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Lake Lure presents balanced FY2026–27 budget with boost for fire services
Summary
Town Manager Olivia Stewman presented a proposed FY2026–27 budget that maintains a balanced tax structure while increasing fire department funding, includes a 2.8% COLA and plans to apply for a SAFER grant to support four firefighter hires.
Town Manager Olivia Stewman presented the proposed FY2026–27 budget, listing a General Fund of $8,829,487, a Water and Sewer Fund of $1,650,360 and a Hydroelectric Fund retained at $1.00 to preserve account status. The proposal keeps overall tax structure balanced while adjusting rates to prioritize public safety.
Stewman said the budget includes a four-cent increase in the fire tax offset by a two-cent decrease in the municipal service tax, a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment across departments and additional salary adjustments based on a market-rate study. She noted the town plans to apply for a SAFER grant to support hiring four additional firefighters and that Chimney Rock State Park — which receives town fire protection — draws about 400,000 visitors annually while generating no local tax revenue that offsets emergency service costs. The council voted unanimously to set a public hearing on the budget for June 9, 2026.
