AGENDA ITEM EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
ITEM TITLE*
title
Opportunity for Public Comment on the FY26 Town Budget
presenter
RESPONSIBLE STAFF, TITLE, DEPARTMENT*
Mary Jane Nirdlinger, Interim Town Manager, Manager’s Office
LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT*
This will be an opportunity for members of the public to provide input on the Town’s budget for the next fiscal year.
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BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT*
The Council has received information about the budget at their March 26th and April 16th meetings: https://chapelhill.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
Some highlights from those materials include:
1. The Town has used a five-year outlook to inform their tax rate decisions in recent years. Increasing the rate has addressed some core needs, including Affordable Housing, Parks and Recreation, Transit, and the increasing costs of doing business.
2. This year’s property tax revaluation reflects significant growth in values for both residential and commercial properties.
3. The Town is also experiencing challenges related to low sales tax revenues, inflation, uncertainty about federal actions, and our limited sources of revenue-primarily property taxes.
4. We continue to need to invest in maintaining our buildings and facilities, streets, and fleet to support the services the community values, as well as supporting the ongoing operations of the Town, as outlined in the five-year outlook.
In their previous meetings, the Council has discussed the Town’s critical needs, the tax rate, areas of focus, and community needs. Tonight is an opportunity for members of the public to share their perspective with the Council.
The discussion will begin with a brief, high-level overview of the budget process and key issues, followed by public comment.
ATTACHMENTS
April 16, 2025 Budget Presentation
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