Unionville releases draft 2026–27 budget, sets June public hearing

Unionville — The Town Council on May 18 reviewed a proposed 2026–27 budget that maintains the current two-cent tax rate while drawing approximately $453,500 from fund balance and includes a $500,000 capital placeholder for possible park improvements.

Finance Officer Darrell Baucom summarized fiscal-year-to-date figures earlier in the meeting, then presented the draft budget, which reflects decisions made at the April strategic planning and budget retreat. Key line items included a transfer of $60,000 in fire truck contributions to the public safety category, an addition of $67,000 for a fire department building (bringing total public safety appropriations to $127,000), and expanded training and travel to support the Town Clerk’s certification and related travel.

Clerk Braswell also presented an updated fee schedule based on comparative research of nearby towns; she noted Fairview’s base fee is generally $100 compared with Unionville’s $50 and introduced fees for major subdivision applications (preliminary and final plat review fees, letter-of-credit review, and engineering costs billed as applicable). Mayor Pro-Tem Andrew Benton proposed increasing the major development permit fee from $750 to $1,500 to better capture staff costs for large projects; Braswell said she would incorporate that change.

The Council set a public hearing on the proposed 2026–27 budget for June 15, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The hearing will be the next public opportunity for residents to comment on the budget and fee schedule before final adoption.