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Board reviews conservative FY 2025–26 budget draft; town aims to hold tax rate flat
Summary
Manager Paul Sabiston presented a conservative FY 2025–26 draft budget with a goal of holding the tax rate flat, proposed department-level capital and operating items, projected water/sewer rate increases tied to county costs, and a potential 4% credit card fee to recover transaction costs.
Town Manager Paul Sabiston reviewed the draft FY 2025–26 budget at the April 14 work session and said staff aimed to hold the town’s tax rate flat while using conservative revenue projections.
Highlights included: a proposed 5% increase in water and sewer rates to reflect the county’s 5% increase plus an additional 1% town charge; administration adjustments for cost‑of‑living and market pay, including $25,000 for cybersecurity; Police Department market pay adjustments and funding for four vehicles and in‑car cameras; Fire Department capital of $100,000; Planning & Inspections capital including downtown street lighting; Parks & Recreation increases in part‑time staffing and a fireworks line of $20,000; Streets & Beautification capital purchases (a gator and dump trailer); and Water Production capital works including a new well and SCADA upgrades with $556,000 identified for capital.
Finance Director Butch Watson proposed including a 4% credit‑card transaction fee (with bank drafts remaining free) to recover processing costs for online payments; Sabiston said customers would be notified if the Board agrees and that 97% of customers already pay online.
Commissioners asked questions about revenue impacts and facility investment timing; Sabiston said the Town may use proceeds from a property sale before investing in gym/auditorium improvements. The draft budget will be discussed further at upcoming board meetings and public hearings.
