Balanced plan focuses on infrastructure, workforce, and long-term community investment

The Town of Mocksville has officially presented its proposed Fiscal Year 2026–2027 budget to the Board of Commissioners, outlining a balanced financial plan that supports essential services, infrastructure improvements, and continued investment in the community’s future.

Presented on May 5th, the proposed budget reflects months of planning and collaboration between Town staff and leadership, with a focus on maintaining financial stability while addressing key priorities across departments.

A Balanced Budget with No Tax Rate Increase

The proposed budget maintains the current property tax rate of $0.29 per $100 valuation, continuing the Town’s commitment to fiscal responsibility while supporting necessary services and improvements.

Town Manager Lee Rollins emphasized that the budget is balanced in accordance with North Carolina budget requirements and is designed to align with Mocksville’s long-term vision of sustainable residential, commercial, and industrial development.

Key Funding Priorities

The FY 2026–2027 budget focuses on several core priorities aimed at strengthening the community:

Infrastructure & Transportation Improvements

  • Re-establishing an annual street paving and maintenance program
  • Enhancing walkability by connecting sidewalk networks
  • Improving visual entry points into downtown

Community Planning & Growth Management

  • Continued work toward implementing the Comprehensive Plan
  • Updates to zoning and development standards
  • Strategic focus on preserving community character while guiding future development

Workforce Investment

  • A proposed five percent cost-of-living adjustment for Town employees
  • Continued efforts to recruit and retain a strong, high-quality workforce

“These priorities reflect our commitment to taking a thoughtful, step-by-step approach to meeting the needs of our community while planning for the future,” said Rollins. “This budget allows us to invest in infrastructure, support our employees, and continue delivering the level of service our residents expect.”

Strong Financial Position

The Town remains in a solid financial position, with an unassigned fund balance of approximately 222% of General Fund expenditures. Maintaining this level of reserves allows the Town to respond to unexpected needs and pursue strategic opportunities.

Utility System Investments

The budget also includes significant planning for water and sewer operations, which function as a self-sustaining enterprise fund.

Highlights include:

  • Continued transition to wholesale water service through regional partnerships
  • Installation of new water meters to improve reliability and customer access to usage data
  • Upgrades to wastewater treatment operations to meet regulatory requirements

A rate adjustment is proposed to support these ongoing system improvements and ensure long-term sustainability.

Capital Improvements & Long-Term Planning

In addition to the annual budget, the Town continues to plan for future needs through its Capital Improvement Plan, which outlines investments in infrastructure, public facilities, parks, and utilities over the coming years.

These projects are designed to:

  • Maintain reliable infrastructure systems
  • Support economic development
  • Improve the quality of life for residents

Public Hearing Scheduled

Residents are encouraged to review the proposed budget and share their input. A public hearing will be held:

Tuesday, June 2, 2026
 6:00 p.m.
 Mocksville Town Hall, 171 Clement Street

Citizens may also submit written comments in advance, and copies of the budget are available for public inspection at Town Hall and online.

Copies of the FY2026-2027 Budget proposal are available for public inspection at the Mocksville Town Hall, 171 Clement Street, Mocksville, weekdays 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The budget proposal can also be found here Town’s website at https://mocksvillenc.org/current-budget/.

Written comments can be sent via email to equance@mocksvillenc.gov.

Looking Ahead

The proposed FY 2026–2027 budget represents a thoughtful approach to managing growth, maintaining essential services, and investing in the future of Mocksville. As the Town continues to evolve, this budget serves as a roadmap for responsible progress while preserving the character and quality of life that residents value.

“Our goal is to provide dependable, efficient services while making strategic investments that strengthen Mocksville today and for future generations,” Rollins said. “We appreciate the community’s engagement and look forward to continuing this work together.”