Town Manager Mike McClure delivered a 15-minute final report to the council, summarizing accomplishments during his five-plus years in office and outlining issues the council will face in the upcoming budget season.

McClure highlighted public-safety and emergency investments, saying the town increased contracted deputies from about 20 to 38 and purchased three ladder fire trucks during his tenure. He credited the council for prioritizing transportation projects now moving to construction, naming Indian Trail Road phases 1 and 2 and Chestnut Parkway phase 3 among long-planned efforts that are now under way.

"As we start to go into the budget season ... we're going to have to now think from 5 years probably to 10 years and be more strategic on how you're thinking," McClure said, urging the council to consider longer-term funding and partnerships. He reported the town holds a AAA bond rating and cited three consecutive distinguished budget presentation awards for the finance team.

McClure also told the council he had asked staff to prepare a request for proposals (RFP) for the town’s solid waste contract and anticipated bringing proposals back in October with a council decision targeted for January 2027. He noted pressures on the budget from rising personnel and solid-waste costs and warned that intergovernmental revenue streams such as sales tax and ABC revenues are softening.

Other accomplishments McClure listed included the 74X bus funding (about 1,000 trips per month), an updated five-year street plan, a revised comprehensive plan and several planning/park updates. He emphasized investment in staff training and benefits as key to retaining experienced personnel.

Council members rose to thank McClure and presented him with a ceremonial key to the town and other tributes. Several speakers credited him with stabilizing town operations and using federal and state funding to invest in roads, public safety and facilities. McClure's report concluded with an appeal for civil, issue-focused debate among future council members.

The council did not take formal policy action on the manager’s remarks; members scheduled a public Facebook Live session with McClure on Dec. 18 as a farewell.