MOUNT OLIVE — Town Manager Octavius Murphy has submitted a proposed $11,058,449 budget for the Town of Mount Olive’s 2026-2027 fiscal year to Mayor Jerome Newton and the Board of Commissioners, outlining a spending plan focused on fiscal responsibility, infrastructure investment, employee retention, and long-term financial sustainability.
The proposed budget represents a 0.3% increase over the current fiscal year’s adopted budget and is designed to fund municipal operations from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
According to Murphy, one of the primary considerations in developing this year’s budget was the Town’s General Fund Balance. Mount Olive’s current fund balance ratio stands at 19.68%, an improvement from recent years but still below the 34% level recommended by the North Carolina Local Government Commission. Increasing the fund balance remains a key financial objective for the Town.
The proposed budget includes a slight reduction in the property tax rate from 7.5 cents to 7.2 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. Water and sewer rates would remain unchanged, while select fees may be adjusted to offset inflation-driven operational costs. The spending plan also includes a 3% Cost-of-Living Adjustment for employees and accounts for an anticipated 20% increase in healthcare premiums.
Among the initiatives planned for the upcoming fiscal year are departmental restructuring, position realignment, operational efficiency improvements, and continued efforts to strengthen the Town’s financial position through responsible budgeting and long-term planning.
The General Fund budget totals $5.92 million and supports essential services including police and fire protection, public works, parks and recreation, and development services. The Water and Sewer Fund is budgeted at $4.04 million and includes funding for infrastructure improvements such as water treatment upgrades, filter improvements, new water meters, and sewer system enhancements. Town officials say these investments are critical to meeting regulatory requirements and addressing issues that have contributed to the current utility moratorium.
Additional budgeted funds include the Waylin Fire Fund at $722,921, the Municipal Airport Fund at $135,282, and the Powell Bill Fund at $246,100 for street maintenance and transportation improvements.
In accordance with North Carolina General Statute 159-12, Murphy has formally submitted the proposed budget and budget message to the governing board. A copy of the proposed budget is available for public inspection at the Town Clerk’s Office, the Town Manager’s Office, and on the Town of Mount Olive website. Residents may review the document during normal business hours at Town Hall, located at 114 East James Street, until the budget ordinance is adopted.
The Town Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the proposed budget on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the Mount Olive Municipal Courtroom at 114 East James Street. Citizens are encouraged to attend and provide input before the board takes action on the spending plan.
Murphy said the proposed budget reflects the Town’s commitment to maintaining quality public services while making strategic investments that position Mount Olive for future growth and financial stability.
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