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Town of North East presents FY2026 budget with 3.9% cost‑of‑living increase, adds police and planning staff
Summary
Director of Finance Vonnie Stemen presented the Town of North East’s proposed FY2026 General Fund, highlighting a 3.9% cost‑of‑living adjustment, promotions in the police department, a new 30‑hour police administrative position, and contingency funds for a planned comprehensive compensation study. The tax rate is proposed to remain at $0.48 per $100 assessed value; no formal votes were taken at the workshop.
Director of Finance Vonnie Stemen opened the Town of North East’s FY2026 budget workshop and presented proposed budgets for the General Fund, Water Fund and Storm Water Management Fund.
Stemen said the requested budget includes a "cost of living adjustment for employees is 3.9%" and a planned comprehensive compensation study for FY2026, with contingency funds set aside in each fund to begin implementing study results. She identified staffing changes including one police officer promotion, three police cadet promotions and the addition of a police administrative position classified as a 30‑hour per week full‑time role. She also noted personnel needs for Planning and Zoning code enforcement and administrative support for the Town Administrator, with development of those positions planned for FY2026 and contingency funding included in the General Fund.
The proposal keeps the town’s Real Property Tax Rate at $0.48 per $100 of assessed value. Stemen also presented proposed increases to the town refuse fee schedule; the workshop packet lists the refuse fee moving from $309.36 to $321.73 and to $334.60 in staged amounts. Capital and project requests in the General Fund include a $100,000 lock‑up interior restoration, desktop computer replacements, and public‑safety vehicle and equipment purchases such as a 2026 Ford Explorer and associated outfitting.
Vice‑Mayor Kelly Benson asked Stemen to review the budget details with the board during the workshop. No motion or vote on the budget was recorded at the workshop; the session adjourned at 6:33 P.M.
Stated next steps in the packet include continuing review at subsequent budget meetings and moving toward adoption on the town’s normal schedule. Any changes to personnel, rate or fee proposals would require formal action at a future public meeting.
