Chapel Hill · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Chapel Hill public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
FY 2026-27 Town Budget Adoption
Town Manager presented a $169.7 million budget with no property tax increase, funding employee pay raises, core services, and capital projects. Council members discussed ways to improve public engagement and clarify town versus county funding responsibilities.
State Budget Delays and Legislative Priorities
State lawmakers discussed ongoing gridlock in the General Assembly over the state budget, noting that delays create uncertainty for local governments, employee pay, and Medicaid funding.
Local Property Tax Authority and State Revenue Caps
Town leaders strongly opposed proposed state limits on property tax levies, arguing they would cripple local government's ability to fund police, fire, transit, and sanitation services.
FY 2025 Excess Fund Balance Allocation
The Town received a clean audit and identified about $3 million in excess fund balance. Council members discussed how to allocate these one-time funds toward infrastructure, debt service, and community needs.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Plan Reallocations
Council reallocated over $253,000 in federal CDBG funds to support current neighborhood revitalization and program year activities.