NEWS

Town Manager Jamie Justice and staff presented the Fiscal Year 2027 Manager's Recommended Budget at the Town Board Meeting on May 12, 2026. All materials associated with the proposed budget are available on the Town of Davidson website at www.townofdavidson.org/budget. The development of a balanced budget is a fundamental responsibility of local governing bodies; the North Carolina General Statutes govern the budget development process. The Town of Davidson’s tax rate will remain at 26.6 cents per hundred dollars of valuation.

The FY2027 budget process began in November 2025. The Davidson Board of Commissioners and Town staff developed the Town’s two-year strategic plan in early 2026, with approval in April 2026. Concurrently, Town staff considered the merits of budget requests as revenue projections were calculated. Cost estimates were based on historical trends or actual quotes. The proposed budget emerged as expenses were prioritized by the needs of the Town and alignment with the Davidson Strategic Plan.

Highlights of this recommended budget:

• Continues current service levels and reflects necessary inflationary impacts
• Reprioritizes expenses in response to diminished revenue growth
• Utilizes other funds/sources to balance the budget
• Honors previous staffing commitments
• Prioritizes:
• Investment in the workforce by focusing on employee recruitment and retention
• Implementation of the 2026-2027 Strategic Plan
• Implementation of other adopted plans like the Comprehensive Plan, Mobility Plan, Climate Action Plan, Vision Zero Plan, Parks & Rec Master Plan

Town staff are our greatest resource, and the FY2027 budget reflects a commitment to the workforce by continuing to invest in our employees with a cost of living adjustment (COLA) and merit pool. Additional needs list items in the FY2027 budget include Town Event Security and Equipment, Tree Inventory Software, a Marine 1 Rescue Boat, and equipment for the Public Works Department.

Along with the operating budget, the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) has also been updated. Completed every year, the CIP looks five years ahead at various large scale Town projects such as improvements to parks, greenways, roadways, and pedestrian safety improvements. The CIP positions Davidson to strategically plan, prioritize, and fund long-term projects.

While being responsive to the priorities of the Board of Commissioners, this proposed budget focuses on essential services provided to the citizens, and addresses needs in a financially responsible manner. The Town has again positioned itself well through solid financial management to present a balanced and responsible budget that plans for the Town’s future.

Following the presentation of the Manager’s Recommended Budget at the May 12 Board of Commissioners Meeting, a public hearing will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Davidson Town Hall & Community Center Council Chamber. Please email any questions or comments to budget@townofdavidson.org.