Budget committee backs FY2026–27 budget, recommends public hearing on Ordinance 14‑2026

The Budget/Finance/Audit Committee voted unanimously to recommend that the Council authorize a public hearing on Ordinance 14‑2026, which would present the proposed FY2026–2027 budget to residents. The hearing was scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.

Town Manager Stephen Lawson presented the budget totals for the coming year: a General Fund of $6,034,850; a Water Fund of $3,241,100; a Sewer Fund of $1,911,400; and a combined total of $11,187,350. The committee’s recommendation preserves the current real estate tax rate of $0.69 per $100 of assessed value while advancing proposed rate adjustments for water and sewer that Lawson said are needed to absorb labor‑cost increases and other pressures.

Committee Chair Robert Bloomer adjourned the meeting at 10:33 a.m. after the unanimous recommendation. The committee’s formal recommendation reads: "The Budget/Finance/Audit Committee unanimously recommends that Council authorize a Public Hearing on Ordinance 14‑2026 on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of receiving public comment regarding the proposed FY2026–2027 Budget."