Holly Springs (NC) Council Expected to Approve Utility, Stormwater Increases in $139 Million Budget Package Next Tuesday (6/2/26)
Property tax rate would remain unchanged, but the typical household would see monthly utility, sanitation and stormwater costs rise as council also considers transportation and development actions.
Holly Springs, NC, May 29, 2026 — During next Tuesday’s (6/2/26) Town Council meeting, Holly Springs leaders are expected to approve a $139 million budget that keeps the town’s property tax rate unchanged while increasing utility, stormwater, and sanitation charges for residents.
The Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget (document) is the centerpiece of the meeting and reflects the town’s continued focus on managing growth, expanding infrastructure, and improving transportation options. The proposed spending plan also includes funding for 19 new full-time positions and increased investment in capital projects throughout the community.
The recommended budget totals $139.2 million, an 18.3% increase over the current fiscal year, with town officials citing increased capital project investments as the primary driver. The General Fund budget would total approximately $72.9 million.
What Residents Would Notice Most
While the property tax rate would remain unchanged at 34.35 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, several monthly household costs would increase if the budget is approved.
According to agenda materials, the typical residential utility bill would increase by $11.89 per month to support water and sewer capacity infrastructure investments. Garbage and recycling collection charges would increase by 69 cents per month, while residential stormwater fees would increase by $1.30 per month, bringing the monthly stormwater fee to $6.50.
Town officials identify three primary investment areas in the budget:
Managing traffic and improving mobility
Enhancing parks, facilities, and events
Managing growth and protecting the environment
During recent budget discussions, council members also expressed support for expanding Hopper microtransit service to Saturdays, creating a voluntary utility bill round-up program to assist residents facing temporary financial hardship, and beginning analysis of potential multimodal transportation investments that could be included in a future transportation bond referendum.
Meeting Information & Location
The Holly Springs Town Council will meet at Town Hall (map) on Tuesday, June 2nd, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting agenda and supporting materials are available on the Town of Holly Springs website (link).
Transportation Investments Continue to Move Forward
Transportation remains one of the town’s largest long-term priorities, and the council will receive an update on projects funded through the 2018 transportation bond program.
Staff is expected to provide updates on completed or nearly completed projects, including Holly Springs Road Widening-East, the Main Street Right Turn Lane project, the NC 55 Right Turn Lane project, and downtown pedestrian improvements along Avent Ferry Road.
Council will also receive status reports on several major projects that remain under development, including Holly Springs Road Central, Holly Springs Road West, Avent Ferry Road Phase 2, the Main Street Sidewalk Connection, the North Main Athletic Complex to Oak Hall Greenway connection, and Utley Creek Greenway Phase II.
Holly Springs Road Project Could Require Eminent Domain Action
One of the most significant non-budget items on the agenda involves the Holly Springs Road Central widening project.
Council is being asked to authorize condemnation proceedings for property interests that have not yet been acquired through negotiations. The action would allow the town to move forward with obtaining the final right-of-way and easement interests needed for the project while continuing discussions with affected property owners.
The project would widen Holly Springs Road from Main Street to Flint Point Lane into a four-lane divided roadway with sidewalks. Construction is currently anticipated to begin in early 2027 following completion of property acquisition and required approvals.
Development Rules Could See Significant Changes
Council is also expected to consider a package of Unified Development Ordinance amendments that would change how certain development proposals are reviewed and approved in Holly Springs.
Among the most notable proposed changes is a shift away from Special Use Permit approvals for certain uses and toward Conditional Zoning District approvals. According to town staff, the change is intended to increase citizen participation and provide greater opportunity for community engagement during the review process for projects that may have significant impacts on nearby residents.
The amendment package would also:
Allow bars and fueling stations within Neighborhood Mixed Use zoning districts subject to additional standards.
Clarify requirements for lots that front on open space rather than public streets.
Make a variety of technical corrections and administrative updates to the ordinance.
The proposal has already completed its public hearing and Planning Board review process. Planning Board members voted unanimously to recommend approval.
Additional Funding and Grant Actions
Council will also consider several grant-related items, including acceptance of outside funding for water infrastructure improvements, police communications equipment, and arts programming.
Among those items are a federal appropriation for the Harnett Regional Water Improvement Project, funding for replacement police radio equipment, and an Arts for Towns grant supporting future cultural programming.
Why It Matters
The June 2nd meeting touches on many of the same issues residents consistently identify as priorities: managing traffic, accommodating growth, maintaining infrastructure, and preserving quality of life.
The budget will determine how the town funds those priorities during the coming fiscal year, while transportation and development decisions on the agenda will help shape how Holly Springs grows in the years ahead.
Meeting Information & Location
The Holly Springs Town Council will meet at Town Hall (map) on Tuesday, June 2nd, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting agenda and supporting materials are available on the Town of Holly Springs website (link).