HAMLET — Earlier this month, the Hamlet City Council approved the fiscal year 2026-27 budget, which includes a property tax rate reduction for residents.
The property tax rate will decrease from 76 cents per $100 of assessed valuation to 74 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. The new rate is expected to generate approximately $2.55 million in revenue. Utility rates will remain unchanged.
The balanced FY 2026-27 budget totals $11,370,050 and includes the following funds:
• General Fund: $7,252,050
• Powell Bill Fund: $241,000
• Enterprise Fund: $3,877,000
To support one-time capital projects and other nonrecurring needs, the budget appropriates $556,500 from the fund balance.
The budget also includes a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for all city employees to help the city remain competitive in a tight labor market and address rising wage expectations.
Department expenses approved in the budget include:
• Governing body — $35,800
• Administration — $517,400 (requested $584,900)
• Museum — $265,200 (requested $267,300)
• Finance — $208,500 (requested $210,700)
• Public Buildings — $282,300 (requested $286,400)
• Police Department — $2,138,950 (requested $2,191,950)
• Fire Department — $1,517,700 (requested $1,530,700)
• Streets and Highway — $734,100 (requested $777,200)
• Sanitation — $475,000
• Senior Center — $426,200 (requested $431,300)
• Recreation — $255,100 (requested $255,800)
• Horticulture — $192,800 (requested $192,900)
• Non-department expenses — $7,252,050 (requested $7,447,950)
The budget passed by a majority vote, with Council Member Oscar Sellers casting the lone vote against it.
“I think it should be tabled and for further study,” said Sellers.
During council comments, Sellers addressed City Clerk Heather Hawks.
“First, I would like to note for Mrs. Hawks that I oppose this budget, that I wanted to table it, but I was not acknowledged on my recommendation during public session. The mayor failed to recognize me.”
The Hamlet City Council will hold a special meeting at 3 p.m. July 2 at Hamlet City Hall to discuss additional items, including:
• Discussion and award of the request for qualifications for engineering services for general water and sewer projects.
• Discussion and award of the bid for the City Lake Trail Project (Phase 1).
• Public hearing on the Hamlet Commons (Johnson) rezoning application for property located at 705 Spring St., specifically Tax Map Nos. 748112978078 and 748112968909, from R-6 Residential to B-2 General Business.
• Public hearing on the City of Hamlet rezoning application for property located at 146 Boyd Lake Road, specifically Tax Map No. 749114247146, from R-6 Residential to B-2 General Business.
• Discussion and possible approval of a one-year lease agreement for city-owned property at 146 Boyd Lake Road, Tax Map No. 749114247146.
Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting and speak during the public hearings. Questions may be directed to Acting City Manager Mackenzie Webb at 910-582-2651, ext. 1000, or by email at mwebb@hamletnc.us.