June 2026 Budget Meeting

Morton City Council Approves Budget, Addresses Stormwater & Development Plans

On June 22, 2026, the Morton City Council convened a special meeting to finalize the city's budget for the upcoming fiscal year and address several key initiatives impacting residents. The meeting, attended by all council members, covered a wide range of topics from financial adjustments to long-term infrastructure planning. This recap summarizes the key decisions, discussions, and next steps for our community.

The council’s primary focus was the approval of a nearly $94 million budget, representing careful planning and prioritization. Residents will see modest adjustments to their utility bills: trash fees will increase by $2 per month (to $14), electric rates will rise by 2.6%, and water/sewer volume charges will increase by 2.5%. The general tax rate remains unchanged at 50 cents per $100 of assessed value, and the downtown service district tax will also remain at 12 cents per $100 of value. To support city employees, a 2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) will take effect in July, with an additional 2% merit increase planned for eligible employees in March. The council also approved a restructuring of city departments, combining the Finance Director and Assistant City Manager roles into one position (Deputy City Manager), streamlining operations.

Beyond the overall budget, the council approved a plan for utilizing $255,896 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). A significant portion ($90,000) will continue to support small business loans – a program deemed highly successful. Another $90,698.80 is earmarked for improvements to public infrastructure facilities, and $30,000 will provide loans to local non-profit organizations. The council also approved four budget amendments across various funds, adjusting allocations for maintenance, elections, insurance, and other essential services.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to approving the City of Morganton Stormwater Master Plan, prepared by McGill Associates. This comprehensive plan will guide future stormwater management decisions, aiming to improve flood resilience and protect our local water quality. Tom Warburton from McGill Associates emphasized the plan’s importance in addressing potential flooding issues and ensuring a sustainable future. The council also approved a policy formalizing the process for electric line extensions, shifting financial responsibility to those requesting the changes. This change is intended to help maintain low electric rates for all residents, as highlighted by Electric Supervisor Tom McGee. Finally, the council streamlined purchasing procedures by raising the purchase order threshold from $1,000 to $2,500.

Throughout the meeting, opportunities were provided for public comment on both the budget and CDBG program; however, no residents chose to speak during these hearings. The council acknowledged the hard work of the Finance Committee (Sally, Wendy, and Jesse) in developing the budget proposal.

Looking ahead, several key action items were identified. Jennifer Cannon will continue administering the CDBG program with support from the Western Piedmont Council of Governments. The city is actively seeking community input on a new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) with two public engagement opportunities scheduled: Thursday, June 25th at Council Chambers and Friday, June 26th during TGIF at Courthouse Square. Finally, the city will participate in a Department of Transportation (DOT) study regarding potential passenger rail service. Residents are also reminded to mark their calendars for the upcoming Fourth of July celebrations, including a fireworks display at Freedom Park and a parade in Glen Alpine.

This meeting demonstrated the council's commitment to responsible financial management, proactive infrastructure planning, and engaging with our community. Citizens are encouraged to attend the upcoming UDO public engagement sessions to share their input on shaping our city’s future.