Morrisville Council adopts roughly $60.4M FY2027 budget; approves tax-collection and five-year capital program

Morrisville Town Council on June 9 approved the recommended FY2027 budget — a package the town manager described as approximately $60,400,000 — along with two companion items authorizing county tax collection and a five-year capital investment program.

Town Manager Brandon Zudama summarized the budget, saying, “we have come to the point of a budget that is recommended at approximately $60,400,000.” He said the plan funds critical positions in public safety, continues programs such as the smart shuttle, and includes a capital investment program while acknowledging trade-offs on reserves and some deferred maintenance.

Councilmember Scroggins Johnson moved to adopt the Capital Project Ordinance (2026-181-a) that implements the FY2027 operating budget and capital investment program. After a roll-call vote the ordinance passed 4–2. Council then approved Resolution 2026-181-b authorizing Wake and Durham counties to collect specified taxes on behalf of the town, and Resolution 2026-181-c adopting the FY27 capital budget as outlined in the FY27–FY31 Capital Investment Program; both resolutions passed unanimously in roll-call votes.

Opposition and concern centered on the budget’s recurring cost trajectory. The mayor’s prepared remarks, read aloud at the meeting, noted the town has maintained one of the lowest tax rates in Wake County and urged attention to long-term fiscal stability. Councilmember Randall Patel said he supported keeping the tax rate flat but could not back this budget because of its recurring spending increase: “The FY27 budget increases the recurring base budget by 6 and a half percent in a single year. That is over $3,000,000 in additional ongoing spending,” he said, adding the budget draws from fund balance roughly $1,400,000 to close the gap.

Supporters framed the plan as a compromise that preserves services. Councilmembers who voted in favor highlighted continued investments in public safety, infrastructure, parks and community programs, and emphasized the importance of holding the tax rate steady for residents while noting a need for future budget review and possible amendments.

The council concluded its public business and moved the budget into implementation. The town manager and staff will execute the FY2027 budget and monitor outcomes; council members indicated they expect a budget review and a capital improvement plan reprioritization in the coming months.

Actions recorded at the meeting include adoption of Capital Project Ordinance 2026-181-a (FY2027 operating budget and CIP), Resolution 2026-181-b (authorization for Wake and Durham counties to collect town taxes), and Resolution 2026-181-c (FY27 capital budget authorization).