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Morganton council adopts FY2025–26 budget with utility rate increases and 3% COLA
Summary
Morganton City Council on June 16 adopted its FY2025–26 budget, keeping the tax rate at $0.50 per $100, approving a 10% water rate increase, a 5% sewer increase, and a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for pay ranges.
Morganton — The City Council on June 16 adopted the fiscal year 2025–26 budget, retaining the regular tax rate at $0.50 per $100 of assessed value and approving several utility and service adjustments. Sally, the staff presenter, told the council the budget keeps “our tax rate at 50¢ for regular taxes” while proposing a 10% increase to water volume charges and a 5% increase to sewer volume charges. She also noted a $5-per-month increase beginning in January for the TV (Compass) portion of utility billing.
The council approved the budget by voice vote after a brief public hearing during which no members of the public spoke. The measure includes a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for employee pay ranges; Sally said pay ranges must be set for the new year and “the pay ranges include the 3% COLA that is approved with this budget.” Mayor and councilmembers moved and approved the adoption and related motions during the meeting.
Council members also separately adopted the schedule of fees and charges that make up the budget. Chris moved to adopt the schedule of fees and charges for FY2025–26 and the motion passed by voice vote. Councilors then approved the pay range motion, effective July 1, 2025.
Sally told the council that most other rates will remain steady and that the budget reflects routine updates to utility and service charges. The council’s adoption sets the budget to take effect July 1; staff will implement the rate and pay-range changes under the authority provided by the ordinance.
