Burlington Council Tackles Budget, Safety Staffing - City Council Meeting - May 5, 2026

Burlington City Council set public hearings for the 2026-27 budget, revised stormwater fees and updated floodplain maps, while also focusing on staffing and pay in the police and fire departments. Council approved several budget amendments for recreation, stormwater and landfill projects, extended a fire department lease, and issued proclamations recognizing public works employees and municipal clerks.

Topics Discussed

PUBLIC SAFETY STAFFING AND PAY: Council discussed retention problems in the police and fire departments after hearing that Burlington’s police pay has fallen to the 40th percentile regionally. The police chief said the city spends “between $50,000 and $100,000 to grow a brand new cop and a brand new firefighter,” and said that when those employees leave within two years, “that sunk cost is gone.” He urged council to consider higher pay as “a wise investment in the city’s future.” Council members also discussed whether compensation changes should eventually extend beyond police and fire staff.

STORMWATER FEE REVISIONS: Council scheduled a June 16, 2026 public hearing on a revised stormwater fee structure that would take effect Jan. 1, 2027. The discussion followed departmental work sessions on the fee model and came alongside approval of Budget Amendment 2026-35, which uses state grant funds for stormwater infrastructure improvements on Ireland Main Street.

2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET: Council set June 2, 2026 as the public hearing date for the proposed annual budget. In discussing budget planning, the mayor said residents are better served by gradual increases than by large one-time jumps in taxes or fees: “You can't just do it one time. It's something that has to be.” She added that “our citizens will appreciate having small chunks rather than having another large bill.”

WATER CONSERVATION AND FIRE SAFETY: Officials said Burlington is not under mandatory water restrictions, but asked residents to reduce usage voluntarily. The mayor said the city needs to “be personal conservation” and “be mindful of the water that you use” so Burlington can maintain water levels and remain in a position to help other communities if needed. Council also noted that a fire ban remains in effect, meaning backyard campfires are not allowed.

PUBLIC WORKS AND CLERK RECOGNITION: Council proclaimed May 17-23, 2026 as National Public Works Week and May 3-9, 2026 as Professional Municipal Clerks Week. In recognizing the clerk’s office, the proclamation stated that it “serves as a vital link between citizens, the city council, and the city manager's office.” The mayor also praised city clerk staff, saying, “I did not know what my life was missing without them in it.”

Motions

Passed: - Proclamation of National Public Works Week (May 17-23, 2026) - Proclamation of Professional Municipal Clerks Week (May 3-9, 2026) - Public hearing set for May 19, 2026, on the revised flood damage prevention ordinance and maps - Public hearing set for June 2, 2026, on the proposed FY 2026-2027 annual budget - Public hearing set for June 16, 2026, on the revised stormwater fee structure

Approved: - Reclassification of the transportation engineer and operations manager position to assistant director of transportation (pay grade 220) - Budget Amendment 2026-32 for Burlington BMX track improvements through the NCA Youth Sports Grant - Budget Amendment 2026-35 for Ireland Main Street stormwater infrastructure improvements - Budget Amendment 2026-36 for phase three of the old city landfill remediation - 25-year lease extension with North Central Alamance Fire Department

Attendees

• Mayor Beth Kennett