News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 24, 2002
CARY’S PROPOSED BUDGET
HOLDS TAXES & SOLID WASTE FEES,
LOOKS TO STATE FOR RELEASE OF LOCAL FUNDS
CARY, NC – With no increase in property taxes or garbage fees, existing citizens are once again the big winners in the Town of Cary’s proposed $103,407,976 operating budget for fiscal year 2003. While holding the line on new programs, the proposed seven percent increase over last year’s operating budget is due in large measure to interest payments coming due on several transportation and parks construction projects, a projected 27 percent jump in employee health insurance costs, and staff additions necessary to maintain existing levels of service in key areas such as public safety and public works.
"The focus for the FY 2003 Budget reflects the continued transition from a rapid growth community to one of managed growth," said Town Manager Bill Coleman, who formally presented the budget to the Town Council at last night’s regular Council meeting. "As the double-digit growth of the 1990’s has slowed to single-digit growth, we continue to focus on ensuring that the citizens, customers, and taxpayers have the level of services and infrastructure necessary to maintain a high quality of life."
Like many other jurisdictions in North Carolina, Cary is counting on receiving local revenues collected by the state--including utility franchise fees and beer and wine taxes--to help fund its proposed budget. For Cary, those revenues total $4.4 million in FY 2003, equivalent to four cents on Cary’s tax rate. The revenues are in jeopardy of being withheld by Governor Mike Easley to help balance the State’s budget.
"To help prevent turning a State budget crisis into a municipal and county emergency, every effort is being made to have these revenues released," said Coleman. "The NC League of Municipalities is pursuing special legislation during the 2002 session to prevent the Governor from taking local funds in the future, and efforts are also being made to encourage the State General Assembly to move the additional one-half cent sales tax authority from FY 2004 to FY 2003."
Cary’s property tax rate, which has not been raised in over 10 years, is proposed to stay at 42 cents per $100 valuation. Monthly fees for solid waste collection, including yard waste and recycling, are proposed to stay at $7.67. The majority of Cary citizens will also not see an increase in their utility rates since the proposed budget keeps the base and lower tier water rates unchanged; however, rates for monthly water service for those with higher consumption are proposed to increase. Overall average increase is about one percent:
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Single Family Residential Water Rates |
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CURRENT |
PROPOSED |
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Tier 1 (0 - 5,000 gallons) |
$3.04/Kgals |
$3.04/Kgals |
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Tier 2 (5,000 - 8,000 gallons) |
$3.36/Kgals |
$3.47/Kgals |
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Tier 3 (8,000 – 23,000 gallons) |
$4.46/Kgals |
$5.16/Kgals |
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Tier 4 (Greater than 23,000) |
$9.96/Kgals |
$10.66/Kgals |
Similar changes are also proposed for non-residential and multifamily rates.
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Non-Residential & Multi-Family Water |
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CURRENT |
PROPOSED |
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Tier 1 (0 – Water Budget Amount) |
$3.36Kgals |
$3.47/Kgals |
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Tier 2 (All over Water Budget Amount) |
$9.96/Kgals |
$10.66/Kgals |
To maintain existing service levels throughout Cary’s 44+ square miles, this year’s budget proposes to increase Town staff by 32.575 positions for a total of 1003, or about 9.8 staff for each 1,000 Cary residents, which is one of the lowest staff to citizen ratios in the state. More than half of Cary’s proposed new positions will go toward public safety—15 fire fighters to support a proposed new ladder truck, a fire training officer, and three new beat officers for police. Various other positions are being requested to operate, support, and maintain new and expanded facilities and infrastructure as well as positions to help maintain current service levels in solid waste collection.
In addition to receiving the operating budget last night, Council on May 9th got their first look at the proposed $72.7 million Capital Improvement Budget (CIB). CIB highlights include about $32.6 million for water and wastewater system improvements, $27.1 million for transportation improvements, and $8 million to build and renovate numerous Cary parks and greenways.
The Town of Cary’s annual budget is a work and financial plan designed to implement the Town Council’s vision for the community as articulated in their goals for the coming year:
- Achieve a well-planned community using innovative and proactive planning approaches;
- Ensure that roads, water and wastewater facilities, parks, and other municipal facilities exist for the existing citizens and for the future needs identified in the comprehensive plan;
- Achieve a stable and strong financial position by accurately estimating, prudently allocating and managing financial resources;
- Achieve a high level of service to the citizens in a prompt, reliable, responsive, and cost-effective manner.
A public hearing on the entire budget will be held as part of the June 13th regular Council meeting, and the budget is slated for vote at the June 27th regular Council meeting. North Carolina law requires local governments to adopt a budget by June 30th. Review details of the proposed budget at your convenience online at
www.townofcary.org. Hard copy versions are available for review at Town Hall and at the public library during regular business hours.
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PRIMARY CONTACTS: |
Scott Fogleman, Budget Director, (919) 462-3911 |
