Leland staff outline $50 million FY 2026–27 proposal; residents press for line‑item justifications and flood‑response gear

Summary

Town staff presented a $50 million proposed FY 2026–27 budget that would cut the tax rate from $0.27 to $0.25, add 10 positions and fund new public‑safety equipment and road projects; residents asked for clearer line‑item justifications, questioned training/travel costs and urged scrutiny of new trash and grounds positions.

Town of Leland staff presented the proposed fiscal year 2026–27 budget at a public question‑and‑answer forum, outlining a $50,000,000 plan with $46,000,000 in proposed general‑fund revenue and a proposed tax‑rate reduction from $0.27 to $0.25.

Carly, a town staff presenter, said the budget would spend roughly 40% on public safety and includes the purchase of seven fully equipped patrol vehicles, a Sable UAS drone, replacement vehicles for fire leadership, a new swift‑water rescue boat and trailer and $2.5 million for road resurfacing. The package would add 10 positions across departments, with most new hires in public safety and maintenance, and a $750,000 emergency contingency.

The forum drew repeated questions from residents asking for clearer justifications for specific line items. ‘‘You told us the templates are there, but they’re not intuitive,’’ one resident said, asking that the town present the purpose for each general‑ledger…

Leland staff outline $50 million FY 2026–27 proposal; residents press for line‑item justifications and flood‑response gear

Summary

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