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Coats reviews proposed 2026–27 budget, prioritizes staffing and downtown revitalization
Summary
At a April 16 budget workshop the Town of Coats Board reviewed a draft 2026–27 budget that would keep the tax rate steady while prioritizing new staff positions, pay adjustments and downtown revitalization; no formal budget adoption occurred.
The Town of Coats Board of Commissioners on April 16 reviewed a draft 2026–27 budget that maintains the current tax rate while prioritizing new staff positions, pay adjustments and downtown revitalization, Town Manager Barbara Hollerand said during a budget work session at Coats Town Hall.
"The goal of this workshop was to reach consensus before the draft budget was presented May 14," Hollerand said, outlining priorities that also include succession planning and consideration of a future fund balance policy. She added that some revenue and expenditure figures were placeholders pending further work with finance staff.
The meeting opened with a presentation from Stephen Barrington of Harnett County Economic Development. Barrington said the county raised $150,000 last year to help transition available land into market-ready sites and told board members he believes Coats could compete in a niche market for smaller industrial properties, citing an example called Gray Flex.
Commissioners asked several questions about costs and contracts. Commissioner Shirley Allen inquired whether health insurance rates would increase; Hollerand said insurance increases were still under review. Commissioner Marc Powell asked about the town's contract with consultant N‑Focus; Hollerand said she included a reduced placeholder amount to cover a transitional period while the town recruits a planner.
Hollerand also reported that a proposed animal-control arrangement with the City of Dunn was not realistic because of distance and associated veterinary and boarding costs, and because of police-response considerations. When asked by Mayor Pro Tem Kelvin Gilbert, Hollerand said the county responded to 80 animal-control calls in Coats last year.
Board members discussed the specific work new positions would enable. Parks and Recreation Director Sarah Goldsmith said additional staff would allow expanded services including grant writing, summer camps, adult softball, new nature programs and creation of a succession plan. Public Works Director Wes Blount said added staffing would permit focused training on basic operations, safety, the 811 locate system and ground-penetrating radar; he noted he is currently the only employee trained on the 811 system. Police Chief Ken Storicks said an additional night officer would provide increased supervision and training opportunities.
The board also discussed proposed increases for the Town Board and Planning Board. Mayor Pro Tem Kelvin Gilbert asked that the budget for building repairs be increased. Hollerand confirmed the board was in agreement with the staffing proposals presented at the workshop.
No formal budget vote or ordinance adoption took place at the session. Commissioner Marc Powell moved to adjourn the meeting; Commissioner Todd Pope seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Mayor Chris Coats adjourned the workshop at 9:45 p.m. The draft budget will be presented to the board on May 14 for further action.
