FY27 Recommend Budget Special Called Meeting for June 8, 2026

The Town of Garner held a special called meeting on June 8, 2026, to discuss the recommended FY27 budget, focusing on key procurement and budgetary decisions. The council reviewed three critical items for the upcoming fiscal year starting July 1, 2026: the fee schedule, the total full-time equivalent (FTE) employee positions, and the property tax rate. Staff recommended adding nine new FTE positions to support growth and operational needs, including roles related to fire, stormwater, grants administration, and public safety. The council debated the proposed tax rate increase, with members expressing varying support for increases ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 cents, balancing the need for funding new positions, capital projects, and maintaining reserves for future debt service. Discussions also covered reallocations within the budget, such as reducing public art funding to increase support for home preservation programs and traffic calming initiatives. The meeting emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced budget by June 30, 2026, with a tentative plan to finalize budget decisions by June 16 or 23. Council members highlighted the need for continued small group discussions with staff to clarify budget details and prepare for final adoption. No final votes were taken at this meeting, but clear direction was sought to prepare the budget ordinance for upcoming approval.