Letter To The Editor: Benson Mayor Says Tough Budget Decisions Are Necessary

To the Citizens of Benson,

I want to speak directly and candidly about the proposed adjustments to the Fiscal Year 2026–2027 budget and the concerns many of you have expressed.

When this Council began its work on the upcoming budget, we were confronted with a critical fiscal situation. The Town’s finances—both in our General Fund and our enterprise funds for water, sewer, and electricity—are operating without adequate fund balance. Simply put, we have not maintained the level of reserves necessary to ensure stability during emergencies or economic downturns. This lack of a “rainy day” account is not sustainable and places the Town at financial risk.

In November, the Council hired a new Town Manager and gave clear direction: stabilize and correct the Town’s financial position-he is doing exactly what we instructed. Since that time, significant work has been undertaken to assess our operations, expenditures, and long-term obligations. This has included aligning utility rates with formal cost-of-service studies and adhering to guidance from the North Carolina Local Government Commission (LGC), which oversees municipal fiscal health across the state.

In addition, Town staff conducted a comprehensive, enterprise-wide analysis to identify cost-saving measures. These recommendations were not limited to a single department—they span the entire organization. The goal is twofold: bring expenditures back in line with revenues in the near term, and implement structural adjustments that will restore positive fund balances over time. This is essential not only for financial health, but also to position Benson to be removed from the LGC’s Unit Assistance List.

We recognize that these proposed changes have generated significant feedback, particularly from members of the Fire Department and concerned citizens. That feedback is important, and it has been heard. However, it is also important for the community to understand that this is not an isolated reduction targeting one department. Across the Town, a total of 13 positions have been recommended for elimination or adjustment in the next fiscal year budget. These decisions reflect an organization-wide effort to return to a positive cash flow position and regain financial stability.

These are difficult decisions. There is no way to approach them without acknowledging the impact they have on individuals and families. But the reality is that delaying action would only deepen the problem and ultimately require more severe measures in the future. It is imperative that we make these tough calls now to place Benson on a responsible and sustainable financial trajectory.

Throughout this process, the Town has been deliberate in focusing reductions on administrative or currently unfilled positions wherever possible. The intent has been to preserve critical operational capabilities and avoid reductions in essential services that our citizens rely upon every day. While much of the public discussion has centered on the Fire Department, I want to be clear that employees across all departments have been affected. I am proud to say that the rest of our staff has remained mission-focused, demonstrating resilience, professionalism, and an understanding of the need for these corrective actions.

We do not take any of this lightly. We understand the emotional weight of these decisions—not only for our employees, but for their families as well. They are part of this community, and their service matters.

I ask for your patience as we work through this challenging but necessary process. I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to our Town staff for their resolve, and to our administrative team for the research, analysis, and leadership they have demonstrated in bringing forward a plan to address these issues responsibly.

Together, we can put Benson back on solid financial footing and ensure a stronger future for our community.

Respectfully,
Max Raynor
Mayor, Town of Benson