Black Mountain adopts FY 2025–26 budget; no property tax increase, 3% COLA and utility fee changes included

The Town of Black Mountain council adopted its fiscal 2025–26 budget on Monday, approving a total across funds of $19,569,250 with no change in the town’s property tax rate.

Key points: the adopted budget includes a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment for town employees, four new full‑time positions and one part‑time position, a $3 increase in the monthly waste reduction fee (raising that fee to $8 per month) and an approximately 15% increase in water rates. Staff indicated that the 15% headline water‑rate increase will be partially offset by removal of a bond fee, so the water bill increase will appear smaller to customers.

Capital and operating priorities were constrained as the town continues to grapple with post‑storm recovery costs and reduced taxable value from state‑assessed utilities. The total budget across major funds includes a general fund of approximately $11.8 million, a special revenue fund for the fire department of about $3.3 million and a water fund near $2.8 million. Staff noted the town’s overall budget is roughly 11% lower than the current year adopted figures and pointed to the impact of state assessment adjustments that reduced taxable values derived from utility property.

During the public hearing, staff explained the town will prepare a revenue‑neutral rate as part of the required reappraisal process next year. The council approved the budget on a voice vote after the public hearing closed.

Why it matters: the budget sets the town’s spending and service priorities for the coming year, introduces small fee increases for sanitation and water customers, and adds modest personnel capacity while limiting capital outlays until recovery funding becomes clearer.

Council members thanked town staff for budget work; no major amendments were recorded at the meeting.