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Belmont council adopts FY 2026–27 budget, holds property tax rate and raises water/sewer fees
Summary
Belmont City Council on June 1 adopted the fiscal year 2026–27 budget, maintaining the property tax rate at $0.455 per $100 of assessed value and implementing an 8% increase to both water and sewer user fees. Councilers cited infrastructure investments and approved a capital plan that includes state funding for a Kataba River intake project.
The Belmont City Council adopted the fiscal year 2026–27 budget on June 1, approving the package after staff presented revenue and capital priorities.
Miles, a city staff presenter, told the council the budget “does invest in our staff, provides a high level of operational service and invest in the city's infrastructure.” The presentation listed the water and sewer fund at $13,454,836 and the stormwater fund at $966,968; staff also described a manager's proposed figure of $32,950,126 and the recommended final budget reported around $32.8 million.
The council kept the property tax rate at $0.455 per $100 of assessed value. Staff said sales tax receipts are projected to rise and that ad valorem tax collection historically runs at about 99%. The budget includes an 8% increase to water and an 8% increase to sewer rates, reflecting a previously adopted rate study and recent multi‑year increases. Council members asked for and received an explanation that differences between earlier manager proposals and the recommended budget were driven largely by newly available solid‑waste contract figures and updated property and liability insurance quotes.
Council reviewed capital plans that staff said would fund a five‑year general fund CIP of $84.4 million and a 10‑year water and sewer CIP of $134.3 million. For FY 2026–27 staff reported a total of $45.1 million budgeted across capital accounts and highlighted two major projects: a $10 million state allocation earmarked for the Kataba River intake work and a $26 million placeholder for a Charlotte water/wastewater treatment project.
Councilors asked for clarifications on specific CIP line items (staff agreed to correct an identified entry for the city hall renovation) and discussed contingency plans for projects that require future approvals. After questions were answered, Councilmember Jason moved to approve the budget and Councilmember Charlie seconded; the motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
The adopted budget now moves into the city’s implementation phase; staff will return to council with follow‑up items and specific project authorizations as needed.
