Wake Forest Town Manager Presents Stable 2025-26 Budget with Modest Fee Increases and Expanded Services

Town Manager Kip Padgett has officially set the stage for Wake Forest's fiscal path, laying out the 2025-26 budget plan before the Board of Commissioners last Tuesday. The budget, as stated by Padgett, aligns diligently with the strategic objectives the town has previously decided upon. The financial outline for the coming year promises to steer the municipality's resources and programs from the start of July, extending to the close of June 2026. From the property tax rate holding study at $0.42 per $100 of assessed valuation, to the unchanged vehicle fee of $30, stability seems to be a theme in this proposed budget, as indicated in Wake Forest's online announcement.

However, not every charge escapes augmentation. Residents should prepare for a minimal uptick in their monthly outlays. The residential solid waste fee is on track for a $1 per month increase, moving the charge to $24/month. In a similar vein, the energy bill for Wake Forest Power's residential customers will swell by approximately 3%, or an estimated $3 per month, starting this September. This proposed increment comes as the town seeks to manage energize costs amid growth and development pressures.

The budgetary blueprint isn't solely about numbers - it also charts a course for expanded services, introducing 18 new town positions. This includes a quintet of Stormwater Utility crew members and a corresponding number of staff for the Wake Forest Center for Active Aging. As detailed in the Town of Wake Forest's announcement, these roles symbolize a deeper commitment, with the town taking over operational responsibilities starting July 1. This marks a clear investment in both infrastructure maintenance and the well-being of the town's elder constituency.

Interested parties have the opportunity to study the details of the proposed budget, which is made readily available in digital format for public perusal until May 20. On said date, a public hearing will be integrated into the regular Board of Commissioners meeting, slated for 6 p.m. at the Town Hall Board Chambers on S. Brooks St. Wake Forest residents are invited to share their views and voice their feedback during this participatory event, ensuring the budget reflects the community's ethos and pragmatism.