ALBEMARLE, NC – Albemarle City Council has approved the City’s operating budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The budget is balanced and includes no change to the 61-cent property tax rate.

The approved budget includes no increases in planning and zoning fees or the motor vehicle fee. It also does not propose any across-the-board changes to electric rates. Additionally, there are no proposed increases in water or sewer rates.

The budget does include an adjustment to the solid waste collection fee of an additional $2.32 per month to meet a contractual increase based on market conditions in the City’s solid waste collection agreement.

The budget process was developed to align with the goals and objectives of the City of Albemarle's Strategic Plan. The plan was developed following responses from residents to a community survey, feedback from City Staff, and input from City Council. The City of Albemarle's Strategic Plan includes five goals and strategies to achieve each goal:

• Organizational Capacity - Invest in our workforce to enhance city operations and efficiency to better serve the community.
• Safety & Security - Enhance resources and improve practices to protect our residents and safeguard the city in order to improve quality of life.
• Infrastructure - Invest in infrastructure needed to ensure reliable and consistent service delivery.
• Community & Economic Growth Opportunities - Guide growth and facilitate economic opportunities in order to benefit all residents and businesses.
• Inclusive Community Engagement - Enhance community amenities, programs, and services to engage residents of different backgrounds, lifestyles, and generations.

Budget Highlights

Street maintenance is once again a top area of focus in the budget. Street Maintenance was the top area for improvement cited in the community survey and a primary goal set by City Council. The $1,300,000 in the FY 2025/2026 Budget for funding of street maintenance matches the City’s largest allocation in this area.

“The approved budget for the upcoming year puts emphasis on addressing our aging infrastructure and improving public safety services, two areas at the heart of government’s purpose. By investing in street maintenance improvements, police and fire, and other essential services, we enhance the quality of life in our community today and set the foundation for future success,” said Todd Clark, City of Albemarle City Manager.

Other Highlights:

• Addition of 10 new firefighters funded through a FEMA Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant; FY2026 expenses include the purchase of turnout gear and personal protective equipment for each firefighter
• Three new patrol vehicles for the Police Department
• Patrol vehicle cameras for the Police Department
• Purchase of a new ladder truck for the Fire Department
• Roof replacement for Fire Station 1
• Renovations at Fire Station 3
• Implementation of a new Fire Department records management system
• Mini-excavator
• One-ton dump truck
• Flatbed dump truck
• Mowing tractor with attachments
• HVAC replacements at City facilities
• Highway 52 Water Plant Reservoir Dam repair
• Water main replacement projects
• Continuation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure Replacement project
• Electric transmission line maintenance

The City Manager's Budget Message, City Council Approved Budget Ordinance, and Approved Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 can be viewed at www.albemarlenc.gov/2026budget