RECAP: Fuquay-Varina (NC) Town Commissioners Meeting (January 5, 2026)
Commissioners table rezoning request, approve annexation, and set next steps for budget and board vacancy during the first meeting of the year
Fuquay-Varina, NC, Jan. 6, 2025 — The Fuquay-Varina Board of Commissioners opened the town’s first meeting of 2026 by tabling a rezoning request for a large Rogers Road property, approving a voluntary annexation tied to water access, and advancing several budget and infrastructure items. Commissioners also moved forward with the process to fill a vacant seat on the board, following public comment from several residents.
Rezoning Requests
During the meeting, Commissioners formally opened a public hearing for two items, voting to approve one and table the other.
The tabled item related to a requested zoning map amendment for 1212 Rogers Road, an almost 12-acre parcel currently zoned Residential Agricultural and located within the town’s extraterritorial jurisdiction.
The application seeks a conditional rezoning that would divide the site into two districts:
Research Light Industrial on the northern portion of the property, and
Corridor Commercial along Rogers Road.
If approved, the corridor's commercial portion could permit service-oriented uses, including restaurants, medical or dental offices, banks or credit unions, retail shops, veterinary clinics, indoor recreation facilities, or a small neighborhood shopping center.
The research light industrial portion would be limited to lower-impact employment uses, including research and development space, artisan manufacturing, breweries or distilleries, commercial kitchens, warehousing, business incubators, flex office space, and trade or vocational schools. Town staff emphasized that these are permitted-use categories, not proposed tenants or approved developments.
The request also includes several site-specific conditions intended to reduce impacts on nearby residential areas, including enhanced landscape buffers, fencing, restrictions on loading dock orientation, and prohibitions on 24-hour production or public-facing operations.
Although the Planning Board previously recommended approval, the applicant requested a continuance due to a family emergency. Commissioners opened the hearing to satisfy procedural requirements, then voted to table the item and keep the public hearing open until the January 20th Commissioners’ meeting, when a final presentation is expected.
The second public hearing item resulted in the Board unanimously approving a voluntary annexation request for an almost-acre property at 9713 Eden Trail. No opposition to the action was raised during the public hearing.
According to town staff, the owners of the non-contiguous parcel sought annexation primarily to access town water service due to poor well water quality on the property. Sewer service, sanitation, and recycling were exempted under the annexation agreement.
Consent agenda advances budget and infrastructure planning
Among the items approved via the consent agenda was the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget Development Schedule, which establishes a pre-budget public hearing on February 23rd, a budget workshop on April 16th, and a formal public hearing on May 19th. It was also noted that residents can provide feedback through the town’s “Let’s Talk FV” engagement platform.
As part of the consent agenda, the Commissioners also accepted a $3,250 donation from Bishop Photo to support non-resident youth athletic scholarships within the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department.
Finally, commissioners approved a $200,000 budget amendment to continue work on the town’s long-running Water Capacity Study, which supports Fuquay-Varina’s interbasin transfer certification and long-term water supply planning. Updated cost estimates are expected to return during the 2027 Fiscal Year budget process.
Public comment focuses on commissioner vacancy
Several residents used the public comment period to express support for Cassandra Flowers, one of the applicants seeking appointment to a currently vacant commissioner seat.
One resident told the commissioners she was impressed by Flowers’ ability to listen and synthesize differing viewpoints.
“Her words were eloquent. She responded with care to each person who ventured a comment or insight, and she offered back to the group a synthesis and analysis that made contributors feel understood and respected.”
Another pointed to Flowers’ professional background and prior service on the Board of Adjustment, emphasizing her experience with land-use decisions and mediation.
“Her professional work as an attorney certified mediator, and conflict resolution professional, represent a valuable portfolio of skills… She can effectively communicate, listen to people’s concerns, and make informed decisions with an understanding of long-term goals.”
Another highlighted Flowers’ leadership across several community organizations and her ability to navigate complex situations.
“She consistently demonstrates composure under pressure, listens thoughtfully to differing perspectives, and makes well-reasoned decisions grounded in fairness and accountability.”
Commissioners select four candidates to interview
Commissioners voted to interview four finalists for the vacant seat: Nolan Perry, Jeff Stevens, Larry Smith, and Cassandra Flowers.
Interviews are scheduled for January 12, with a final appointment expected at the January 20 Board meeting.
Administrative updates and closed session
Town staff provided updates on personnel changes, upcoming infrastructure bids, right-of-way acquisitions for road projects, recognition received for the town’s budget presentation, and the launch of the town’s new microtransit service.
Source Documents:
Commissioners Meeting Agenda - January 5, 2026 (document)
Voluntary Annexation Petition - Curry (document)
Voluntary Annexation Petition - Rivera (document)
Consent Agenda Item - 2026/2027 Budget Development Schedule (document)
Consent Agenda Item - Bishop Photo Donation (document)
Consent Agenda Item - Water Capacity Study (document)
Strong example of transparent local governance in action. The structured timeline for the budget process with multiple touchpoints for public input (pre-budget hearing, workshop, formal hearing) shows real commitment to community engagement rather than just checking boxes. I've watched plenty of municipal meetings where residents feel steamrolled by predetermined outcomes, but opening the continuance properly and keeping the public hearing accessible signals they're actually listening, not just performing transparency.