[This transcript was generated automatically from audio using AI and hasn't been reviewed by a person -- it can contain mistakes, including plausible-sounding sentences that were never actually said. Treat it as a starting point, not a verbatim record.]

[9:18] Thank you, Mayor appreciate that and the good evening, Mayor members of Council. My name is Randy Harrington, and on behalf of the entire organization, it's really my excitement and pleasure to share with you tonight the recommended budget for fiscal year 2023 2024 for the operating budget as well as the community investment plan.
[9:37] I believe just a little bit ago, you received an email with a number of documents and contained
[9:44] within that.
[9:45] You have the budget document which has all the detail of what we're going to be talking about
[9:48] tonight.
[9:49] You also have the presentation that we've seen here just a few moments.
[9:53] There also is the updated personnel policy and the updates that are associated with that.
[9:59] A news release and a budget in brief, if you want the really condensed version, we've got
[10:04] that in the for you this evening.
[10:06] So that's what you had come out to you here just about a half an hour ago, and all of these
[10:10] documents will be posted on the Towns website, and available for all of our residents and community
[10:15] members to its fact.
[10:18] I'll also be joining this evening by Cory Peterstone, our Budget Innovation and Strategy
[10:22] Director, who joined me to help convey the various recommendations that are in the recommended
[10:28] budget.
[10:29] And again, this is just a highlight kind of opportunity, and we'll have another opportunity
[10:35] as the mayor alluded to on May 23rd with the budget workshop will have an opportunity to
[10:40] delve a little deeper into that. Answer your questions and to confirm if the budget matches
[10:45] where your expectations and where your priorities are. So we'll have that opportunity and then
[10:49] of course in between that time and opportunity for the public as well to comment and provide
[10:53] their input.
[10:56] So what is a budget and really a budget is basically it's that financial resource
[11:02] and plan for the next fiscal year and for us, that means a time period from July 1 through
[11:08] June 30 of the next year.
[11:12] In this evening, I'll be talking about, really, Mr. Peterson and I will be talking primarily
[11:17] about 4 key areas.
[11:18] First off, some of the takeaways and providing a summary of the overall budget, and then we'll
[11:23] dive into the operating and the community investment plan highlights.
[11:26] And when I say operating budget, really what we're getting at here is that those everyday
[11:30] services that all of us use water, police, fire, parks and recreation, transportation, those
[11:37] are the types of daily items that when I talk about operating budget, that's a summary there
[11:43] of what we're covering. When we talk about the community investment plan, what we're talking about
[11:47] there, are those large-scale investments that are long-term. They go up once and last 20, 30, 40,
[11:55] 50 years, those types of items. So that's what we'll cover there. And we'll talk a little about
[11:59] taxes and the fees that are needed to support this budget recommendation.
[12:03] Then we'll talk about some next steps.
[12:08] So the key takeaway is for the recommended budget.
[12:11] And really, the budget focuses on three core areas.
[12:15] The first being focused around securing the towns, future water supply,
[12:19] and the wastewater treatment capacity.
[12:22] Second, strong new levels of investment in parks and greenways.
[12:27] And you'll see this particularly reflected in the 2023 parks bond referendum that we've had
[12:33] some conversation about and we'll have a little bit more here this evening.
[12:37] Third, it strengthens the towns and emergency preparedness and capability to respond quickly
[12:42] to 9-1-1 emergency situations when our residents need us most.
[12:48] And then fourth, for the fourth consecutive year, I'm recommending no property tax rate change.
[12:53] However, as you'll see a little bit later in the presentation, I do recommend a series of
[12:58] rating creases for the water and wastewater investments that will be outlined here
[13:01] this evening.
[13:06] First and foremost, this budget recommendation is shaped by your priorities and this strategic
[13:12] plan.
[13:13] What, why does the mayor and council have a strategic plan in first place, really two key reasons?
[13:19] first, it describes who and what we intend and desire to be as a community. Second, it articulates
[13:28] what is most important. And so your priorities may are in council, include being safe and friendly,
[13:37] being engaged, healthy and active community, having responsible and balanced growth,
[13:44] having economic prosperity and diversity, and then organizational excellence.
[13:48] The
[13:53] strategic plan also incorporates what our residents say are most important to them and what
[13:59] they want from their town of government.
[14:01] You recall several years ago, we had a scientifically valid survey completed where we asked
[14:06] residents what they wanted to see in their local government.
[14:09] And they articulated a number of items, but the top three that our residents said that they
[14:13] would like the town to focus on most over the next couple of years included management of
[14:19] management, management of planning, management and planning of growth and development and then
[14:24] quality of town parks and greenways. And I think it's fair to say, Mayor and Council
[14:28] about this evening, you'll see these themes reflected throughout the presentation.
[14:36] The operating budget totals 93.8 million. And within that property and sales taxes
[14:43] comprised 47.8 million, or 51% of all revenues coming into the town.
[14:49] The largest four sources of revenue comprise 75% of all revenue.
[14:56] You see, they're being the envelope arm of property taxes, sales taxes.
[15:00] Water sales in wastewater charges. By North Carolina State Law, we also have to have a balanced budget and this budget is balanced on the expenditure side also at 93.8 million.
[15:13] And 79% of all expenditures allocated are to six key areas for public service. Water and wastewater operations, public safety, general government, general fund debt service, public works, and parks and recreation.
[15:32] Next, when you look at the new operating expenditure highly, so the growth in the operating
[15:36] budget that's included in this recommendation, I want to break this out by three different
[15:41] areas.
[15:41] The first area being the general fund, which is what we think of as our typical day-to-day
[15:45] services that are funded by property and sales taxes, again your police, fire, transportation,
[15:51] parks and wreck and solvent waste, for example.
[15:53] Then the utility fund, the utility fund, comprises our water and waste water business
[15:58] operations and then third our stormwater fund. And what you see on here on the
[16:03] general fund, the bulk of the new investments are targeted toward being safe
[16:08] and friendly as well as responsible and balanced growth. Within the utility fund
[16:14] and the stormwater fund you also see a heavy concentration of resource allocation
[16:17] to the responsible and balanced growth strategic initiative required.
[16:26] If we drill a little bit differently on the general fund growth
[16:30] And where this growth is allocated in the recommended budget, it breaks down like this.
[16:36] Approximately 2.2 million is allocated to 24 new positions in the general fund that are focused on strengthening our ability to respond to the service growth associated with population growth in the business growth in our community.
[16:50] The next area, based budget increases of approximately 1 million, based budget, meaning the core
[16:56] essential operations to just to simply continue our business, the cost of doing business
[17:00] in today's world and to continue that. Sometimes you refer to this as keep the lights on type
[17:06] expenditures, but these are, again, to maintain core service levels at existing levels.
[17:13] Next capital atlay, this is really for small types of capital that are in the operating budget.
[17:19] And then you see approximately 250,000 allocated for the expansion of programs and then new programs as well.
[17:27] So that's where that funding is allocating the recommended budget.
[17:31] When you look at the community investment plan side, again, it's not surprising that the
[17:36] town's capital investments are focused on addressing and managing growth, such as roads, pedestrian safety,
[17:44] and water and sewer infrastructure.
[17:51] Now I'd like to transition a little bit to discuss the top three
[17:54] focus areas that I mentioned earlier in the presentation that the budget includes starting with water
[18:00] and securing the town's water future. As you'll hear in a couple minutes, water is the lifeblood
[18:06] of our community of any community and that's no different here for us in Halloween Springs.
[18:13] The first, let me take you back a little bit on memory lane. In this picture on the very left,
[18:18] is one of the very first maps of the water system in downtown Halloween Springs and this was the
[18:23] of our water system and we put in the town hall location just for a reference point of
[18:28] where that's located. This investment in our community first started in 1968 and then you
[18:34] see here a series of additional investments over the next several decades focused on increasing
[18:39] the water supply and securing our water supply. I think it's interesting to note that it's been
[18:45] almost 15 years since the last since our last major water supply investment. Now also note that
[18:53] Some of what you'll hear this evening about a potential
[18:55] replant partnership with the city of Sanford
[18:58] to expand their water filtration facility,
[19:01] and then the convey that water to us
[19:03] is a process that we had been undertaking
[19:05] and in conversation since 2015.
[19:11] When you extrapolate that out to where we are today,
[19:15] we have 231 miles of water lines.
[19:18] The right picture here shows our current system today
[19:21] and then the box showing where the original
[19:24] kind of extent of the system used to be 231 miles.
[19:28] That's almost from here to the city of Asheville.
[19:32] We have three potable water tanks,
[19:34] one reclaimed water tank.
[19:36] It's also important to note that we have resiliency
[19:39] and redundancy built into our water connections.
[19:42] Not only are current main water supplier,
[19:44] harm at county, but also the town of apex,
[19:48] the town of Kerry, and the town of Fuqua, Marina,
[19:50] we also have water connections with.
[19:55] So, what water and sewer investments are needed next to ensure the vitality of our community
[20:03] for the next generation of residents and businesses?
[20:06] Let's take a look.
[20:14] Water is a limited but valuable resource that most people take for granted.
[20:19] When you pour your children at the glass of water or turn on the shower or run through the
[20:24] sprinkler on a hot day in Holly Springs, you might not think about where your water comes
[20:29] from and why it matters. Water is really the lifeblood of any community. Our residents require
[20:35] it, our businesses require it, and our school systems require it. It's something that's
[20:39] needed every day, and something that our residents expect to be safe and secure. The town of
[20:44] Holly Springs worked decades ago to secure water for the current population. Currently, the town
[20:50] of Holly Springs, we get our water from Harnick County, which is pulling from the Cape Fur River,
[20:55] the water and then we do pump that water to
[20:59] hally springs. We have interconnections with
[21:01] the town of Kerry. We also have interconnections with
[21:04] the town of Apex. And that has provided redundancy and
[21:08] resiliency so that if one or the other sources go, we can
[21:12] still continue to provide water. But now, as part of the
[21:16] wake water partnership, poly springs along with other
[21:19] neighboring municipalities are working to secure water
[21:22] resources for the next generation.
[21:25] White County, as you all know, is increasing growth.
[21:28] It's a great place to live in the word is out.
[21:32] And so we need to have a water to support the industries,
[21:35] to support all the homes and the developments
[21:37] that are coming to the county.
[21:39] We are at a place now where the inexpensive solutions,
[21:43] the easy things have already been done.
[21:46] And we are needing to be smart about our investments
[21:51] and how to make the most of every dollar we spend.
[21:54] To make the most out of every dollar,
[21:57] the town is entered into a partnership
[21:58] with other municipalities.
[22:01] The plan is to cost share
[22:02] for the expansion of the city of Sanford Water Treatment Facility,
[22:06] which gets its water from the Cape Fear River.
[22:09] Holly Springs is also working with neighbor Fuqua Verena
[22:12] to transport that water, 14 miles to Holly Springs.
[22:15] And instead of both towns running two lines to their towns,
[22:21] we're going to do a joint partnership with Equay to bring that line closer to us,
[22:26] and then branch off when we need to.
[22:28] And by that way, we're minimizing our impacts as well as saving money
[22:33] in times of high construction cost.
[22:35] The partnerships that we have with the City of Sanford,
[22:38] a town of Pittsburgh, a town of Equay,
[22:40] are really important in this particular case.
[22:42] It's a great way for us really to save money, to all of us to come together and each put in a component and a piece that can help build the entire water plan expansion and the conveyance line.
[22:53] If each of us were to do that by ourselves, it would be beyond our ability to afford.
[22:58] In addition to securing drinking water for the future, Holly Springs believes in the concept of one water,
[23:04] of the need to preserve and reuse every drop.
[23:07] The town is focusing on the water that goes down your drain, or when you flush the toilet,
[23:12] and how to sustainably treat and return that wastewater to the environment to complete the water cycle.
[23:18] The Holly Springs wastewater facility is undergoing an expansion to increase its capacity by 25%.
[23:25] And the town is known throughout the region for its responsible water use for recycling water for irrigation purposes.
[23:32] So, Holly Springs is doing a lot right and I think through the Weight County Water Partnership, one of the things that we've done is try to hold up Holly Springs as an example with some of the work that they're doing with reclaimed water.
[23:45] This is that idea of one water that every drop of water has value and we need to maximize the value of water.
[23:52] But even if the town is a great steward of the environment, water needs come at a cost.
[23:57] We have been blessed here in Holly Springs to have really moderate levels of water and wastewater
[24:02] rates when you compare us to others across the state of North Carolina. We've been fortunate
[24:06] from that standpoint, but we also were at a point now where we do have to increase our level of
[24:10] investment. Holly Springs is banking on the fact that communities who make forward looking
[24:15] utility investments today will be the ones that succeed the most in quality of life and job growth
[24:21] in years to come. We have a really unique opportunity here with our partners that we have at the local
[24:26] level as well as our partners at the state and federal level who are also committed to helping us
[24:32] achieve what we need to achieve for our residents and our businesses for the future of water
[24:37] and our community.
[24:43] We thank you to our communications and welcome to the for great job on our video.
[24:49] Baron Council again, this new water source expansion involves four municipalities for this partnership
[24:56] and together the cost of the expansion of the City of San Francisco plant which we were
[25:00] into and become a partial owner into is estimated at around 49.3 million for that particular portion
[25:07] of the plan of expansion that will serve our community. A separate partnership with the town
[25:13] of Fuqua, Verena, to convey this treated water to our two communities is also planned and
[25:20] is estimated at approximately 45 million.
[25:26] The sanitary sewer side includes an equally important
[25:29] investment of the town at the town owned ugly creek wastewater
[25:34] reclamation facility. Again, like on the water side, we've had a
[25:38] number of investments in our wastewater, over the past and over the
[25:41] decades, first being constructed in 1985 and with three other
[25:45] additional upgrades. We currently have the ability to treat six million
[25:49] gallons daily of water of wastewater, but we have a permit to go up to
[25:54] eight million gallons if we if we so choose. And so the budget includes
[25:59] was funding that would enable us to do phase one of the project to do a 2 million MGD
[26:06] or million gallons per day upgrade and approximately 116 million.
[26:14] As the video and slides demonstrate, these investments, they are significant and important
[26:20] for the future as a community.
[26:23] The town has engaged a third party financial feasibility consultant and the town's financial
[26:28] advisor to analyze the town's finances or utility, our utility utility rates, excuse me,
[26:35] and determine the most economical approach to funding water and sewer investments. This analysis
[26:41] has resulted in a recommendation here tonight that includes a 15% increase for the water
[26:46] and sewer rates. I think it is important to note as well that in these projections,
[26:51] it's also projected that this 15% need to be carried in additional two years and then after that
[26:57] years four and five stepping down into the single-digit mid-mobile to be able to fund this investment
[27:02] plan. The budget also includes a corporation of harness counties 15% bulk rate increase
[27:09] who is our current supplier at this particular moment. So for the typical resident who uses
[27:15] 4,000 gallons per month of water, the total impact would be approximately $9.82 per month.
[27:25] In the earlier video, I also noted that our residents have benefited from the moderate
[27:30] utility rates when compared to other municipalities in the state.
[27:35] This slide summarizes that finding.
[27:38] When you look across the 50-mile radius, the 100-mile radius, as well as state wide, the
[27:44] average utility bill is approximately $74.
[27:49] If we make an assumption that many of these utilities are also going to have inflationary
[27:53] pressures and perhaps in their recommended budget presentations, some increase in their
[27:57] also in their levels, we could assume somewhere around $78 for those other municipalities.
[28:06] When you compare that, Holly Springs customer bill would be approximately $75.20.
[28:11] This would represent based off in the assumptions and findings that the residential billing
[28:16] Holly Springs would still be about 3% to 4% lower than the anticipated median bill for
[28:21] for utility customers across the state.
[28:28] Now I'd like to transition to the second main focus area
[28:31] of the recommended budget, I'd like to share
[28:33] the centers on investing in a healthy and active community.
[28:38] So let's hear more about this from our communications
[28:41] and marketing director, Cassie Hack,
[28:43] and our Parks and Recreation Director, the Employee.
[28:47] Holly Springs is a growing active community
[28:50] where people of all ages love their parks.
[28:54] In a recent community survey,
[28:55] Residents listed investments in parks and greenways as one of the top three town priorities over the next few years.
[29:03] With that feedback, the Holly Springs Town Council is moving forward with a parks bond referendum.
[29:08] For voters to have their say on proposed park investments.
[29:12] Included in that $100 million bond will be the creation of a brand new park, and upgrades to existing well-loved facilities.
[29:21] As more families and businesses call Holly Springs home, we are striving to provide more active
[29:27] and passive recreation for all areas of our community.
[29:31] The investment in a park on Castle Road provides the first opportunity for us to provide
[29:36] a community park west of NC55.
[29:40] This 56-acre property across from Holly Springs High School is about to be transformed
[29:45] to do a park with an emphasis on providing activities for a multi-generational audience.
[29:50] You need to use a little imagination right now, but if you can picture the future, it can feature amenities like this.
[29:59] A fun, interactive...
[30:00] Selective splash pad for the little ones to cool off on a hot summer day. Plenty of lighted pickleball courts for those who can't get enough of this wildly popular sport in Holly Springs. Lighted basketball courts and turf fields to play into the night.
[30:16] And an all-wheel skate park for those within adventurous spirit.
[30:22] And of course, trails and greenways providing neighborhood connections.
[30:27] A state-of-the-art recreation center will complement the park, with a four-court gymnasium
[30:32] for basketball, volleyball, and more.
[30:35] In addition, the community has requested an eSports and technology lounge, an indoor
[30:40] place space that can be used rain or shine, a cafe with cozy seating, and an indoor adventure
[30:47] track with cardio challenges that will elevate your fitness routine.
[30:51] A project like this is needed in Holly Springs to serve our residents both for today and into the
[30:56] future. In addition to the new park, the town plans to invest in upgrades to existing facilities
[31:01] all over town. Residents who love to hoop it up know that for a community of its size,
[31:07] Holly Springs lacks enough basketball courts. That's why in addition to building courts in the new
[31:13] The town is looking to add new, lighted outdoor basketball courts to popular Womble Park,
[31:19] as well as replace the baseball dugouts there. Other upgrades to existing facilities
[31:24] that could be funded by the bond include a new sub-bomb program pavilion,
[31:29] and upgrades to the cultural center theater.
[31:32] Residents have been very clear that parks and recreation is essential for our quality of life.
[31:37] And as our community continues to grow, expansion of these services is more important than ever.
[31:43] So get ready, Holly Springs.
[31:45] You get to cast your vote in November to take recreation to new heights.
[31:56] All right.
[31:56] Well, as that video outlines the development of the new park off Castle Road is really the signature component of this bond recommended bond package.
[32:04] That's contained within the the overall bond package.
[32:08] that voters will get to decide again this no member. When you look at that just a little bit
[32:12] more closely, again this is a conceptual drawing of where these facilities could be on that 55
[32:18] acre park. Starting off, we've got the Recreation Center, a playground and splash pad area,
[32:25] a multi-purpose field, basketball courts, an all-wheel skate park that was mentioned and all wheels
[32:31] being for skateboard or scooters and bicycles. Pickleball and then a greenway trail around
[32:39] the outer perimeter of the area. So this is the conceptual plan that we'll be working with
[32:44] our designers to bring to life here in the coming years if the voters decide that that is something
[32:49] that they wish to have.
[32:53] A number of formal actions are required to place this $100 million
[32:57] barx bond referendum on the November ballot and Council you have already begun these steps
[33:01] as you know. The bond referendum is, uh, would be planned for November 7th of 2023. And if
[33:08] approved by voters, the 20 year debt service funding for the 2023 parks bond is preliminary
[33:15] projected to require a five set property tax rate increase.
[33:22] And this has been analyzed by the
[33:23] town's financial advisor. It is important to note that any adjustments will be, will be further
[33:29] and include it in next year's budget recommendation,
[33:33] not from the budget that I'm recommending to you this evening.
[33:40] Next, the third area that I'd like to focus on in terms of the key
[33:44] focus areas of this budget recommendation,
[33:46] and that's on emergency preparedness in 911 capability,
[33:49] particularly with our police and fire.
[33:54] We all know that we have a strong history in Holly Springs
[33:57] for great public safety.
[33:59] Our police department and overall community is ranked traditionally as one of the safest communities in North Carolina.
[34:06] And we also enjoy a fire department ISO1 fire insurance rating, which means that our residents have particularly our businesses and commercial areas
[34:15] are afforded the opportunity to have the most competitive insurance rates that are made available to them.
[34:23] Some of the public safety highlights, again particularly for police and fire.
[34:28] First off, for our emergency 911 Center, this would replace our technology and telephony capabilities within the 911 Center, and also just to note that adding two additional telecommunicators to respond to a 31% increase in emergency calls for service over the past five years coming into this call center.
[34:50] Also recommend the addition of an emergency management specialist to work both with police and fire to help us with our emergency preparedness planning and training.
[35:01] And then on the fire side, you may be familiar that our police department is going through the accreditation process right now and our fire department is embarking on that effort as well.
[35:10] And so I recommend an addition of a fire captain to oversee the fire departments of
[35:14] accreditation process, and then the subsequent training and policy development to help us
[35:18] ensure that we're always operating at best practices.
[35:26] So Aaron Council, I think at this point,
[35:28] I'd like to go ahead and invite up Cory Peterson, who's going to cover a few additional
[35:32] operating budget highlights and capital highlights.
[35:40] Thank you, Mr. Harrington.
[35:41] Good evening, Mayor Council, Cory Peterson, Director of Budget Innovation and Strategy.
[35:45] I'll begin by sharing some additional highlights in this year's recommended budget.
[35:49] Starting with the general fund, this year's recommended budget includes funding for new welcome and gateway signage to build a highly spring sense of community and welcoming spirit.
[35:58] The manager is also recommending to conduct the second bio community survey to gather insights and opinions from our residents and hear what areas are most interest for the next two years.
[36:07] Some additional highlights include cost-reservice for garbage and recycling, as a pass-through
[36:13] expense for our contractor GFL, funding for police protective equipment, a human resources
[36:19] information system, and funding for the Holly Springs Citizen Academy.
[36:23] The last but not least fair and council, a topic that you know is near and dear to my heart,
[36:28] the manager's recommending funding for replacement flags at town facilities.
[36:34] For parks and recreation, the manager is recommending increased funding for community attractions and events as well as additional weekend janitorial services to support events and athletics.
[36:46] There is also recommended funding for expanded athletic instructional offerings to meet the growing demand for a growing community.
[36:52] And lastly, the manager is recommending state level and her governmental coordination and lobbying services to maximize opportunities to leverage state dollars and continue to achieve the mayor councils strategic goals.
[37:05] Moving now to the Enterprise Funds, the manager is recommending a continued focus on infrastructure
[37:11] maintenance and planning of the town's utility and storm water systems.
[37:17] Next, I'll share some personnel, compensation, and benefit highlights.
[37:23] This year's recommended budget includes 27 positions focused on meeting growing service demands,
[37:28] as well as policing power positions to maintain our reputation as one of the safest communities in the nation.
[37:33] For economic prosperity diversity, two building code inspectors and a building plan to review
[37:38] are recommended to me commercial activity plan over the next few years as well as
[37:44] maintain our ISO on rating.
[37:47] For engaged health and active community, two maintenance positions to keep up with the growing
[37:50] use of our parks and greenways, organizational excellence and information technology technician
[37:56] to serve a growing staff until utility technicians to maintain service levels.
[38:00] For a responsible and balanced growth, two compliance positions to improve and maintain
[38:05] count of aesthetics and zoning compliance, five solid waste positions as part of our public
[38:09] works right-sizing efforts, and five other positions for management of our internal
[38:14] capital projects as well as review services for external development partners.
[38:19] To maintain a safe and friendly community, there are seven police and fire positions to assist
[38:24] in emergency planning, work towards professional accreditation, and an additional school resource
[38:29] officer at the requested Pine Springs Academy, which includes a funding agreement.
[38:35] We are fortunate to have an amazing staff at the town, and this year's manager's budget
[38:39] includes recommendations to maintain our status as an employer or choice.
[38:44] For employee compensation, the manager is recommending a 0-6% merit range, as well as revisions
[38:50] to the personnel policy for on call pay, call back pay, and the addition of field
[38:55] police officer training supplemental pay. Additionally, the manager is recommending adjustments
[38:59] to our part-time staff compensation at the Hunt and Cultural Centers. To maintain competitive
[39:05] benefits among our peer communities, the manager is recommending the town of Zorb, a 4% health
[39:11] insurance premium increase, the addition of two floating holidays in a wellness day, and updating
[39:16] the town's vacation or cool rate to based on service time within the North Carolina local government
[39:22] employee retirement system. Lastly, the manager recommends a 1.9% adjustment to
[39:27] Council compensation plus a $150 monthly personal use vehicle stipend.
[39:32] Now, let's take a look at some of the capital investments for serving our great community.
[39:38] Fire Station 3, to be located on the northwest part of town, is nearing design completion.
[39:43] The project budget remains on track and construction is planned to begin late this summer.
[39:49] The operations campus, where they revised recommended budget of 41 million, is under-designed
[39:54] and phased one-a-construction, is scheduled to begin this summer.
[39:58] I do want to note that the rendering on the slide is the full proposed build out, and
[40:03] the initial construction phases will focus on the administration and operations buildings.
[40:08] For parks and recreation, the manager is recommending continued funds for playground
[40:12] rehabilitation, sunshades, and park amenities.
[40:15] If you've been by Womble Park recently, you'll have seen the playground update there is complete.
[40:20] And over at Jones Park, the playground update is partially completed,
[40:24] but the second half improvements anticipated in the coming months.
[40:28] I also want to share the Womble Turf field replacement schedule for this summer,
[40:31] with a anticipated completion prior to the start of scheduled leads.
[40:36] Lastly, for transportation projects, if you've been down Holly Springs Road,
[40:40] you've certainly seen the widening project as well underway.
[40:43] Even the picture here on the slide, I'm only about a month ago, seems a little out of date from the current progress.
[40:50] It declosed out on community investments, the manager is recommending funding for the next phase of the town's intelligent transportation system to help manage traffic in congestion.
[41:00] Back to you, Mr. Manager.
[41:06] Thank you, Gordon.
[41:09] Mayor Council next, let me highlight a few of the financial investments that are needed by our residents to deliver these types of services
[41:15] at the quality and the expectations of our residences.
[41:20] Based on what we know of the recommended property tax rates from other wake county
[41:27] area jurisdictions, Holly Springs property tax rate would become the 4th lowest among
[41:33] the Wake County's 13 local governments.
[41:36] This budget recommendation again has a flat, a stable property tax rate, and you see here
[41:42] Holly Springs highlighted in the light blue, and the others noted in the red where we know
[41:46] that they have recommended property tax rate increase.
[41:50] I also note that within the current 42.16 cent valuation
[41:55] for property valuation,
[41:57] that this budget recommends reallocating
[42:00] one-half cent from the general fund operating
[42:03] but budget to the general debt service budget
[42:07] to fund the project cost increase
[42:08] and associated with the new operations campus
[42:11] that Mr. Peterson mentioned
[42:12] as a few moments ago.
[42:16] When you look at the monthly fee adjustments for a typical residence, again to outline your
[42:21] garbage and recycling is a contracted service that GFL environmental provides to the town
[42:26] through a contract.
[42:27] This is a pass-through component that Mr. Peterson mentioned again just a few minutes ago
[42:31] and combined garbage and recycling adjustment there would be 56 cents per month.
[42:38] Yardways, we've talked about this quite a bit over the past spring including at your annual
[42:42] retreat and based off that guidance we've gone to a 50% cost recovery for the yard waste program
[42:47] and that would result in a $3 increase for that particular service. And then we've also outlined
[42:53] previously the water and wastewater recommendation for the rates. Stormwater again this year
[42:59] is recommended at no change. So for the typical residents that impact on a monthly basis would be
[43:06] approximately $13.38 or 44 cents per day.
[43:15] We're in council. I think it's also important
[43:16] to outline in a simple way the total investments that our residents make to sustain a great local
[43:23] government that provides quality public services for our residents that they can be proud of
[43:28] and also want that they find strong value in what they invest in their local government.
[43:34] When you look across the property values in the Holly Springs, the vast majority of property
[43:39] value of assessed property values, not what you could sell your home for, but what the assessed
[43:43] value is at the White County Tax Accessors Office.
[43:45] Most of those values are between 200,000 and 550,000.
[43:50] But when you look at the average home assessed value at 375,000, that residence is going to
[43:58] pay approximately 1,583 property taxes along with user fees that were outlined earlier
[44:05] totally about 1,245 dollars. So the total, the total cost of service for a resident or a house
[44:13] holding in the Holy Springs on a monthly basis is about $235 for the wide variety of services
[44:18] that our residents receive. Or when you boil that down to it, it's $7.75 per day to use all the
[44:25] streets, all the parks and greenways and all the other services that come along with the local
[44:34] So we're in council, in conclusion, we talked a lot about three core areas that this budget
[44:40] focuses on.
[44:41] Again, around our water supply and our wastewater treatment, securing that future.
[44:45] As I noted earlier, the level of investment we've had in the past.
[44:49] And today we're now at a new point where additional investment is needed to take all these
[44:53] springs to that next level.
[44:55] And imagine meat, those needs of growing community.
[44:58] it also
[45:00] In fact, the strong new investment in parks and greenways, particularly centered around a proposed 2023 parks and recreation bond referendum that voters will have their say on in November.
[45:11] And then also for police and fires, strengthens our ability for emergency preparedness and, again, our capability to respond quickly when we get that call from a person who needs our help in their time of need.
[45:23] And then finally there, the property tax rate remaining unchanged in adjustments to the water and the wastewater rates to help us match the investment lead on that side.
[45:34] Mayor, there's a lot of people in council and a lot of people who are involved in putting together a budget like this.
[45:40] And the first, I want to recognize are you and the mayor and the council.
[45:46] You know that over the last couple of months, maybe six, seven months.
[45:49] We've had a lot of conversations that lead up to a moment like this tonight, and at your annual retreat, you spend a lot of time talking about priorities that help then in terms shape the budget and help inform me about where your expectations are in your priorities.
[46:02] So I want to thank, I'm going to first start and thank all of you for that level of investment and the guidance and the direction that you have provided.
[46:08] I find it extremely invaluable and I value and greatly want to recognize your service to our community.
[46:14] I also want to recognize our budget innovation in strategy team led by Corey Peterson, as a
[46:20] wonderful team, and also our finance director, Ernesto.
[46:25] I also want to recognize our Executive Director of Utilities and Infrastructure, Kendra Parish,
[46:29] and the Assistant Town Manager Scott Chase and Daniel Weeks.
[46:34] Also our communications and marketing team led by Cassie Hack.
[46:38] As you saw from the videos here today we've had some great enhancements with our overall
[46:43] video production capability and I'm really grateful for the great work that communications
[46:46] marketing team has done on that front for the town and our residents.
[46:50] Want to recognize Jamie Joyner, our human resource director for her leadership on the
[46:55] development of our personnel recommendations, particularly around the personnel policy
[46:59] changes.
[47:01] Want to recognize Lee Ann Plummer and our Parks and Rec Director and all of our dedicated
[47:06] and talents and department directors who are here in the audience here tonight.
[47:11] Mayor and Council, without a doubt, I can tell you that these are a group of individuals who
[47:15] love this community. They love their jobs and they're highly committed to the success of this
[47:20] organization and the community. It's a group of those who work with them every year and I truly
[47:24] believe that and feel that every day. So thank you for all of the work that goes into getting to a
[47:30] height like this. Finally, next steps. So coming up on May 16 next Tuesday, we have the budget
[47:38] public hearing that meeting starts at 7 p.m. here in the Council of Chambers but welcome
[47:42] the public to come and the voice of your thoughts on what's been recommended here
[47:45] this evening. On May 23rd we'll have an opportunity for a budget workshop. At this opportunity
[47:50] you can dive in the deeper to the budget. Any questions you might have or clarifications that are
[47:54] needed will also probably take an opportunity to share some additional components of the budget
[47:58] that we did in the highlight here tonight but which we think are important also to to
[48:02] note for the mayor and council. And then if you're ready on June 6th, we have scheduled
[48:07] the budget adoption here in the council chambers at your first meeting there in June.
[48:14] Residents can get more information on the budget on the town's website and encourage folks
[48:18] to do that. There's also a all information filed with the clerk who can also help and provide
[48:24] any additional information to anybody who's seeking it.
[48:28] So with that mayor, this concludes the recommended budget presentation. I'll turn it back
[48:31] you and thank you in the council for your time to see.
[48:35] All right.
[48:35] Thank you.
[48:35] We do appreciate you to know the time you and the entire
[48:39] College Springs team to put in with the same
[48:41] you know the ceiling.
[48:43] Nice work on it.
[48:44] And there's going to be a ton of questions that this council has
[48:47] and probably jumping at the bit to get some out.
[48:51] But we'll have that next week.
[48:54] For the residents who come out tonight,
[48:55] appreciate you being here.
[48:57] We will as is just hearing you said,
[48:59] have public hearing next week.
[49:01] I would love to hear some of the comments.
[49:03] I don't know how to count some. We'd like to hear that as well.
[49:06] And yes, before we move the closed session, I see them.
[49:10] Yes, sir.
[49:11] So, before I go and ask for an adjournment,
[49:14] we do want to wish all those that are watching all those that are here.
[49:18] Happy Mother's Day this weekend.
[49:19] So, happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there.
[49:23] Can I get a motion?
[49:25] I'll motion during the meeting.
[49:26] Okay.
[49:27] On favour?
[49:27] All right. Post.
[49:29] Thank you.