Garner Town Council Approves $97.4 Million Budget

GARNER, N.C. – The Garner Town Council approved a $97.4 million operations budget for Fiscal Year 2027 at a June 23 special meeting.  

The budget, which goes into effect on July 1, 2026 passed by a 3-to-1 vote. The approved budget includes a 1.5-cent increase to the Town’s property tax rate, bringing that rate to 53.5 cents per $100 valuation. The rate will be levied with 44 cents dedicated to the General Fund and 9.5 cents to the Debt Service Fund, which funds the Town’s capital projects.  

Overall, property taxes account for 57.1 percent of the Town’s revenues. Sales and other taxes are the second-largest source of revenue, making up 13.3 percent. This is followed by financing sources that pay voter-approved debt, comprising 11.6 percent. Intergovernmental revenues—including Wake County’s cost share for fire and rescue services—account for 9.7 percent of total revenues. Permits and fees make up 6.3 percent, and investment earnings and other revenue account for the remaining 2 percent. 

The FY27 budget funds 10 new full-time positions and makes significant investments in public safety, capital projects and housing support for vulnerable residents. It also funds competitive pay and benefits for employees, a pair of popular civic engagement initiatives and operations related to two new signature recreational amenities—the splash pad at White Deer Park and Yeargan Park on East Garner Road. 

“The FY27 budget invests heavily in employees and capital projects, allowing the Town to maintain its superior services and amenities,” Town Manager Jodi Miller said. “The focus on employees, community safety and well-being and quality of life reflects the priorities of both our Council and our residents.” 

Investments in public safety include crime and fire analysts and a fire inspector position, as well as one-time funding for law enforcement technology enhancements, fire equipment purchases and facility upgrades. 

At Council’s request, the budget includes increased funding (from $100,000 to $200,000) for the area nonprofit Preserving Home to assist in maintenance, repairs and preservation of existing homes in Garner. 

Funding also is included in the FY27 budget to support two new popular resident engagement programs—the Garner Youth Council and Garner Civic Academy. 

The FY27 budget will increase the total number of full-time-equivalent positions in the Town to 375. In addition to the public-safety positions mentioned above, new positions in the FY27 budget include a paralegal, executive assistant, stormwater supervisor, two grant specialists and two maintenance workers to support operations at Yeargan Park. 

The Council also approved by a 3-1 vote a capital projects ordinance authorizing $7,730,000 for streets and roads, $1 million for parks and recreation, $336,000 for stormwater and $9,070,772 for the General Public Improvement Fund.