River Bend hears public opposition to potential tax increase; council adopts resolution opposing limits on property-tax authority

At its May 21, 2026 meeting, the River Bend Town Council heard a string of public comments opposing a potential property tax increase and set a timetable for the FY2026–27 budget process.

Residents at the town hall emphasized opposition to higher property taxes during the public‑comment period. "For the first time I have clean water at my home," said resident James Crozier of 33 Pier Point, who thanked the town for relocating a blow‑off near his residence and said he opposed a tax increase and supported Councilwoman Lisa Benton’s letter posted online. Other residents—Jeff Meyer of 266 Shoreline Drive, James Myers of 111 Portside Drive and Chris and Sandra Barta of Gatewood Drive—also stated they opposed a tax increase; Myers asked what the proposed increase would fund and what the council discretionary line in the budget covers.

Town Manager Delane Jackson told the council the draft budget message and ordinance has been circulated to council members and will be released to the public the following week. Jackson said the FY2026–27 budget public hearing is scheduled for June 11 at 5:00 p.m. during the Council work session and the council is expected to vote on the proposed budget on June 18.

Finance Director Mandy Gilbert reported the town’s cash and investments totaled $3,069,192 as of April 30, 2026. Gilbert said Ad Valorem Tax Collections for FY2025–26 totaled $1,134,110 and Vehicle Ad Valorem Tax Collections were $99,436.

Against the backdrop of public concern about taxes, the council voted to adopt a resolution opposing state proposals that would modify, limit, cap, freeze or otherwise restrict municipal property‑tax authority. Town Manager Jackson said the resolution is intended to communicate the town’s official opposition to the local delegation in Raleigh. Councilman Brian Leonard moved the resolution; the motion passed 4–1 with Councilman Buddy Sheffield recorded as voting nay. The resolution states that municipalities need local taxing authority to fund essential services such as public safety, infrastructure and parks and expresses opposition to legislative or constitutional changes that would further restrict that authority.

What happens next: the town will hold the advertised FY2026–27 budget public hearing on June 11 and is expected to vote on the proposed budget on June 18. The council directed that the adopted resolution be forwarded to the town’s delegation in Raleigh.