Cary Council Quarterly Meeting – May 14, 2026

The Cary, NC Council held its quarterly meeting on May 14, 2026, focusing extensively on budget development, public safety investments, and community feedback surveys. Key procurement-related discussions included the presentation of the recommended fiscal year 2027 budget totaling $573.5 million, with $445.9 million allocated to operating expenses and a significant $12.4 million investment in public safety, representing a 44% increase over the prior year. The budget proposes a 3.75 cent property tax rate increase and a 4% utility rate increase to support these priorities. The council also reviewed the results of the biennial citizen satisfaction survey and the employee engagement survey, which informed budget priorities such as community safety, capital investments, and staffing needs. Additionally, the council discussed the external auditor selection process, with two finalists presented and considerations for enhanced oversight and internal audit functions highlighted. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter a closed session for legal consultation. Overall, the meeting emphasized transparent budget planning, prioritization of public safety staffing and infrastructure, and ongoing community engagement to guide procurement and fiscal decisions.