Coats board adopts FY 2025–26 budget; tax rate holds at $0.49, $77,000 equipment purchase funded from reserves

The Town of Coats Board of Commissioners adopted the FY 2025–2026 Budget and Fee Schedule on June 12, preserving the ad valorem tax rate at $0.49 for a fourth straight year and approving several modest fee and staffing changes. Town Manager Barbara Hollerand presented the budget highlights leading into the vote.

Hollerand told the board the package included no increase to the solid waste rate, a $1-per-month increase to the water flat rate plus a new $1-per-month water equipment fee, and authorization to purchase a mini‑excavator and trailer costing $77,000 to be taken from unappropriated surplus (fund balance). The FY 2026 budget also added a $49,030 contingency line in the Parks and Recreation department, a $300 increase to code enforcement services, a plan for a staff merit pay program beginning January 2026, and a new part-time finance position with a partial reallocation of compensation from the General Fund to the Water Fund.

Commissioner Kelvin Gilbert moved to adopt the budget; Commissioner Monique Warren‑Clegg seconded. The measure passed 4–1: Mayor Pro Tem Marc Powell, Commissioner Gilbert, Commissioner Shirley Allen and Commissioner Warren‑Clegg voted in favor; Commissioner Jerry Beasley voted no. Hollerand confirmed a $2,000 allotment to the Coats Chamber of Commerce that was included in the adopted budget.

The board approved the budget after a public hearing and a brief public comment period. The town manager said contractors will complete a scheduled permanent repair on a recent waterline break in the coming weeks.