtown paving priorities.

Among large capital items discussed was a previously approved 107-foot ladder ‘quint’ fire truck financed over seven years at 0% interest (presented cost ~ $1.8 million). The water and wastewater capital program totals were discussed in the presentation as approximately $3,767,500, including an appropriation from retained earnings staff identified as about $1.66 million for capital projects and system repairs.

Hildbrand said the budget is balanced in accordance with state law and includes initiatives aimed at recruitment and retention, such as tuition-reimbursement increases and a new budget analyst position for long‑range financial planning.

Why it matters: The proposed budget identifies how the city plans to fund operations, personnel and capital investments for the coming fiscal year; the public hearing on June 2 will be the formal opportunity for residents to comment before the council considers adoption.

Next steps: The council scheduled the required public hearing for June 2 at 6:00 p.m., and staff said the proposal and supporting documents are available online for review.