Event Recap
The Town of Weaverville Town Council held a Regular Budget Workshop on June 17, 2025, to review proposed budgets and fee schedules for the fiscal year 2025-2026. The meeting focused on financial planning, including revenue projections, tax rate adjustments, and personnel policies. The council reviewed a proposed budget that anticipates a roughly 6.2% increase in overall revenue, with the General Fund projected to increase by about 5.9% and the Water Enterprise Fund by approximately 7.9%.
Key decisions made during the workshop included the approval of the fee schedules for both the General/Fire Funds and the Water Enterprise Fund. The council adopted specific changes to these schedules, such as simplifying planning and zoning fees, introducing new fees for construction debris violations and street cuts, and adjusting water rates and tap fees. Additionally, the council approved the 2025-2026 pay plan, which includes a 3% cost of living adjustment for all full-time employees, as well as amendments to the Personnel Policy. These policy changes include allowing the transfer of sick leave from other jurisdictions and establishing a new provision for two weeks of paid maternity and paternity leave. A motion was also passed to increase the fine for blocking a driveway from $50 to $100.
Significant discussion centered on the General Fund budget and potential tax increases. Staff presented an initial proposal including a 3-cent tax increase, bringing the total rate to $0.38 per $100 assessed value, alongside an alternative option with a 4-cent increase. After considerable deliberation, the council decided to table the final decision on the tax increase until the next meeting. Council members emphasized the importance of responsible fiscal management, expressing a desire to avoid large, infrequent tax increases in favor of smaller, more frequent adjustments. Concerns were raised regarding the impact of future growth, property revaluation, and the utilization of the town’s fund balance for capital projects.
No public comments or testimony from members of the public were reported in the meeting summaries. Consequently, there were no public responses or direct interactions with attendees documented in this recap.
The council agreed to several follow-up actions and next steps. The vote on the General Fund and Special Fire Fund budget ordinance was postponed until June 23 to allow the Mayor to break a potential tie. Staff will monitor community center rental fees and may propose further adjustments in the future. The council also agreed to reconsider the amount of paid leave provided under the new maternity and paternity policy at a later date.