May 19. By Dave Vieser. Tonight will be the first time residents have an opportunity to tell commissioners what they think about the proposed $39.4 million 2026 Cornelius town budget.

First blush shows some good news for taxpayers: The tax rate would stay 17.31 cents per $100 valuation. That amounts to approximately $865 in local taxes for a home assessed at $500,000.

To hold the line on taxes, Town Manager Andrew Grant had to hold back on funding some projects.

Here’s where:
—$98,000 in recurring expenses were deferred which included a reduction in licensing for software not in use, as well as lower utility and postage costs.

—In addition $3 million in goals and capital items were deferred to a future year said Town Manager Andrew Grant.

Quotable

“Some examples include funding for a new Transportation Planner, redundant internet service, a new Police Co-Responder/Mental Health Clinician, Fire vehicle traffic preemption technology, and playground replacement at Westmoreland Athletic Complex.” said Grant.

The public hearing will begin at 6 pm in Town Hall on Catawba Avenue. It will also be live streamed on the town website: www.cornelius.org. Following public comment, the board is expected to continue the budget hearing to their next meeting on Monday June 2.