The Morrisville Town Council unanimously approved a $62,639,300 Annual Operating Budget and Capital Investment Program for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY2026) during its May 27 meeting following a public hearing.

The property tax rate will remain at $0.35 per $100 of assessed valuation, unchanged from FY2025. The adopted budget reflects the Town’s strategic focus on “Community’s Perspective,” aiming to improve service delivery and meet the evolving needs of Morrisville’s growing population.

Town Manager Brandon Zuidema presented the recommended budget to Town Council on May 13. A work session and public hearing were held on May 15 to allow for Council deliberations and to address community questions.

“The Town's budget for the upcoming fiscal year has been meticulously developed to reflect the community's priorities and enhance the quality of life for all community members,” said Zuidema. “Our approach emphasizes service excellence and transparency, ensuring that every decision is made with the community's best interests in mind. Staff has remained focused on aligning community, Council, and staff priorities with the Town’s Strategic Plan, which frames our Town values and six goals.”

Public engagement played a key role in the budget development process. The online Budget Dashboard opened January 17 with surveys, brackets and other outlets for input. Town staff engaged with the community at Town events starting March 22. Budget listening sessions were held May 13 and 15, and public hearings took place during the May 15 and May 27 Council meetings.  All feedback was provided to Council for review. 

The adopted budget includes modest user fee adjustments and is balanced using $1,393,200 from the general fund balance—less than 3% of total expenditures—for one-time expenses.

Four new positions are included in the FY2026 budget to support existing services and new initiatives. 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 is 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 $3,876,975—approximately 6.2% of the general fund—for capital reserve allocations in the following areas: roadway and transportation improvements, parks and recreation improvements, land acquisition (a new reserve category), debt service for the Public Works facility project, and public safety capital needs.

"The FY2026 budget is a true product of teamwork—shaped by the voices of our residents, guided by the values we share, and built on the collaboration of Council, staff, and community stakeholders," said Mayor TJ Cawley. "It reflects our ongoing commitment to preserving and enhancing the quality of life that makes Morrisville one of the best places to live in the nation. As we manage the opportunities that come with growth as an All-America City, this budget ensures we continue to invest wisely in a vibrant, welcoming, inclusive, and sustainable future for all."

The FY2026 budget is centered around key community and Council priorities, including:

• Business Collaboration
• Community Viewpoint
• Economic Resiliency
• Inclusivity
• Operational Excellence
• Quality of Life
• Recognizing Successes
• Safe Community
• Sustainability & Environment
• Transportation

Budget Timeline

· Thursday, March 27: Town Council Budget Work Session

· Thursday, April 10: Town Council Budget Work Session

· Thursday, April 24: Town Council Budget Preview

· Tuesday, May 13: FY26 Recommended Budget presented to Town Council

· Thursday, May 15: Town Council Budget Work Session/Public Budget Hearing

· Tuesday, May 27: Town Council votes to approve budget

· Tuesday, July 1: FY2026 Begins

Out and About

This budget season, we've engaged the community through a variety of outreach efforts, including Morrisville Holi, Peeps in the Park, tabling at the Senior Center, and meetings with advisory committees.