Cary’s expenses are outpacing revenue. Inflation is high and growth is slowing, leaving tighter budgets. To preserve the high quality of life we value, we’ll need to continue to evaluate our priorities. Despite these challenges, however, forward-thinking and prudent leadership will allow us to spend our tax dollars wisely and maintain valued services.
Nearly half of Cary’s general expenditures goes to public safety (like our police and fire departments) and public works (like road maintenance and garbage collection). We need to keep our essential services fully funded.
Most of our money comes from sales tax and property tax. Because North Carolina is a "Dillon's Rule" state, the General Assembly limits the Town's ability to collect other types of revenue.
Just maintaining current services cost $25 million more this year to pay for six departments: fire, police, public works, HR, IT, and parks.
Extreme inflation has strained the capital budget. This year’s budget paused 68 projects - like sidewalks and other necessary infrastructure projects. These pauses aren’t sustainable without consequences for our town in the long term.
Our last two town budgets were approved by all members of town council, including my opponent. The truth is, she and the rest of council voted for the budgets because they recognize the financial realities of the town right now.
Any candidate who is promising tax cuts when the budget is tight also needs to explain which services and amenities they plan to cut.
We should start with open conversations to establish shared priorities - what services matter most and where residents want tax dollars spent.
Cary is known for its amenities like our greenways and for knowledgeable, responsive Town staff. These are central to our identity and what we want for our town. Our investments should continue to reflect that.
Last year’s proposed bonds - while well intentioned to bring new amenities to residents across Cary - were simply too large and too expensive. Their failure was a reminder that we need to listen closely to residents so that investments reflect both our community’s priorities and voters' willingness to pay for them. Future bond proposals should be smaller, more specific, and target clear community needs.
We should explore all opportunities to leverage other funding sources, such as grants and even private sector dollars where appropriate. A longer-term strategy could also include working with the North Carolina General Assembly on a law that would allow municipalities to offer property tax relief.
We also have to reduce our expenses. The most recent budget reflected some moves in the right direction. The maintenance cost of the Downtown Cary Park was decreased by 7%. We’ll need to take a hard look at expenses across departments. When money is tight, we have to find the right balance - scaling back on nonessential spending without sacrificing quality or core services.
I'm a Cary homeowner too. My promise to voters: I want any future tax increase to be reliable, reasonable, and responsible.
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