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Stanley council adopts FY 2026–27 budget and narrows dependent health benefit for new hires
Summary
The Stanley Town Council on June 1 adopted a balanced FY 2026–27 budget and approved a personnel policy change that will grandfather existing employees’ dependent health coverage while ending the town’s contribution for employees hired on or after July 1, 2026. Both measures passed 3-1, with Council Member Brendan Sweeney opposed.
The Stanley Town Council on June 1 approved its Fiscal Year 2026–27 budget and a change to the town personnel policy that removes the town’s contribution to dependent health insurance for employees hired on or after July 1, 2026. Both measures passed by 3-1 votes, with Council Member Brendan Sweeney voting against both items.
Town Manager Steven Denton presented the budget as compliant with North Carolina law and described it as a balanced plan that maintains core municipal services including public safety, public works, water and sewer operations, and parks and recreation. “This budget reflects responsible financial stewardship and planning for future growth,” Denton said during the public hearing presentation.
On the personnel policy amendment, Denton told the council that rising costs for dependent coverage — which the town currently subsidizes at 50% — threaten long-term fiscal sustainability. Staff proposed grandfathering the current benefit for existing employees while eliminating the town’s contribution for any employee hired on or after July 1, 2026; dependent coverage would remain available to new hires at the employee’s expense. No residents spoke during the public hearing on the personnel policy; the council voted to approve the amendment 3-1.
Public comment during the budget hearing raised procedural and transparency concerns. Resident Sean Bloom urged the town to post the budget document as a PDF on the town website, saying working residents cannot meaningfully review the budget if it’s available only at Town Hall. Resident Joshua Pendergraft asked whether the Gaston Station Museum had been included in the proposed budget; Town Manager Denton confirmed it had not.
Council Member Brendan Sweeney proposed redirecting roughly $2,200 from the postage line (account 10-41-1200) to support the museum, arguing that year-to-date postage spending was only about 25 percent of the budgeted $6,500. Council Member Leigh Anna Helms said the idea had merit but worried about setting a precedent for funding one nonprofit and not others. The council discussed alternative, non-recurring ways to support the museum, including letters to state representatives and encouraging private donations.
Council Member Corey Kelly highlighted the budget’s fiscal strengths, noting the town achieved a flat tax rate and a downtown revitalization line item he supported. Denton said the most recent audit reflected a fund balance increase of over $600,000 and that the town had retired over $730,000 in debt.
Votes at a glance: - Adopt FY 2026–27 Budget — Mover: Council Member Corey Kelly; Second: Council Member Leigh Anna Helms; Outcome: Approved 3-1 (Sweeney opposed). - Personnel Policy Amendment (VII.2 Insurance Benefits — dependent coverage) — Mover: Council Member Corey Kelly; Second: Council Member Chase Hannifin; Outcome: Approved 3-1 (Sweeney opposed).
The council concluded the budget item with adoption and moved on to other business. The adopted budget and personnel policy amendment take effect per the dates specified in the motions and meeting packet.
