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Waynesville staff outlines $42.4M budget proposal, with proposed water/sewer/electric rate increases and COLA scenarios
Summary
Town staff presented an initial $42.4 million budget with proposals including 10% water and sewer increases, a 3.19% electric rate bump and COLA scenarios for staff pay; council discussed payroll study timing and targeting market pay for public safety and other positions.
Town staff presented the town’s original proposed budget during a May 26 public hearing, outlining an overall budget across funds of roughly $42.4 million and proposing several revenue and compensation options for council consideration.
Finance staff said the proposed package includes about $20.5 million in the general fund and recommended revenue options that would include a 10% increase in water rates, a 10% increase in sewer rates, a 3.19% increase in electric rates (partly to reflect a new wholesale contract), and a 2‑cent property‑tax increase as one of the revenue scenarios. Staff also discussed personnel cost options, including 1% to 3% COLA scenarios and the results of an ongoing payroll‑study process focused on bringing positions closer to market.
Council members asked staff to clarify whose pay would be adjusted immediately versus through the payroll study; staff said the payroll study will begin in July and that departments already reviewed for market adjustments will be implemented first. Staff estimated that a 1% general‑fund COLA (including benefits) equals about $62,823, and described capital requests that included IT upgrades, HVAC replacements, ADA‑compliant van and sewer line and treatment plant work.
No final action was taken; council will continue budget work at a scheduled workshop and may return with revised revenue and spending figures for subsequent votes.
