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WCWA outlines needs as council reviews audit and a budget shift that would fold trash fees into the tax rate
Summary
Wesley Chapel Weddington Athletic Association described a $2 million backlog in deferred maintenance and asked the town to explore a formal partnership; the council also received FY2023–24 audit highlights and a preliminary FY2025–26 budget that would incorporate solid‑waste fees into the property tax base (proposed 3.5 rate).
At the start of the meeting the Wesley Chapel Weddington Athletic Association (WCWA) presented to council. WCWA President Max Anthony said the volunteer nonprofit serves roughly 5,000 youth across sports programs and faces about $2 million in deferred maintenance, including turf drainage and non‑LED lighting. Anthony said WCWA is not requesting specific funding at the meeting but seeks a potential formal partnership with the town and outlined how the organization supports youth development and community integration.
The council also received highlights from the FY2023–24 audit. Finance staff reported a year‑over‑year increase in net position (roughly $1.88 million) and an increase in the town’s fund balance (presented as approximately $8,371,209), of which roughly $1.26 million is restricted for capital commitments. Staff reported a tax collection rate of about 98.32 percent and noted remaining ARPA funds that must be spent by Sept. 26.
Finance Officer Leslie previewed the proposed FY2025–26 budget and a key structural change: staff recommended folding the town’s solid‑waste fee into the property tax base rather than keeping it as a separate line item. The proposed combined rate discussed at the meeting was approximately 3.5 (rate expressed in cents per $100 valuation per town practice), which staff said would be revenue‑neutral overall given a substantial county revaluation that materially expands the local tax base. Staff warned individual impacts could vary by property valuation and said a public hearing on the budget is scheduled for June.
Council action and other business: councilors thanked WCWA volunteers and staff for community programming. Council also approved the release of a developer bond for Harlo’s Crossing stormwater BMPs after staff and the town’s engineer (LeBella) inspected and certified pond work.
Attribution: Audit numbers, ARPA deadline and the proposed tax‑rate approach come from the town’s finance presentation; WCWA comments are from the organization’s on‑record presentation to the council.
