Town Manager Scott Dadson released his recommended budget for fiscal year 2026–2027 to the Board of Commissioners on Thursday, May 21, and the proposal is now available online and at Waxhaw Town Hall for public review.

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the recommended budget on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Waxhaw Town Hall, 4218 Waxhaw-Marvin Road. 

The $26,986,429 recommended budget is balanced, holds the property tax rate at the current $0.29 per $100 valuation, and funds Town services from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. 

“Guided by the Board's strategic priorities, this budget continues our focus on the day-to-day services residents rely on, the capital projects our community needs, and the Town's long-term financial health,” Town Manager Scott Dadson said.

Inside the Budget

The Manager’s Recommended Budget for FY26-27 (PDF) contains the following:  

• The Budget Message from Town Manager Scott Dadson, which provides an overview of the proposal, the major revenue sources, and the planned use of fund balance. 
• A Revenues and Expenditures Summary providing a one-page snapshot of where the Town's money comes from and where it goes. 
• Department Narratives that outline operational costs for specific departments and provide direct explanations for year-over-year changes.
• A Capital Improvement Plan covering major infrastructure investments planned over the next five years. 
• A Pay and Classification Plan describing the Town's compensation structure, salary ranges, and recommendations for cost-of-living and merit adjustments. 

The Budget Process

The budget process is a months-long effort that begins each January and runs through final adoption in June. It starts inside individual departments, where staff identify what it will cost to deliver services in the year ahead. Department requests are reviewed by Finance and the Town Manager's office, weighed against revenue projections, and shaped into a draft that balances service levels with available resources.

This year's budget was also informed by the Board's Strategic Planning Process held in February, where Commissioners identified priorities for the year ahead. Staff used that direction throughout the development process.

By state law, the Manager's recommended budget must be submitted to the Board no later than June 1, and the Board must adopt a final budget by June 30 so that it takes effect at the start of the new fiscal year on July 1.

Public Hearing on June 2

The public hearing is a formal opportunity for residents to share input on the proposed budget before the Board takes action. Anyone wishing to speak may do so during the public-comment portion of the hearing. Residents may also submit written comments in advance to the Town Clerk’s office.

The public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Waxhaw Town Hall, 4218 Waxhaw-Marvin Road. The Board is expected to consider final budget adoption at a later meeting in June.

Read the Proposed Budget

The full proposed budget and accompanying documents are available online at www.waxhaw.com, and a physical copy is available for review at Waxhaw Town Hall.