Cary Council Work Session – October 27, 2026

Cary Town Council’s October 27, 2026 work session focused primarily on the stormwater master plan update and potential dedicated stormwater funding. Staff said the plan update followed a 2024 RFP and consultant selection in 2025, with Cary-based Gradient leading the work and Corvius Infrastructure Solutions and the UNC School of Government’s Environmental Finance Center contributing to the financial analysis. The town’s stormwater program has averaged about $4.3 million annually in recent years and is currently funded through the general fund. Consultants presented illustrative fee options, including an estimated monthly charge of about $8 per property under an ERU-based model or about $11 under a flat-fee model; they favored an ERU or hybrid approach as a possible fit for Cary’s parcel data. Council discussed fairness, billing, service levels, and long-term capital planning, but made no decision or motion to establish a utility or fee. The master plan is expected to proceed through the usual public hearing and Planning and Zoning review process, with further council discussion before any decision.

Staff also reported approximately $3 million in funding associated with Walnut Creek stabilization, with project details still to come. No related spending approval or procurement vote was identified. The session additionally covered the draft 2027 meeting schedule, council compensation and allowances work, and routine updates; no other procurement actions were identified.