Morrisville Adopts Fiscal Year 2027 Annual Operating Budget
Published on June 10, 2026
The Morrisville Town Council approved a $60,430,000 Annual Operating Budget and Capital Investment Program for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) during its June 9 meeting by a vote of four to two. Council Members Garimella, Johnson, Kesling, and Scroggins-Johnson voted in support, Mayor Cawley and Council Member Patel voted in opposition, and Mayor Pro Tem Robotti was unable to attend.
The FY2027 adopted budget is a balanced budget that reflects community interests and priorities with a property tax rate remaining at $0.35 per $100 of assessed valuation, unchanged from FY2026.
Town Manager Brandon Zuidema presented the recommended budget to Town Council on May 12. A work session and public hearing were held on May 26 to allow for Council deliberations and to address community questions.
“The FY2027 Adopted Budget balances conservative revenue expectations with strategic investments,” said Zuidema. “It maintains a connected, resilient, and safe community, despite economic challenges including property tax revenues. This budget represents the detailed, engaged input provided by Council and our community. It continues to allocate resources to core services, public safety, infrastructure, and staff support, while avoiding a tax increase.”
Public engagement played a key role in the budget development process. The Preliminary Budget Dashboard opened December 12, 2025, gathering community input ahead of Council retreat. The Budget Priorities Survey was posted March 31 to help guide new initiatives for FY2027. Town staff engaged with the community at Town events from April 18 through the month of June. Budget listening sessions were held May 26 and 28, with a public hearing taking place during the May 26 Council meeting. All feedback was provided to Council for review.
The adopted budget includes modest user fee adjustments and is balanced using $1,449,964 from the general fund balance—2.4% of total expenditures—for one-time expenses.
To support existing services and new initiatives, ten new full-time positions are included in the FY2027 budget along with one UNC Fellow in the General Fund. Additional details about these roles and their benefit to the Town can be found in the full budget message.
The annual Vehicle Decal Fee remains at $30 per vehicle. The Stormwater Fee remains unchanged at $50 per Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU), funding stormwater operations and infrastructure needed to meet state mandates and protect environmental quality.
The budget appropriates $2,413,000—approximately 4% of the general fund—for capital reserve allocations in the following areas: roadway and transportation improvements, parks and recreation improvements, and public safety apparatus and equipment needs.
“Tuesday’s split vote — the first during my time on Council — shows that thoughtful people can look at the same facts and reach different conclusions. Some Council members were pleased to keep the property tax rate unchanged, while others noted that this budget reduces funding for important programs and services. What remains clear is our shared commitment to providing effective and efficient services to our residents, businesses, and visitors,” said Mayor TJ Cawley.
He continued, “With this year’s FY2027 Adopted Budget coming in more than $2 million below FY2026, there may be visible service impacts. I am confident that we will work together to safeguard the quality of life that defines our welcoming, inclusive All‑America City. Our Council and staff remain dedicated to protecting the long‑term strength of Morrisville, and I will continue advocating for the investments and planning needed to keep our community strong, resilient, and prepared for the future.”
The FY2027 budget is centered around key community and Council priorities, including:
- Resilient Fiscal Management
- Pedestrian & Vehicle Safety
- Optimization of Operations
- Sustainability & Environment Focus
- Building Our Future
- Innovative Connections
- Livable Community Options
- Safe Community & Public Safety
For more information or to view the full budget document, visit the Town's Budget Dashboard.