During the May 13 Council meeting, Town Manager Mike McLaurin presented the recommended budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026. The budget is a statement of the Town’s priorities and a financial plan for funding those priorities. The following six priorities help guide the Town: Public Safety, Transportation, Economic Development, Town Infrastructure, Human Capital, and Capital Improvement Projects.

During his presentation, McLaurin recommended that the Council maintain the 18.5-cent tax rate for FY 26. However, taking into account the recent property revaluations, the Council voted to move forward with a tax rate of 17 cents per $100 of valuation to help offset the property tax impact for residents.

FY 25-26 Recommended Budget Highlights at a 17-cent Tax Rate

Funds

• The General Fund is balanced at $26,620,509 using the 17-cent tax rate. No fund balance was appropriated.
  1. While the General Fund increased by 13.3% over FY25, there was a 4.5% reduction in the Operations Budget.
• The Powell Bill fund is $2,035,000 and the Stormwater fund is $3,866,795.
• The Capital Reserve/Debt Service is $4,883,077.
• American Rescue Plan Act: During FY 25, the Town fully obligated the remaining ARPA funds for Stormwater projects. The unrestricted interest funds earned in FY 26 will be allocated to the Community Center.
• State Capital Infrastructure Funds: $10,300,000
  1. $10,000,000 for transportation (In progress)
  2. $250,000 for parks and recreation (Completed)
  3. $50,000 for economic development (Completed)
• NC Regional Economic Development Reserve Fund:
  1. $250,000 for parks and recreation, with a priority on pickleball

 Public Safety

• Three additional positions requested (Two deputies and one sergeant)
• 18.52% increase over FY 25
• 38 full-time employees if the FY 26 budget is approved

 Transportation

• Funding for the CATS Union County 74X Express Bus
• $1 million for Old Monroe Road improvements

Personnel

• 2% COLA with a $1,000 minimum
• 0 – 3% merit pool
• 16% decrease in health insurance costs
• Parental leave
• HRA reimbursement increase from $1,000 to $1,500
• .75% increase to retirement (State required). Employees are required to contribute 6%
• Continued 5% Contribution to 401K
• Position Reclass: Senior Accountant to Assistant Finance Director
• No additional personnel requested

Capital Projects

Funded Projects
The Town has several fully funded capital projects, including the Chestnut Square Park access road, Indian Trail Complete Street Phase 1, Chestnut Parkway Phase 3, Southfork Crooked Creek Greenway, and Chestnut Square Park Phase 2, totaling $38,089,437.

Unfunded Projects
Additionally, the Town has several unfunded capital projects, including the Indian Trail Complete Street Phase 2, Public Works Facility, Multi-generational Community Center, and sidewalk connection projects. 

Once the FY 26 budget is approved in June, the Council will need to review the unfunded capital project list, identify which projects should move forward, and determine funding strategies.

Public Hearing

The Town will hold a public hearing on the recommended budget on Tuesday, May 27, during the regular Council meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Indian Trail Town Hall. Residents are encouraged to review the budget and share their input. In addition to being on the Town’s website, you can review a copy of the recommended budget at the Union West Library. If you have questions about the budget, please contact Town Manager McLaurin at fmm@indiantrail.org.

Budget Documents

FY 25-26 Recommended Budget (Based on a 17-cent tax rate)
FY 25-26 Budget Presentation Slides (Reflects the 18.5-cent tax rate presented by Town Manager McLaurin)
FY 25-26 Budget Presentation + Tax Rate Discussion and Vote