June 2026 Budget Meeting

The City of Morganton held a special budget meeting on June 22, 2026, focusing on the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget approval and related financial matters. Key procurement-related actions included adopting the budget ordinance totaling just under $94 million, approving fee schedules, and pay ranges effective July 1, 2026. The council also approved the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) action plan with funding allocations for small business loans, public infrastructure improvements, and nonprofit loans totaling approximately $225,896. Additionally, the council authorized an agreement with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments to administer the CDBG program. Several budget amendments were approved across various funds, including general, cable, waste, and electric funds, with amounts ranging from $50,000 to $487,800, primarily for maintenance, repairs, and professional services. The meeting included approval of the City of Morganton Stormwater Master Plan, which will guide future capital improvements and grant pursuits. The council adopted a new electric line extension policy shifting financial responsibility for facility changes to customers and updated the purchasing policy to raise the purchase order threshold from $1,000 to $2,500 to streamline procurement. Lastly, the council approved a resolution to participate in a North Carolina Department of Transportation grant application for a transit-oriented development study related to potential passenger rail service, involving an 80% federal grant with a 20% local match. These actions collectively reflect significant procurement, contracting, and budgetary decisions impacting city operations and infrastructure planning.