Holly Springs Unveils $117.7 Million Budget: What It Means for Residents in Fiscal Year 2025–26

Town expects to keep its property tax rate unchanged, while modest increases in water, sewer, and solid waste fees will help fund long-term utility upgrades

Holly Springs, NC, May 15, 2025 — Town leaders have released the proposed budget (document) for the upcoming fiscal year, a $117.7 million spending plan that Town Manager Randy Harrington said, “provides a balanced approach in advancing every area of [our] strategic plan,” meeting the growing needs of one of the fastest-growing communities in Wake County and preparing for not just continued residential growth, but also the rapid expansion of biotech and pharmaceutical manufacturing. The budget maintains one of the lowest property tax rates in the region while funding core services, tackling key infrastructure challenges, and investing in community priorities such as transportation, public safety, and park development.

The budget, which will be formally presented at a public hearing on May 20 and reviewed in a workshop on May 22, is expected to be adopted by the Holly Springs Town Council on June 3, 2025.

Planning for Growth

With a population now estimated between 51,000 and 54,000 residents—up 24% in just five years—Holly Springs is preparing for continued growth, including a projected population of 65,000 by 2030. This boom has placed significant demand on public services, infrastructure, and staffing. In that same period, full-time town positions increased by 24%, while general fund operational spending rose only 16%, an efficiency that town officials emphasized.

But it’s not just residential demand driving investment. Holly Springs is also becoming a magnet for biotech manufacturing, with major projects like Genentech’s $700 million facility at CaMP Helix in the Friendship Innovation Park and ongoing development by Amgen, FUJIFILM Diosynth, and CSL Seqirus. The Town is undertaking more than $500 million in utility infrastructure investments to support this expansion over the next five years.

Related: Genentech to Bring $700 Million Biotech Facility and 400 Jobs to Holly Springs’ CaMP Helix Campus

Budget and Service Rate Changes

The proposed $117.7 million total budget represents a 10.7% increase from the previous fiscal year, with most of the growth tied to large-scale capital projects. The General Fund, which covers daily services such as police, fire, sanitation, and parks, makes up $65.1 million of the total.

Nearly half of the General Fund is supported by property tax revenue, projected to generate $47.6 million across all funds. The town is holding its property tax rate steady at 34.35 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, which continues to rank among the lowest in Wake County. Sales tax, the second-largest municipal revenue source, is projected at $14.7 million, comprising approximately 22.6% of General Fund revenue. However, growth in this area is expected to remain flat due to broader economic conditions. Additional revenue comes from state-shared funds and user fees.

The town is implementing modest fee adjustments to help finance long-term utility upgrades and cover rising vendor costs. Water and sewer rates for a typical household will rise by $12.98 per month, bringing the average residential utility bill to just over $99. The increase will support Holly Springs’ multi-year investment in expanding water supply and wastewater treatment capacity in coordination with regional partners.

In the area of solid waste, GFL's trash and recycling services will increase by $0.59 per month, reflecting higher service contract costs. Yard waste and stormwater fees will remain unchanged.

Town officials emphasized that even with these adjustments, Holly Springs continues to deliver high-quality public services while maintaining affordability compared to peer communities in the Triangle region.

Infrastructure Investments Tied to Biotech Expansion

As Holly Springs positions itself as a premier hub for life sciences in North Carolina, the Town’s infrastructure must keep pace. To meet the water and wastewater needs of these high-demand users, the FY 2025–26 budget supports a series of major utility capital projects, including:

• Utley Creek Water Reclamation Facility (UCWRF) Expansion: A $294 million project to increase capacity to 8 million gallons per day (MGD), with future expansion planned beyond that.

• Sanford Water Capacity Partnership: An $81 million regional collaboration to secure a long-term drinking water supply.

• Harnett County Booster Station Upgrade: A $20.5 million upgrade to improve transmission capabilities from Harnett County.

• Holly Springs–Fuquay-Varina Water Line and Storage: A $57 million investment to enhance the regional water grid and increase storage capacity.

• Elevated Water Tank on New Hill Road: A $23 million project that boosts water storage to support residential and industrial growth.

These infrastructure investments are critical for sustaining future residential growth and supporting the operational needs of biotech giants who require reliable, large-scale water and wastewater systems to operate safely and efficiently.

Major Community Investments

The FY 2025–26 budget provides funding for a wide range of capital projects that touch nearly every corner of town, from the heart of downtown to new growth areas west of NC-55.

Transportation improvements continue to take center stage. Construction will advance on the next phases of Holly Springs Road widening, including the central section from Flint Point Lane to Main Street and planning for the west section leading to the NC 55 Bypass.

The long-awaited Middle Creek bridge project will open this summer, relieving congestion and improving safety for thousands of daily commuters.

The town is also investing in planning and design to widen Avent Ferry Road from Ralph Stephens Road to Cass Holt Road, addressing growing traffic concerns in one of the town’s fastest-developing corridors.

In addition, residents can look forward to the launch of a new micro transit system in early 2026. This app-based, on-demand transportation service will operate weekdays and aim to provide an affordable, flexible transit option for commuters, students, and seniors alike.

In the area of parks and recreation, the town has broken ground on Eagles Landing Park, a major project made possible by the 2023 voter-approved parks bond. Located on Cass Holt Road, the 56-acre park will include indoor basketball courts, a splashpad, e-sports lounges, pickleball and turf fields, and community gathering spaces. This marks the first major town park west of NC-55.

Elsewhere, existing amenities will receive needed upgrades. Womble Park’s baseball and softball dugouts are being replaced to enhance player safety and comfort.

New theater seating will be installed at the Holly Springs Cultural Center, improving the guest experience for a wide range of performances and community events.

To promote a vibrant and walkable downtown district, the budget funds a "festival street" design on Avent Ferry Road between Ballentine and Center Streets. This project will create a flexible pedestrian-focused space capable of hosting events, markets, and community gatherings.

Additional investments in public art and seasonal decorations will further enhance downtown’s aesthetic appeal, making it a more inviting destination for residents and visitors.

Public safety remains a top priority, with 38.1% of the General Fund dedicated to police and fire operations. This year’s budget includes funding for the design and land acquisition of a fourth fire station planned for northeast Holly Springs to meet response-time goals in expanding neighborhoods.

The town is also investing in new firefighter protective equipment, swift water rescue training, and a replacement fire truck to keep the department’s fleet modern and mission-ready.

Staffing & Compensation

To maintain service delivery levels, the town will add three net new full-time positions, including maintenance and utility technicians and a communications role, while repurposing four vacant positions from less critical areas.

The budget also supports staff retention and morale through a merit-based pay raise program offering increases of up to 6%, and through Phase 2 of the town’s market-based compensation adjustments, expanding last year’s adjustments for public safety positions to general employees. Additionally, the town will absorb a 3.7% increase in health insurance premiums and comply with new required retirement contribution increases for all local governments in North Carolina.

Town Governance and Resident Participation

Holly Springs operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The Mayor and the five-member Town Council are responsible for setting policy and approving the budget. At the same time, the Town Manager oversees all daily operations and is authorized to transfer funds between departments up to $50,000. The Council must approve larger amendments or fund reallocations.

Residents are encouraged to review the full budget document at hollyspringsnc.gov, attend the public hearing at Town Hall on May 20 at 7 p.m., and follow the discussion during the May 22 budget workshop. The final vote on the budget is scheduled for June 3, 2025.

Share your thoughts on Holly Springs’ Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget with the Town Council:

Mayor
Sean Mayefskie, sean.mayefskie@hollyspringsnc.gov

Mayor Pro Tem
Daniel H. Berry, daniel.berry@hollyspringsnc.gov

Council Member
Chris Deshazor, chris.deshazor@hollyspringsnc.gov

Council Member
Annie Drees, annie.drees@hollyspringsnc.gov

Council Member
Timothy Forrest, timothy.forrest@hollyspringsnc.gov

Council Member
Danielle Hewetson, danielle.hewetson@hollyspringsnc.gov