Rutherfordton Releases Proposed FY 2027 Budget Ahead of June Public Hearing

The Town of Rutherfordton has officially unveiled the Town Manager’s Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2027, outlining plans to strengthen public safety, improve infrastructure, expand recreation opportunities, and continue investing in the community’s future.

Town leaders say the proposed budget was built around Rutherfordton’s 2025 Action Plan and community feedback, while also addressing rising operational costs impacting municipalities across North Carolina.

Focus Areas for FY 2027

The recommended budget centers around four major priorities:

• Gold Standard Workforce

• Opportunity Minted Here Economic Growth

• Vibrant Growth

• Smart Infrastructure & Digital Connectivity

  
  

Public Safety Investments

Several major public safety improvements are included in the proposal, including:

• Increased fire department staffing and improved coverage for rural stations

• Continued police department staffing enhancements to maintain at least three officers per shift with supervisory leadership

• New emergency equipment, including a ladder truck and incoming fire engine

  
  

Infrastructure & Utility Improvements

The budget also includes continued investments in utilities and long-term infrastructure projects, such as:

• Sewer system upgrades supported through state and federal grant funding

• Modernized public works equipment

• Continued efforts to improve infrastructure reliability and resiliency throughout town

  
  

Parks, Recreation & Downtown Development

Community recreation and downtown development remain a key focus in the proposed budget.

Projects and initiatives include:

• Expanded parks and recreation programming

• Continued development planning for Crestview Park

• Expansion planning for the Purple Martin Greenway connection to the Thermal Belt Rail Trail

• Ongoing support for downtown revitalization, public art, and Main Street initiatives

  
  

More Than $6 Million in Grant Funding

Town officials say Rutherfordton continues to prioritize responsible financial management while leveraging more than $6 million in grant funding to complete major infrastructure and community projects.

Officials noted the outside funding helps reduce the financial burden on local taxpayers while allowing the Town to continue addressing critical needs.

Proposed Tax and Fee Changes

The FY 2027 recommended budget includes several proposed adjustments:

• Property tax rate increase from $0.51 to $0.55 per $100 of assessed value

• Monthly solid waste fee increase from $16.40 to $17.22

• 3% sewer rate adjustment due to rising operational and utility costs

  
  

Even with the proposed changes, Rutherfordton officials say the Town’s tax rate remains competitive with similar communities across Western North Carolina.

For homeowners, the impact would be approximately:

• $40 more annually for a home valued at $100,000

• $120 more annually for a home valued at $300,000

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Why the Changes Are Needed

Town leaders cite continued increases in:

• Health insurance costs

• Fuel and energy expenses

• Equipment and vehicle replacement

• Construction and infrastructure materials

• Daily operational expenses

At the same time, Rutherfordton continues to experience growth in housing, utility demand, and community service needs.

Officials say the proposed budget is designed to maintain current service levels while helping the Town avoid larger financial challenges in the future.

Public Hearing Scheduled for June 3

The Rutherfordton Town Council will continue reviewing the proposed budget throughout May before holding a formal public hearing on:

📅 Tuesday, June 3, 2026📍 Rutherfordton Town Hall🕕 During the Regular Town Council Meeting

Residents are encouraged to review the proposed budget and participate in the public hearing process.