The Robbins Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted the town’s fiscal year 25-26 budget at their most recent meeting, approving a spending plan that lowers the property tax rate while investing in infrastructure, town employees, and public safety.
The Budget
The portion of the meeting regarding the proposed budget was led by Robbins Town Manager Clint Mack, who provided a presentation and spoke on the changes coming for the town.
“As we continue to navigate a dynamic economic landscape here in Moore County, Robbins remains vigilant in addressing both opportunities and challenges,” states Mack in his proposal. “Despite inflation rates, the ebb and flow of market conditions, and cost uncertainty due to national-level trade policies, we maintained a conservative approach to revenue forecasting, anticipating increased growth in population and ever-important utility customers.”
Mack was also happy to announce a property tax cut of one cent.
Per the official budget presentation, “the proposed operating budget amounts to $2,010,502.07 from the General Fund at a reduced tax rate of $0.69 per $100 of value and $863,500.00 from the Enterprise Fund while maintaining current utility rates.”
Regarding this tax cut, Mack noted: “With real property and local sales tax revenues exceeding annual projections, I am confident that the upward trend of growth will continue through incoming businesses and residents; therefore, the responsible $0.01 (equaling $9,305.00) tax cut translates to a public message of fiscal stability while remaining prepared for economic fluctuations by having a healthy Fund Balance.”
Despite the lower rate, the budget increases compensation for town employees. All full-time workers will receive a 3 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), and several positions—including police officers and utility workers—will receive market-based raises.
Mack said these changes help with employee morale and retention. A similar trend was mentioned at the recent Town of Aberdeen budget review.
Additionally, commissioners discussed improvements for the fire department in the upcoming fiscal year. The budget includes funding to upgrade fire equipment, including the purchase of new gear and supplies aimed at improving the department’s operational readiness.
These investments are part of a broader effort to maintain public safety and support first responders with updated resources. Mack’s presentation explained how this is a huge step forward for Robbins.
“We are extremely proud to be financially stable enough to [offer] competitive pay for five full-time professional firefighters and 1,900 part-time hours for the first time in the proud history of the Robbins Fire Department,” stated Mack. “For too long, citizen volunteers of Robbins have been trained, educated, and even equipped by the Robbins Fire Department but ultimately sought careers in other departments because of the lack of organic full-time positions.”
Town officials were agreeable to the proposed budget changes and expressed appreciation for the fire department’s ongoing services. An increase of $66,925.00 will be added to the Moore County EMS funding for Robbins to provide competitive full-time firefighter pay, bringing the total proposal for the fire department to $548,375.00.
Furthermore, despite ongoing work on the town’s water and sewer systems, Robbins residents will not be seeing any increase in utility rates. Mack explained that this is due to the addition of industrial-rated customers, whose water consumption will offset the costs. The town will therefore maintain current rates until the growth and operational needs can be reassessed next year.
The budget proposes $366,708.78 for sewer and $419,885.22 for water, bringing the combined total to an even $786,594.00.
The board voted in favor of the budget following the public hearing, and the motion passed unanimously.
Other business
· The town is entertaining the idea of increased railway activity. Commissioners are aiming to have a railway assessment completed, and they have been in communication with both the North Carolina Department of Transportation and Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway Company. Improved railway travel would be an excellent boost for local entertainment, trade/manufacturing/commerce, and ease of commuting.
· In closing remarks, the board discussed possibly revisiting the idea of acquiring the Davis Community Center from the county for future redevelopment, though no formal action was taken.
· Robbins’ annual Freedom Fest will be held June 27. This year’s event will feature the band Flashback, which recently performed at the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach. Commissioners said the performance, which cost the town $1,500, offers family-friendly entertainment ranging from 1980s rock to soul.
· The board also took the time to thank town workers for their hard work on maintaining the town, and they also thanked the citizens of Robbins for taking the time and responsibility to care for, clean, and maintain their private properties.
Feature photo: Robbins Board of Commissioners on June 12/Screenshot of meeting.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel Assistant Editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.
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