[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6234199,"mediaKeyId","3411737-8b95c3cf9eb8f644f40652e99fbf9397","parentId",3411737,"title","Fuquay Varina Police, Herbert Akins Middle launch Criminal Justice Club for students","audioSeconds",145,"startMs",2070000,"endMs",2215000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3411737-8b95c3cf9eb8f644f40652e99fbf9397&start=2070&end=2215","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3411737-8b95c3cf9eb8f644f40652e99fbf9397/thumbnail_2070000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6234199/North-Carolina/Fuquay-Varina-Police-Herbert-Akins-Middle-launch-Criminal-Justice-Club-for-students","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234199-1f42c77787303ebcf90d0dc1828573fc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771035288&Signature=e3SVV9wJKu0dVBSaDn~cugqLXah321rzEYvMyKANQl06kVAZfxPGzejFLBcLplYamktYKfmFavEQsFMgxw5PkGHgUTy75y37KhuGKbG~0iUGmYbDej884no6rSCFiqcxCYM4E4Mb4p1YqkCaOWsVwq~qIhKVmJN8UI91zCdyriG~F~FZpvyse4atKYHQwQlMB5NHcMysPOdhObWHDz9ztZeB2dGU0n2pcIiKMwGN4bT9FLtCsAYJG-wki9AK~HFvuRQnXVLEbnJu4eC2oSCA6P-h70u5Ut7u2eSdXM5dH4jaMajhEC-D3bdQKEn5ZdVpSjWLcs8t5hc0A~VYqkb9Kw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-21T00:53:59.317Z","article","The Fuquay Varina Police Department presented the town board on May 20 with details of a new Criminal Justice Club at Herbert Akins Road Middle School, an in‑school program led by School Resource Officer Derek Wilson that began Jan. 15, 2025.

Police Chief Smith described the club as a youth engagement initiative that enrolled students through an application process: 80 students applied and 34 were accepted, Chief Smith said. Meetings are held weekly on Wednesdays during school hours for 30 minutes; the curriculum covers elements of law enforcement functions and life skills such as public speaking, discipline, confidence and teamwork. The program uses branded club shirts and a motto of “One team, One Fight.”

Officer Derek Wilson, a Navy veteran and a former Newport News (Va.) police officer who joined Fuquay Varina PD in February 2022, serves as the club’s leader. Chief Smith said long‑term goals include transitioning interested students into the Police Explorers program and potentially into future service with the department. Chief Smith also noted outreach events such as a recent “Hooping with a Cop” basketball event that connected officers and students.

Chief Smith presented Officer Wilson with a community service commendation for his work establishing the club. Principal Atkins and students attended the recognition at the board meeting.

Why it matters: the club is an early‑intervention youth engagement program intended to teach skills, build relationships between students and police, and create a potential pipeline into the department’s youth programs. The club is in‑school, limited by application, and designed for middle school students at Herbert Akins Road Middle School.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","05-20-25 Board of Commissioners Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Fuquay Varina Police Department and Herbert Akins Road Middle School launched a Criminal Justice Club led by school resource officer Derek Wilson; 80 students applied and 34 were accepted when the club started Jan. 15, 2025.","taxTitle","Fuquay Varina, Wake County, North Carolina","taxId",52889,"location","North Carolina","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6234204,"Fuquay Varina Police Department receives CALEA accreditation; COPS grant supported process",171,1668000,1839000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3411737-8b95c3cf9eb8f644f40652e99fbf9397&start=1668&end=1839","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3411737-8b95c3cf9eb8f644f40652e99fbf9397/thumbnail_1668000.jpg","/articles/6234204/North-Carolina/Fuquay-Varina-Police-Department-receives-CALEA-accreditation-COPS-grant-supported-process","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234204-8c6fb4b98990d3f45e292ae6709e4960/orig.mp4?Expires=1771035288&Signature=DaBJIRYU2xI0h~n0ltKT68vG5Mfl6DLes78uAfhwb0qgjzmL77ReQXJcZxyJHxD9l~viGu3SXwRn3gzGUtyVaENMYvaUteF3UF2K906BdCqcS4~qydpz~bxsTJlBUdJeFlxJQwi4zeFEn4pYXVJyCnTyekFurvChcytSWPvWZ5jW8739URJkxeoyPDne-fDmjrpyfryvtaTSplN1Md8GAD-Bv85ci0cEB-41y6EocsrN1b4bbBRKqJ-EoOdjvSjx6RC6NpChZTN9x2HVrsLrI4NUUDZDa5r11dlAb7exVAsdqsoozJFcDN9EFAhEWc60321PHSTATKI3DtKBXFkmag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fuquay Varina Police Chief Smith announced on May 20 that the Fuquay Varina Police Department has received accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) following an 18‑month review of policies, training and operations.

Chief Smith said the accreditation process involved a comprehensive policy review, an online assessment, a site visit, and a hearing before the commission. He credited accreditation specialist Marilyn Wagner and Lieutenant Michael McDonnell for leading the work and said a COPS grant was used to support policy management systems, training, and technology updates necessary to meet CALEA standards. Chief Smith said the department will display the CALEA certificate in its lobby and presented Marilyn Wagner with a certificate of appreciation.

Why it matters: CALEA accreditation recognizes compliance with nationally accepted best practices in policy, accountability and operations. Chief Smith said accreditation “demonstrates that our agency complies with best practice standards in areas such as policy, accountability, operations, training, and community engagement.” He also said the accreditation is an ongoing process that requires continued compliance and periodic reassessment.

Supporting details: Chief Smith described the effort as approximately 18 months of work that included a site visit and a commission hearing. He thanked employees across the department and noted the department joins other accredited agencies in the United States, Canada and Mexico. No formal board action was required; the item was presented as a recognition.","Police Chief Smith announced the Fuquay Varina Police Department has achieved CALEA accreditation after an 18‑month process; chief credited staff and a COPS grant for supporting required policy and technology updates.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6234209,"Fuquay Varina holds public hearing on FY2026 budget; no adoption tonight as board weighs proposed utility rate increases",262,3086000,3348000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3411737-8b95c3cf9eb8f644f40652e99fbf9397&start=3086&end=3348","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3411737-8b95c3cf9eb8f644f40652e99fbf9397/thumbnail_3086000.jpg","/articles/6234209/North-Carolina/Fuquay-Varina-holds-public-hearing-on-FY2026-budget-no-adoption-tonight-as-board-weighs-proposed-utility-rate-increases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234209-15face2f3f5e6c42fc7547755f57a4e0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771035288&Signature=ZkjjJV6Hnk-GPi~vA95zSCqAxPPHfopm1kD74l3WYUU~qV6RhzdDftxDeo8kfJIEpugSuXXtUlQAFHerJiuQ~tELZYtEbljIOrMwjxjChcsmYloXaTD9h4MMQbl6Xws7MoGdd4QE7sEEjWFas0KJO5-L8bFkg52Wuuu~3vV9lmqXmzgafTp1PoF7P5KuKajJTf8-3D2u5cmyh5wdM3Pylwg828teMB-44w-tb4uWjiSemeaJ9-I5~yY6kXbwxAwZ5VxR1-mihoG2968zmhlE5i9TYZkYkQM9RRgaDLtOzirWKejshepcXXZiXjHpKAWhg3CO0mfgBjTnFmE0kf20oA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fuquay Varina Town Board on May 20 held a public hearing on the manager’s recommended fiscal year 2026 operating budget and five‑year plan but did not vote to adopt the budget; adoption was scheduled for the June 2 meeting.

Assistant Town Manager Mark Matthews summarized outreach and availability of budget materials and highlighted principal budget points: no proposed property tax rate increase (the rate would remain at 35.8 cents per $100 of assessed value), no sanitation fee increase, a recommended 15% increase to water and sewer volumetric rates, and a recommended increase to the sewer system development fee consistent with the earlier fee study. Matthews said the manager’s recommended general fund budget total is $76,565,157 and the Utility Fund operating budget is $34,386,973.

During public comment, resident Dan Ford of 1204 Garrow Drive urged the board to reject the proposal and objected to the proposed utility rate increase. Ford said that since his family moved to Fuquay Varina in January 2022, water and sewer charges would have risen roughly 74% under successive adjustments and estimated his household would pay about $500 more per year under the proposed increase; he asked the board to seek alternative funding, including contributions from large developers.

Board discussion referenced the system development fee study and statutory limits on SDF maximums. Assistant Town Manager Mark Matthews explained that under North Carolina statute the SDF formula sets the maximum allowable fees and that the town had hired Stantec to perform the analysis; he said the recommended fees included in the budget are the statutory maximums and that options for funding water and wastewater capacity are therefore limited to rate revenue and SDFs unless state law changes or different funding sources are secured. A commissioner asked a technical question about debt‑service calculations; staff offered to follow up outside the hearing and bring the detail to the next meeting.

Why it matters: the recommended utility rate increases and SDF adjustments fund planned capacity expansions for the town’s water and wastewater systems. The board did not adopt the budget at the hearing; members will consider adoption at the June 2 meeting after additional review and any follow-up staff responses.","The town opened and closed a public hearing on the recommended FY2026 operating budget and five-year plan. Key points: no proposed property tax increase, a recommended 15% increase to water and sewer volumetric rates, proposed wastewater system development fee increase, and final adoption scheduled for June 2.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6234214,"Fuquay Varina board adopts higher wastewater system development fee; water meter rate unchanged",101,2925000,3026000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3411737-8b95c3cf9eb8f644f40652e99fbf9397&start=2925&end=3026","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3411737-8b95c3cf9eb8f644f40652e99fbf9397/thumbnail_2925000.jpg","/articles/6234214/North-Carolina/Fuquay-Varina-board-adopts-higher-wastewater-system-development-fee-water-meter-rate-unchanged","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234214-301f7f0626d70cd014caf2da6f3fbc05/orig.mp4?Expires=1771035288&Signature=hVdHGiLqIPBLTv2kvGaRGc5xrxUw28XGIS1Cv5DT~BVpWGh8m5UnFXGYs0O4ESpJvpqf9clslQNQsC84KSgsmalaSuxSvaJ99kEEjt022K40-ONcS7IgXjnPzwiGfn01Uc1J08u-wG7VoZ~-1CBIDDulG6NPjyiRcoDCsqylrdFWZ~OK~-l9aIh9Ktx4dLOd5hBlMdwP4u-eq4DRD~tv6sY1GEV8KvfpjTIPSAog7scSP2DHbxXyW0-eJc0oFs12vbzOrPWdYf9cq4BMApt-kogB2onQLzPLUMHZ~KHB1ri88VkOxNnjM1H6--YMNwjlrdD-IGU15PlnoQPW9DL5vg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fuquay Varina Town Board on May 20 adopted a revised wastewater system development fee that raises the charge from $4,490 to $4,845 for new service connections, following a public hearing and a consultant recommendation.

Public Utilities Director Mike Wagner told the board the fee analysis was prepared by Stantec and is required under North Carolina law; he said the study recommended no change to the 3/4-inch residential water meter development fee ($4,929) while proposing a $355 increase to the wastewater fee. The draft analysis was posted for a 45-day public comment period as required by state law; Wagner said no public comments were received during that period.

The fee change implements the consultant’s recommended maximums under the statutory formula and applies to new growth-driven capacity costs. After the public hearing, a motion was made to adopt the wastewater and water system development fee analysis as presented; the motion carried.

Why it matters: system development fees (SDFs) are charged to new development to fund water and wastewater capacity attributable to growth. The board and staff said the recommended fees are the maximum allowable under the statutory formula, meaning the town cannot lawfully set higher SDFs without a change in state law or methodology.

Supporting details: Mike Wagner said Stantec recommended keeping the water meter fee unchanged at $4,929 for a 3/4‑inch residential meter and increasing the wastewater fee to $4,845. He also noted the consultant recommended adjustments for larger meter sizes consistent with AWWA guidance. Assistant Town Manager Mark Matthews and the mayor presided over the hearing and the subsequent motion to adopt the analysis.

What the board decided next: the board adopted the fee analysis at the meeting; staff will implement the updated fees per the ordinance and publish the effective dates and any administrative instructions as required.","After a public hearing, the Fuquay Varina Town Board adopted a wastewater system development fee increase recommended by a consultant; the recommended water meter development fee and the 3/4-inch residential water rate remain unchanged.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Fuquay Varina Police, Herbert Akins Middle launch Criminal Justice Club for students

Fuquay Varina Police Department receives CALEA accreditation; COPS grant supported process

Fuquay Varina holds public hearing on FY2026 budget; no adoption tonight as board weighs proposed utility rate increases

Fuquay Varina board adopts higher wastewater system development fee; water meter rate unchanged