Indian Trail council sets FY26 tax rate at 17 cents; approves two rezonings, annexations and multiple capital budget amendments

The Indian Trail Town Council voted May 13 to set the FY2026 property tax rate at 17 cents per $100 of assessed value and approved a series of land-use and capital funding measures, including a conditional rezoning for a new business park and multiple grant-funded path and park projects.

Tax vote and budget context Town Manager Brian (presented the manager's recommended FY26 budget and recommended keeping the tax rate at 18.5 cents). He told council the recommendation avoids using fund balance to balance operations and preserves flexibility for large anticipated contract costs such as solid waste and law enforcement.

Council debated several tax-rate scenarios before voting. The final motion to set the tax rate at 17 cents passed 3-2. The transcript records the affirmative votes by councilmembers Crystal, Clarence and Dennis and recorded Tom and Todd Barber as opposing.

The manager had presented the budget's key points: a recommended general fund of $27,996,638; proposed use of a 5-cent dedicated capital/debt reserve; a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for staff with a merit pool of 0—2%; and planned debt service and stormwater funding. The manager noted uncertainty about upcoming solid-waste contract bids and recommended building flexibility into the rate choice.

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