The Southern Pines 2026 Budget has officially been approved, keeping the town’s property tax rate unchanged while investing in employee compensation, infrastructure improvements, and future growth.
The $34.1 million budget takes effect July 1 and represents the town’s financial roadmap for the upcoming fiscal year.
What’s Included in the Southern Pines 2026 Budget?
The budget maintains the current property tax rate of 29 cents per $100 of assessed value.
Town officials estimate approximately $14.1 million in property tax revenue and $6.8 million in sales tax revenue during the fiscal year.
Public safety remains the largest spending category, receiving approximately 40 percent of every tax dollar collected.
Roads, Sidewalks, and Employee Pay
The Southern Pines 2026 Budget includes approximately $646,000 for employee salary increases across all departments.
Town leaders say the adjustments are designed to help attract and retain qualified employees in a competitive labor market.
The budget also allocates $1.27 million for street resurfacing projects and $250,000 for sidewalk improvements along West Michigan Avenue.
Utility and Waste Collection Increases
While property taxes remain unchanged, residents will see modest increases in water, sewer, and solid waste fees.
The average customer using 5,000 gallons per month can expect a combined water and sewer increase of about $3.02 monthly.
Solid waste collection fees will increase by $1.25 per month.
Town leaders say the adjustments help fund future infrastructure needs while avoiding larger increases later.
Residents can learn more by visiting the Town of Southern Pines website.
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