2025.05.13 Woodfin Town Council Budget Work Session Meeting

Woodfin Town Council Prepares for Upcoming Budget: A Recap of the May 13th Work Session

On May 13, 2025, the Woodfin Town Council held a Budget Work Session to discuss and refine plans for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting, attended by all council members, focused on outlining a proposed budget that addresses ongoing challenges and prioritizes key community needs. This recap summarizes the major topics discussed, decisions made, and what residents can expect in the coming weeks.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on addressing the financial impacts stemming from Hurricane Helene and navigating potential FEMA funding. Town officials acknowledged the complexities of comparing year-over-year budget figures due to these unforeseen circumstances and emphasized a cautious approach given the uncertainties surrounding FEMA reimbursements, particularly concerning repairs at Silver Line Park. Sherry Powers presented a draft expansion budget totaling $669,623, which would require an allocation of $208,000 from the town's general fund balance. This proposal will be formally presented to the council on June 17th, followed by a public hearing and final vote. The budget draft will be available for review at the town clerk's office starting next Tuesday, allowing residents ample opportunity to familiarize themselves with the proposed spending plan.

Beyond hurricane-related impacts, the council engaged in extensive discussions regarding personnel costs and ensuring Woodfin remains competitive in attracting and retaining qualified employees. A key decision was the approval of a 3% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for all town employees, slightly exceeding the CPIW rate. The council also approved a plan to transition an evidence technician back to full-time police duties and create a half-time position for front desk coverage, aiming to improve efficiency and service delivery. Furthermore, a new pay plan was approved for the Public Works department, designed to align salaries with current market rates and recognize the valuable contributions of these essential workers.

The council also considered adjustments to the town's fee schedule, ultimately deciding to test a $20 per item charge for bulky item pickup. This pilot program will allow the town to assess its effectiveness in reducing illegal dumping and ensuring a cleaner community. Minor increases were also approved for picnic shelter reservations and adjustments to subdivision review fees, reflecting ongoing operational costs.

What's Next for Woodfin Residents?

Several key steps remain in the budget process, directly impacting residents:

• Proposed Budget Presentation (June 17th): The council will formally present the proposed budget at their regularly scheduled meeting.
• Public Hearing: A public hearing will be scheduled to allow residents to provide feedback on the budget. Details regarding this hearing, including date and time, will be announced shortly.
• Final Budget Vote (June 17th): Following the public hearing, the council will vote on the final budget.
• TextMyGov Implementation (July): The town will launch a new communication platform, TextMyGov, allowing for community alerts and reporting. Residents are encouraged to sign up for this service to stay informed about town news and events.
• Ongoing FEMA Updates: The town will continue pursuing reimbursement for Hurricane Helene-related expenses through FEMA.

This budget work session demonstrated the council’s commitment to responsible financial planning while addressing critical community needs. Residents are encouraged to review the draft budget when it becomes available and participate in upcoming public forums to share their perspectives.