Residents Push Back on Proposed 6.7% Mill Rate Increase at Budget Hearing
Public Hearing
Summarized by: claude-sonnet-4-6 | Date: 2026-04-06
- Public hearing held on FY 2026-2027 Town Manager's proposed budget
- Proposed budget reflects a 4.82% spending increase and a 6.7% mill rate increase
- Residents questioned funding sources for the Broad Street pedestrian safety project
- One speaker argued speed enforcement alone could address Broad Street safety concerns without additional spending
The Town Council held a brief public hearing on the proposed FY 2026-2027 budget, drawing three speakers. Residents raised concerns about the 4.82% budget increase and a 6.7% mill rate increase, with at least one speaker asking whether a no-increase budget was achievable. Two speakers objected to the Broad Street pedestrian safety project, questioning whether taxpayer, state, or federal funds should be spent on road changes when traffic enforcement could address the issue instead. No council action was taken; the hearing closed after 15 minutes.