Preliminary FY 2026–27 budget presented; Council flags cybersecurity as a priority

Summary

Town Manager Brock Hall presented a conservative preliminary budget showing about 75% of revenue from sales tax and 10–12% from property tax; Mayor John Byrum and Mr. Hall highlighted cybersecurity improvements as a priority after nearby jurisdictions suffered attacks and staff will pursue state assistance and vendor risk assessments before finalizing budget requests.

Town Manager Brock Hall presented a very preliminary draft budget for fiscal year 2026–27, noting conservative revenue projections and elevated expenditures as an appropriate early-stage approach. Mr. Hall said the town currently derives roughly 75% of its revenue from sales tax and 10–12% from property tax; revaluation numbers showed a modest increase and the League of Municipalities typically issues sales-tax projections after March.

Mayor John Byrum raised cybersecurity as a specific budget priority, citing recent professional cyberattacks on neighboring Davidson County and the City of Thomasville and the state program that can assist municipalities with risk assessments and recommendations. Mr. Hall described prior county experience in which systems were compromised and outside agencies aided recovery; a vendor recommended through the League (CWIT) has offered a free risk assessment and staff currently relies on One Step Computer Solutions for IT. Council agreed cybersecurity should remain a priority and asked staff to gather more information to size a recommended appropriation for the final budget.