2026.05.12 Woodfin Town Council Budget Work Session Continued from May 5th

Woodfin Town Council Finalizes Budget, Addresses Potential Tax Changes

On May 12th, the Woodfin Town Council held a continuation of their budget work session, building on discussions from earlier in May, with the goal of finalizing a spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year. This meeting, required to be completed before the May 19th vote as mandated by state law, focused on refining budget details and addressing potential impacts from pending legislation. While no formal votes were taken during this work session, the council reached a consensus on key areas that will directly affect Woodfin residents.

A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the proposed expansion of the Police Department. The budget includes funding for a new lieutenant position, complete with vehicle and equipment, alongside upgrades to police vehicles, updated technology like tasers and radios, community outreach initiatives, and a new "red dot" program for weapons. Council members engaged in detailed conversations about the benefits of these investments, emphasizing their commitment to public safety and community engagement. Alongside this, the council approved a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for town employees – an increase from the initially proposed 2.8% – and negotiated a reduction in employee health costs, resulting in a manageable $306,000 budget deficit.

Beyond public safety, the council reviewed funding for several crucial public works projects, including repairs to guardrails damaged by a recent storm (for which FEMA funding was denied), addressing landslide concerns, upgrading snow removal equipment, and structural repairs to the Taylor Street building and community center. Minor adjustments were also made to administrative staff salaries, reflecting a recent salary survey, and funding was allocated for police pay plan career development. A key element of the discussion centered on Senate Bill 889, a state bill with potential implications for property taxes. The council is recommending a "revenue-neutral" budget, meaning no increase in the town's tax rate for Woodfin residents. The proposed ordinance includes a crucial clause stating that if Senate Bill 889 passes before July 1st, the town will levy the same tax rate as last year, providing a safeguard against unexpected changes.

The council also considered the town's financial reserves, which are currently in a healthy position. A proposal to add $400,000 to a dedicated reserve fund for the future town hall project was discussed, highlighting the council's commitment to long-term planning. While property value increases are projected, the council is working diligently to mitigate any potential tax impact on residents, even with a revenue-neutral budget.

While no public comments were directly solicited during the meeting, council members engaged in brief questions regarding specific projects and funding sources. The next steps for Woodfin residents include reviewing a draft budget ordinance that will be distributed to council members on Thursday. A public hearing is scheduled for the May 19th Town Council meeting, providing an opportunity for residents to voice their opinions. Following the public hearing, a final vote on the budget and tax levy will be held at a subsequent meeting. The town will also continue to closely monitor the progress of Senate Bill 889, adapting their plans as needed. According to Town Manager Sherry Powers, finalizing the budget by June 1st is a priority, and she emphasized the town's strong financial standing.

This budget process represents a significant investment in Woodfin’s future, balancing the need for essential services like public safety and infrastructure improvements while aiming to minimize the impact on residents' wallets. The council’s focus on a revenue-neutral budget, coupled with their proactive approach to monitoring state legislation like Senate Bill 889, demonstrates a commitment to responsible fiscal management and protecting the interests of Woodfin residents.