Garner Town Council has recently passed an $87.3 million operations budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, marking a $9.9 million increase from the previous year's budget. In a close 3-2 vote during their meeting on Tuesday, the council laid out plans prioritizing the merger with Garner Fire-Rescue and the inauguration of new Yeargan Park set for fall of 2026, according to a report by Town of Garner.
This year's budget keeps the municipal property tax rate steady at 52 cents per $100 valuation. It supports a variety of initiatives including nine new positions attributed to the consolidation with Garner Fire-Rescue, 12 positions for Yeargan Park, and increased funding for street resurfacing by $544,000. Additionally, $200,000 has been allocated for traffic calming efforts, Town Manager Jodi Miller articulated in a statement outlined by Town of Garner.
Funding considerations for the Police Department remain flexible, catering to the needs of staffing, vehicles, and equipment. This includes hiring additional personnel contingent upon the new police chief's priorities. Furthermore, responding to community feedback from the 2024 National Community Survey, the council has earmarked $100,000 in the budget for housing preservation services, aiming to help locals stay in their homes and maintain affordable housing options.
The budget also enhances recreational and cultural opportunities. Jodi Miller, commenting on the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department's expanded offerings, told Town of Garner, “I am pleased that the FY26 budget invests in Garner’s vibrant future, focusing on community quality of life as well as overall safety and well-being.” This includes funding for two full-time positions to support new volleyball and basketball leagues, specialized programs for individuals with disabilities, and additional performances for special events.
The operational budget wasn't the only fiscal plan approved; the Town Council also greenlit a capital projects budget of $4.9 million, with significant appropriations for vehicle and equipment replacement, almost a million dollars for the Penny for Parks program to upkeep and enhance town recreational spaces. These decisions come against the backdrop of Garner being identified as the 10th fastest-growing municipality in the United States, yet the town maintains strong credit ratings of AAA by Standard & Poor’s and Aa1 by Moody’s Investors Service, ensuring responsible financial governance.
