# Weaverville Town Council Budget Workshop March 19, 2024

**Body:** Town of Weaverville — Town Council
**Date:** March 19, 2024 6:00 PM EDT (2024-03-19T18:00:00-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1898

## Summary

The Weaverville Town Council convened a Budget Workshop on March 19, 2024, to review revenue projections and establish priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. The session was primarily informational and discussion-based, with no formal votes taken on budget items. The only administrative action recorded was the approval of the minutes from the February 20, 2024, Town Council meeting.

Finance Director Tonya Dozier presented preliminary revenue projections for Fiscal Year 2025, highlighting a significant disparity between expected and actual property tax increases, which rose by only 1.4% compared to historical rates of 5-12%. While sales tax revenue has leveled off slightly below budget, projections anticipate a 4% increase, contingent on state estimates. Other revenue streams, including interest income, DMV taxes, and utility taxes, were reviewed, with interest income currently exceeding budget expectations. The council noted that the town’s fund balance stands at approximately $7.65 million, well above the targeted 40% reserve, creating a $3.7 million surplus.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on personnel and community programming. Town Manager Selena Coffey emphasized the importance of retaining town employees and addressing pay scale compression, noting that recent merit pay increases ranged from 4% to 6% for various staff members. Council members expressed support for exploring a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to maintain competitiveness. Additionally, the council discussed the future of the Weaverville Center for Creative and Healthy Living, with a general consensus to transition its management to the town rather than dissolving the current non-profit board. Staff also reviewed plans for capital projects, including the Elder Cove trail system and water treatment plant expansions.

Public comments addressed several specific community concerns. One resident raised safety issues regarding a proposed social district on Main Street, while another inquired about funding for professional storytellers at the Community Center, a request acknowledged by the council for inclusion in the recreation budget. A third resident strongly opposed the permanent closure of Florida Avenue, citing concerns about business access and delivery services. The council reviewed research from Brevard regarding social districts, noting topographical differences and safety logistics, and agreed to review the Weaverville Business Association’s proposal for a potential event-specific trial run.

Following the workshop, the Town Manager committed to monitoring revenue projections and providing updates next month. Staff will investigate and propose increases for Community Center rental fees and review all town fee schedules for necessary adjustments. The council will also examine the results of a water rate study at their regular meeting next Monday. Further discussions are scheduled regarding capital projects, the feasibility of a COLA for employees, and the economic development advisory committee’s request for funding historic plaques. The Town Manager will share all emerging information with council members as it becomes available.

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIX0o_83HKE
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1410/segments

## Documents

- [agenda_packet_2024-03-19.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1898?document=14403)
- [minutes_2024-03-19.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1898?document=14404)

## Sources

- [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIX0o_83HKE)