Rocky Mount council adopts FY2026–27 budget, raises property tax rate to $0.69 per $100

The Rocky Mount City Council voted to adopt the fiscal year 2026–27 budget and accompanying ordinance changes, setting the city property tax rate at $0.69 per $100 of assessed value — a 7‑cent increase — and approving amendments to fees and charges that include higher gas rates.

City Manager Elton Daniel and staff presented the ordinance and said the budget is intended to stabilize the city’s finances after recent deficits. The manager and finance staff said the package also creates multi‑year project funds to preserve previously committed capital projects that otherwise would lose appropriations at year‑end.

Council debate was extensive. Councilman Robertson said he supports downtown development projects but could not support the budget without clearer return‑on‑investment data and because the city remains under audit, stating he was unwilling to vote for the ordinance at this time. "We have to have answers," he said, citing concerns about gas rate increases and the need for more funding targeted to housing, code enforcement and neighborhood revitalization.

Other council members defended the package. Councilman Blackwell said the budget reflects difficult choices and preserves investments in housing and downtown projects that return properties to the tax roll. Councilman Harris and several members noted ongoing work with the Local Government Commission and said the budget is a step toward rebuilding cash reserves and meeting required controls.

The mayor called for a voice vote after discussion; the motion carried and the budget was approved. Council discussion and the manager’s remarks show the council viewed the plan as both a stabilization measure and a paused pivot toward multi‑year capital funding, while dissenting members emphasized the need for greater transparency and more direct investments in distressed neighborhoods.

Actions and recusal notes: the council previously approved several project ordinance amendments tied to downtown grants and occupancy tax transfers; the mayor announced recusals on file for Councilman Knight and Councilman Blackwell on the downtown major investment incentive matter before that item was adopted. The council also approved a $2,714,069 appropriation for downtown DMIP grants and a $425,000 transfer from Nash County occupancy tax revenues for Imperial Centre debt service; those measures were adopted after procedural discussion and a recorded excusal vote related to a council member’s request to be excused from voting.

What happens next: the ordinance and fee schedule take effect as adopted; council members and staff flagged follow‑up items including providing requested grant accounting and ROI details, completing the audit process, and monitoring cash flow monthly as required by regulatory oversight.