Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Hope Mills manager presents $22M-range budget and schedules public hearings; board set review dates
Summary
Town Manager Drew presented the FY2025—26 proposed budget that the packet described as roughly $22.8 million and a proposed property tax rate of 45 cents per $100 valuation; the board set a June 2 public hearing, a June 9 workshop and a June 16 adoption vote.
Town Manager Drew presented the proposed FY2025—26 operating budget and said the packet contains the full proposed document. He described an operating plan he summarized in the meeting packet (the packet lists the amount as "$22,83,000") and said the proposal prioritizes public safety, infrastructure, inspections, and parks and recreation.
Drew told commissioners the proposed property tax rate would be 45 cents per $100 of assessed value, a 6-cent decrease from the prior year but 14 cents above the revenue-neutral rate cited in staff materials (31 cents). He said the 14-cent difference includes 10 cents needed to cover a county sales-tax distribution shortfall and roughly 4 cents tied to public-safety investments, including two police lieutenants, two vehicles and expanded 24/7 operations at the John W. Hajes public-safety building.
Finance staff walked the board through packet materials and reserve uses. The finance director said the budget as presented relies on some project reserves and recommended a board workshop where members and staff would review ways to reduce reserve draws before final adoption.
Commissioners agreed to a schedule of public review: a public hearing on the proposed budget is set for Monday, June 2 at 6 p.m. in the boardroom; a budget workshop is scheduled for Monday, June 9 at 6 p.m.; and the board will take final action at its regular meeting on Monday, June 16 at 7 p.m. Mayor Jesse Bellfires said the entire proposed document will be posted on the town website and that residents may submit questions online via the town's Engage portal ahead of the hearing.
Why this matters: The package prioritizes 24/7 public-safety staffing and other capital investments while relying on one-time reserves; the board must decide whether to maintain the proposed 45-cent rate or reduce it by trimming projects or operating additions.
What comes next: Staff will post the full proposed budget online, accept public comment at the June 2 hearing, and present workshop-level detail at the June 9 session before the board's June 16 decision.
