Archer Lodge reviews $3.95 million recommended budget, proposes 1.5-cent tax rate cut amid debate over park spending

Mr. David, parks and recreation director, presented the Town of Archer Lodge’s recommended fiscal year 2026–27 budget on June 1, proposing a $3,946,600 plan that would lower the town property tax rate by 1.5 cents (from 30 to 28.5 cents per $100 valuation).

The budget document, presented at the public hearing, lists priorities of reducing spending and the tax rate, completing portions of the town park (phase two and three), and targeted planning work. Park-specific allocations in the recommended budget include $40,000 for batting cages, $10,000 for a bullpen area, $15,000 to complete a disc golf course and $15,000 for gravel at the park maintenance yard. The budget package also includes planning funds: $10,000 for a strategic plan, $10,000 for village-center-related work, $2,000 for two graduate student projects, and up to $35,000 for planning consulting and UDO updates.

Mr. David said ad valorem property tax revenue represents roughly 60% of town revenues; he illustrated the impact of the proposed rate with an example: a home valued at $325,000 would see a town property-tax bill of about $926, a reduction of roughly $50 from the current year. He also said two of three existing loans are expected to be paid off in the upcoming fiscal year, leaving a $216,000 balance tied to the town hall expansion.

Public commenters focused much of their remarks on parks spending. Mr. Ronnie, a volunteer coach with the town’s youth baseball and softball program, thanked the council for repairing park lights and urged the town to find a temporary solution to provide batting cages for an upcoming tournament; he noted the program’s high cost-recovery (about 70–80%) and said the teams bring regional attention to Archer Lodge. “We are the second-largest program in Johnston County and the largest municipal program in the county,” he said, urging support so the town can host tournaments and “make Archer Lodge shine.”

Other residents were critical. John Mazelli said the 1.5-cent reduction “doesn’t cut anything” and urged the council to reduce spending rather than promise a small cut. Sonia Woke offered a broader fiscal critique—questioning the town’s long-term financial model, opposing potential ETJ expansion, and suggesting the council consider holding employee increases and reducing retirement contributions to lessen taxpayer burden. Doug Long said batting cages would be a waste of money for the town.

Council members did not take a final vote on the budget that night. Instead, members agreed further review was needed and discussed scheduling another work session; staff indicated they could meet next week and the council suggested a meeting on June 8 to prepare for a possible adoption before the statutory deadline (the town must adopt a budget by June 30; county staff requested the town’s action by June 19 when possible). Council asked staff to prepare more detailed numbers and materials ahead of the work session.

What’s next: the council closed the public hearing and expects to hold at least one additional work session to refine the recommended budget before setting a formal adoption date.