BY DEBBIE PAGE
The Troutman Town Council selected South Iredell High School Coach Marcus Chambers as Citizen of the Year and Exchange Club of Troutman as Organization of the Year during its meeting on Thursday. The council will bestow the awards on the recipients at the June meeting.
BUDGET COMMENT PERIOD BEGINS
Town Manager Justin Longino and Finance Director Gina Merrell presented the FY 2027 budget proposal. The proposed budget is available online at https://www.troutmannc.gov/174/Town-Budget-Audits for public review prior to the June 11 Council vote.
In his budget message, Longino explained that the budget “represents more than a financial plan — it is a reflection of who we are as a community, where we are today, and where we are headed in the years to come.”
“Troutman continues to experience steady growth and increasing demand for services. As our community evolves, so too must our approach to delivering public services, maintaining infrastructure, and preserving the quality of life that makes Troutman a special place to live,” he said.
The spending plan totals approximately $24.1 million across all funds, including $15.49 million in the General Fund and $8.6 million in the Water and Sewer Fund.
The proposed budget represents a 6 percent increase over the current year’s revenues and expenditures. The property tax rate remains unchanged at 50 cents per $100 of assessed value.
This plan includes investments in police equipment, vehicles, and technology to ensure Troutman police officers are equipped to meet current and future demands, Longino said. The department is purchasing a barrier system to protect spectators during parades and other special events after recent attacks on public events.
The budget also includes investments in parks, recreation programs, and community events, which Longino said are “essential elements of a thriving town.”
The budget includes approximately $1.2 million in street paving and maintenance, along with continuing improvements at ESC Park, downtown sidewalks, and other connectivity improvements.
“These are deliberate investments that address current needs while positioning the Town for future development,” the town manager said.
Funding is also included for the creation of an updated Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
The budget includes a 3 percent cost-of-living adjustment and a merit increase of up to 3 percent for employees. The town’s health insurance costs will increase by 6 percent, and state-mandated retirement contributions are also increasing.
Longino said those investments are essential to remain competitive in a challenging labor market and retain the town’s skilled workforce to ensure delivery of high-quality services.
The budget also includes funding for six new positions, including two in administration, an event specialist for parks and recreation, an operations manager for public works, and a new police officer. The budget also includes a community relations specialist who will also work on downtown development and online communications.
Longino said the proposed budget “is grounded in conservative revenue projections and disciplined financial practices” and “maintains a cautious approach in light of broader economic uncertainty.”
Merrell noted that the budget also includes a 2.5 percent increase in water and sewer rates (for both in town and out-of-town usage) that reflects increased water costs.
The increase in residents’ solid waste fees reflects the amount needed to cover the full cost of the town’s garbage and recycling contract, which will increase 4.7 percent in FY 2027.
A $3 monthly fee for leaf and limb pickup will also be assessed on residents’ bills this coming fiscal year.
Merrell said the budget represents the dedicated work of staff, department heads, and Longino, who all sought to be good stewards of the public’s money.
After the public comment period, the council will consider feedback before approving a final budget at its June meeting, as required by state law.
OTHER BUSINESS
The council also:
♦ Adopted the Troutman ESC Park Capital Project Ordinance to confirm the ESC Park capital project fund for capital improvements made to the 30-acre park and surrounding property, including the pickleball and basketball courts, park lighting, construction costs, and debt service.
♦ Approved a contract with Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams & Co. P.A to conduct the town’s FY 2026 audit. The total cost of the contract is $31,500, which will be included in the FY 2027 budget. Funding will come from both the General and Water and Sewer funds, with the charges to each reflecting the amount of audit work completed in each area.
♦ Formally approved the Swap Box policy discussed at Monday’s agenda briefing. The policy requires all boxes on town property, on public rights of way, or on private property visible to roadways to be approved by the town. Each box was must meet basic construction standards and also have a steward to be a point of contact who will ensure the box is properly constructed and maintained and stocked regularly.