Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Adjustment to Restore Funding to the Employee Merit Program

Urged the council to fully restore the staff merit pay budget to 5%, noting that staff provide exceptional service despite lean staffing levels.

Raised concerns regarding recent financial reports, transparency, and potential conflicts of interest among town leadership.

Criticized town leadership for lack of accountability and raised concerns over film programming decisions at The Cary Theater.

Requested pedestrian safety improvements at Kildaire Farm Road and Kilmain Road, and asked for transparency on investigation invoices and employee survey costs.

Cautioned against increasing the merit budget due to potential long-term tax impacts and suggested limiting increases to frontline staff.

Thanked the council for the Ramadan proclamation and encouraged careful consideration of community concerns regarding development projects.