The Town of Southern Pines presented the fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026) draft budget and has scheduled two public hearings.
“This budget reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional services, ensuring public safety, and advancing long-term priorities through strategic investments driven by resident input,” said the town on its website. “Every decision in crafting this plan has been guided by your feedback from prior engagement efforts, underscoring our collective vision for Southern Pines as a vibrant and inclusive community.
“As we navigate another year of growth, our proposed financial roadmap prioritizes both fiscal stability and value for taxpayers. Targeting a 29-cent property tax rate and benefiting from an anticipated reduction in the Moore County tax rate, our town provides one of the most attractive cost-to-benefit ratios in the region. While revenues are projected to increase by approximately $1.3 million—thanks to improved sales tax collections, expanding property tax bases, and increased ABC and permitting revenues—your continued engagement remains essential. This draft budget not only emphasizes transparency but also ensures that community voices remain at the heart of our financial planning.”…