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Cary reviews $65 million CIP wishlist and shortfall as board prepares 2025–26 budget
Summary
At a Feb. 11 special meeting, Cary staff presented a five‑year capital improvement plan totaling roughly $65 million in potential projects; officials said currently projected funding covers about $38 million and asked trustees to prioritize projects ahead of the April budget vote.
Village of Cary officials on Feb. 11 reviewed a proposed five‑year capital improvement program that outlines roughly $65 million in potential projects and about $38 million in projected revenue, asking the board to prioritize which items should be included in the 2025–26 budget.
The presentation, given by village staff during a public workshop, was framed as discussion only; no votes were taken. Village Administrator (name not specified) told the board the CIP is meant to list “all the different options” for future budgets and to solicit public and trustee input prior to formal budget adoption in April.
Staff laid out a wide slate of projects across funds — downtown plaza and streetscape improvements; transportation and pavement work; water‑system resiliency and well construction; parks and Cary Lake amenities; sidewalk and wayfinding sign programs; and vehicle and equipment replacements. The packet presented both projects programmed for near‑term work and a longer list of unfunded ideas for future consideration.
Financial context was central to the discussion. Staff described the capital projects fund as currently supported mainly by municipal cannabis revenue, one‑time transfers and other limited sources; water and sewer projects are planned in an enterprise fund supported by utility rates. The village also flagged two possible revenue options for future consideration: a local sales tax under authority available to non‑home‑rule communities and the potential loss of an existing 1% grocery tax that the state plans to end on Jan. 1, 2026. Staff estimated the grocery tax lapse could reduce local revenue by roughly $400,000 annually; a village‑level home‑rule sales tax was estimated in prior analyses to produce roughly $700,000 annually (board discussion noted that precise estimates vary and would require further study).
The board asked staff to return with prioritized projects and additional detail at a follow‑up workshop on March 15. The April 1 meeting was identified as the planned date for formal budget consideration and any final CIP adoption.
