Wilson's Mills council sets public hearing after reviewing FY 2026-27 budget with $360,415 shortfall

The Town of Wilson's Mills reviewed its proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget on May 14, with officials identifying a projected overage of $360,415 and scheduling a public hearing for June 15 to take public comment.

Town Administrator Leighanna Worley told the council that the budget spreadsheet highlights changes in red and that Finance Director Connie Lassiter had recommended an auditor, which affected the audit fee. "The changes since the last spreadsheet are noted in red," Worley said.

Worley said group insurance costs have risen, with health insurance increasing about 9.5 percent and dental about 8.51 percent; vision and life insurance showed no change. To allow for new hires, Worley said the insurance lines were increased by an additional 10 percent.

Councilmember David McGowan asked about retirement and benefits math; Worley said the budget assumes a 5 percent town match for 401(k) contributions and that not all employees currently participate. Finance Director Connie Lassiter explained a newly separated Police Department line for a law-enforced officer (LEO) separation allowance, saying it is required by law and is calculated by a formula based on salary and years of service. Worley noted the town has two officers nearing age 62 and that the line exists to cover any early retirements. Lassiter added the town would not be reimbursed if it must pay from that line.

On staffing and compensation, Councilmember Tim Brown asked whether the previously completed salary study keeps positions on track. Worley said pay ranges are set but shift with any future cost-of-living adjustments; Human Resource Director Jenny Martin said annual COLAs would help employees remain on track.

Capital and department-level changes included an increase in Powell Bill expenditures and a new plotter/scanner for Planning. The Events budget was reduced by the removal of a splashpad and a $12,000 Christmas tree, while $2,500 was added to restart a seniors program. Public Works supplies were increased at the request of Mr. Moore. Councilmember Brown and Mr. Moore discussed a proposed storage building at the park for event supplies; Brown suggested temporary storage until the Master Park Plan is finished.

Worley summarized the Manager's recommendations to balance the budget: replenish the fund balance ($119,175); fund a full-time police lieutenant ($135,200); purchase one new vehicle ($66,500); provide new vehicle laptops ($20,000); and enter a new lease for body cameras ($19,000). "With all items discussed tonight there is an overage of $360,415," Worley said.

Police Chief commented that although the guns and ammunition line was underspent this year, he preferred keeping the budget at the current level because staffing levels affected usage. Councilmember Brown asked whether adding a full-time lieutenant would change existing supervisory roles and requested a Closed Session to discuss personnel matters; Worley said the council can address that at an upcoming meeting and that tonight's action was only to call a public hearing.

Councilmember David McGowan moved, and Councilmember Doris Riley seconded, a motion to call a public hearing on June 15, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. in the Wilson's Mills Council Chambers to discuss the FY 2026-2027 budget; the motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.

Next steps: council will hold the public hearing June 15 and may revise the budget before final approval; Council also moved discussion of City Vision sessions to the June 22 work session.