Morrisville council hears public comment on $60.4 million FY2027 budget; tax rate held steady

Morrisville — The Town Council on May 26 heard the recommended FY2027 budget and public comment after Town Manager Brandon Zoomer outlined a roughly $60.4 million plan, a 3.6% decrease from the current year, with no proposed change to the town’s tax rate (remaining at $0.35 per $100 of valuation).

Zoomer told the council that, since the recommended budget was presented May 12, staff added approximately $20,000 from fund balance to cover repairs at the MAFC and adjusted police false-alarm cost estimates. He also said the town is prudently holding about $500,000 of potential revenue while commercial re‑evaluation appeals for prior years are resolved.

"We typically budget conservatively," Zoomer said, noting the recommended budget also supports seven strategic plan goals and priorities identified at recent work sessions.

Public speakers praised the no‑increase approach and urged fiscal prudence. "We just want to make sure that we stick to it and we also follow what we are telling the public," resident Suresh Narin said, urging the council to honor prior statements that an increase was not needed. "Please be consistent and help us out in these hard times," he added. Another resident, Bob (who gave his address as 112 Lee Croft Way), thanked staff and council for proposing a budget without a tax increase.

Other commenters focused on long‑term revenue strategy. "If we want to avoid raising taxes, we need to help new development succeed and expand our revenue base," Michael Anderson said, urging the council to support growth that broadens the tax base while protecting services.

Several council members said they supported holding the rate this year but warned about deferred recurring costs. Council member Patel said she would not support a tax increase now but argued that underfunding recurring expenditures risks service declines: "If we truly want to make a difference this year, the most impactful steps are the following," she said, urging restoration of fleet maintenance and pavement supplement funding to avoid higher costs later.

Other members described the proposal as a compromise that advances priorities while holding the rate; several expressed commitment to a council-led "deep dive" into recurring revenue and costs before next year’s budget cycle.

By consensus council agreed to cancel a May 28 work session and closed the public hearing. The manager indicated the budget would be scheduled for adoption on the council’s June 9 agenda.

Next steps: Council closed the FY2027 public hearing after public comment and scheduled the budget for formal adoption consideration on June 9.