Harold's Blog

State of Cary – Glenaire, Fitch Confirms Cary at AAA, State of Cary -Town Hall, Dr. Sharma’s 100 Birthday, and Basant Bahar

Purpose of this Blog

It is my hope that this blog will provide insight not only into who I am meeting with on behalf of the Town, but also the topics we discuss. I believe strongly in open and transparent government. This blog is one of several initiatives I implemented when I became mayor in 2007 to make the governmental process more accessible to our citizens.

This blog is written with sincerity, honesty, and a commitment to accuracy so our constituents can better understand the work we do. After all, we work for them!

How Cary Government Works

Cary’s government, like most cities in North Carolina, uses a council–manager form of government. This system works a lot like a company, but for local government. Residents elect a council and a mayor, who set policy by passing laws, approving the budget, and guiding the town’s overall priorities. The council then hires a professional manager to run the town’s day-to-day operations.

Think of it like a company: the council acts like a board of directors, making policy and representing the public, while the city manager acts like a CEO, overseeing all departments, such as finance, public works, police, and fire, and managing town staff. The mayor leads council meetings, represents the town publicly, and has limited executive authority. While the council and mayor make policy decisions and receive regular reports, they usually see only high-level summaries rather than the detailed inner workings of each department.

In short, just as a board hires a CEO to run a company, Cary’s council hires a manager to run the town, ensuring professional management while elected officials focus on big-picture decisions and community priorities.

You can find additional information about how Cary’s government works on the town’s website here.

Meeting with Citizen

Monday evening, I met with a citizen about issues related to the former town manager. Their concerns included land purchase next to Cary Elementary, the tuition payment, and the fact that certain council members should resign because of their actions with the former manager.

State of Cary – Glenaire

On Tuesday, I delivered the State of Cary address to approximately 100 residents at Glenaire in the old auditorium. The presentation lasted about 50 minutes, followed by roughly 20 minutes of questions and another 20 minutes spent speaking with residents afterward. Questions included topics related to the former town manager and rumors concerning ICE. As always, those in attendance were very kind, and I look forward to my next visit.

Cary AAA Confirmed with Fitch’s

Fitch Ratings has affirmed the Town of Cary, NC’s Issuer Default Rating (IDR) and General Obligation (GO) bond rating at ‘AAA’. This top-tier rating means Cary can secure the lowest possible interest rates when issuing GO bonds to fund capital projects.

Fitch’s detailed commentary is available in their full report. In it, they outline the factors that could—individually or collectively—lead to a negative rating action or downgrade, including:

A sustained decline in general fund balances to below 7.5% of general fund expenditures;
Weakening demographic or economic trends, such as slower population growth, higher unemployment relative to the national average, or declining median household income compared to Fitch’s portfolio benchmarks.

At present, Cary is not at risk of either of these conditions.

State of Cary – Town Hall

Thursday night, I delivered the State of Cary address to a council chamber that was about half full. A large portion of those in attendance were protesters expressing concern about a potential ICE facility in Regency.

My remarks lasted just under 50 minutes, and I devoted a significant portion of that time to discussing the actions of the former town manager and the impacts those actions have had on our community. Because many attendees were there specifically to protest the potential ICE office, most of the questions during the public comment period focused on what the town could do to prevent ICE from locating in those offices, rather than on topics related to the State of Cary address.

As I have stated many times, the town does not have authority over the federal government and cannot control where it chooses to locate its offices.

Dr. Sharma’s 100^th Birthday

On Saturday, I had the honor of attending and speaking at Dr. Sharma’s 100th birthday celebration at the HSNC temple in Morrisville. Several hundred people attended, including Congresswoman Ross, NC Secretary of State Marshall, NC Senator Chaudhuri, Morrisville Mayor Cawley, and many other elected officials from Cary and Morrisville.

There were dozens of speakers, and the remarks lasted more than an hour. Mayor Cawley and I wrapped up our comments with a quick 10-second reprise of our Diwali dance from last year, complete with our dance jackets. (That dance ended up getting more than 190 million views in India last year!)

My wife also had the opportunity to speak, sharing that she was one of Dr. Sharma’s high school students more than 50 years ago.

Dr. Sharma has truly been a blessing to Cary, Morrisville, and the surrounding communities. Through his leadership in the Hindu Society, he helped our community grow in diversity while creating opportunities for all of us to learn from and celebrate different cultures.

Happy 100th Birthday, Dr. Sharma!

Basant Bahar

Sunday afternoon, I joined Mayor Pro-Tem Bush and council members Craig and Richards at Hum Sub’s Basant Bahar celebration. This year’s theme, Dharma – a spiritual awakening, was brought to life through performances that told the stories of two aspiring individuals who chose to walk the path of Dharma, or righteousness.

At the beginning of the event, I had the opportunity to offer welcoming remarks, including:

“…Cary is proud to be one of the most diverse communities in the nation, with residents representing more than 60 nationalities. Our strength comes from embracing the many cultures, traditions, and perspectives that shape our community.

Basant Bahar is a wonderful reflection of that spirit, celebrating spring through music, dance, color, and community. Events like this give us the opportunity not only to share our cultures, but also to learn from one another and build the connections that make Cary such a special place to call home…”

It truly is a blessing to celebrate and share our cultures here in Cary.

Council Out and About

One of the things I love most about Cary is how our community shows up for one another. Whether it’s celebrating young innovators, honoring veterans and their families, or gathering across faiths during Ramadan, these moments reflect what makes our town such a special place to live.

That shared commitment to community also guides our work on Council. Last week, along with Councilmembers Huang and Bansal, I attended the Essentials of Municipal Government class at the UNC School of Government. It was a great way to deepen our understanding of the laws, ethics, and many responsibilities that come with serving in local leadership. I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep learning how to better serve Cary.

As the weather warms up, I hope you’ll take time to enjoy our many parks, events, and small businesses. Please also stay connected through the Town’s official news releases and social media channels.

Thank you for being part of Cary’s vibrant spirit!

Brittany Richards

District A Council Member

Triangle Community Coalition Annual Meeting

Councilmember Bella Huang attended the Triangle Community Coalition Annual Meeting. The 2026 meeting featured newly elected municipal mayors from across Wake County, including leaders from Zebulon, Fuquay-Varina, Holly Springs, and Wake Forest.

Essentials of Municipal Government at UNC School of Government

Councilmembers Sarika Bansal, Bella Huang, and Brittany Richards participated in Essentials of Municipal Government at UNC School of Government. The program provides updates on laws affecting municipal governance, covers ethics training, and strengthens leadership skills for effective local government service.

Banquet Welcoming the National President of VFW Auxiliary

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht attended a banquet welcoming the National President of the VFW Auxiliary, where he also shared remarks honoring veterans and their families. He expressed gratitude for the sacrifice and dedication of service members and recognized the vital role of local veterans organizations in supporting the community.

Islamic Center of Cary’s Annual Interfaith Iftar Dinner

Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush and Councilmember Michelle Craig joined the Islamic Center of Cary’s annual interfaith Iftar dinner. The gathering brought together people of many faiths and backgrounds in a spirit of shared respect, compassion, and community during Ramadan.

Future Scholars Summit

Councilmember Sarika Bansal attended the Future Scholars Summit, celebrating young entrepreneurs and their innovative ideas. The event brought together community leaders and partners to support the next generation of business and technology talent, highlighted by an impressive student robotics demonstration.

Town Manager’s Report

Council,

It was great seeing you, residents, as well as many of our community partners this week as I attended Information Services Advisory Board (ISAB), NeighborUp, WakeMed Hospital, and the Mayor’s State of Cary. It’s always good to engage directly with the community, and a good reminder of why we do this work.

I also wanted to highlight some good financial news for Cary this week. Building on the clean audit report we recently received, we learned that Fitch Ratings reaffirmed Cary’s AAA bond rating with a stable outlook. That’s the highest rating possible and reflects the strong financial stewardship that has been a hallmark of this organization for many years.

Thanks to all of you and our staff for the steady work that keeps Cary on that strong footing, and I hope everyone gets a chance to enjoy the nice weather this weekend. Don’t forget to spring forward!

Russ Overton

Interim Town Manager

Information from Foundry Commercial About ICE in Regency

Email from Foundry Commercial RE: 11000 Regency Parkway

311 Snapshot

311 processed 2,596 new cases this week.

Volume by Contact Method

Phone: 1,579
Email: 411
Web: 306
Internal: 207
Walk-In: 57
Text: 28
Social Media: 8

54.62% cases fell into these top five categories:

Utility Billing & Services: 589
Inspection Scheduling & Status: 334
Parks & Recreation Programming Inquiries & Registration: 188
Permitting Inquiries & Payments: 178
Water Meter Service & Requests: 129

State of Cary Address Engagement

Last night, the Mayor’s State of Cary Address gave community members a chance to hear directly from Mayor Weinbrecht about Cary’s progress and future, with about 65 citizens attending in person and more than 1,500 viewing online. The event’s success reflected a strong collaborative effort across multiple departments, with staff working together behind the scenes and on-site to deliver a well-coordinated, welcoming experience for the community. The Address also generated strong interest beyond the event itself, with media coverage reaching a potential audience of 117 million across five outlets, dedicated social media content reaching nearly 33,000 viewers, more than 2,000 news release readers, and over 500 visits to the event webpage. Together, these efforts broadened the event’s reach and highlighted Cary’s commitment to transparency and citizen engagement.

Community Input on CDBG Annual Action Plan

Staff hosted a public meeting this week to gather input for the upcoming Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan. Residents, community partners, and members of the development community came to learn more about these programs and to share their perspectives. These discussions will help inform how Cary allocates CDBG funding in the coming year. These proposed allocations will be available for public review for 30 days beginning in late March before consideration by Council.

Biannual Bridge and Culvert Inspections Begin

This month, contractors working on behalf of NCDOT will conduct structural inspections of 23 bridges and culverts across Cary. Most locations will experience minor traffic impacts with temporary lane closures as needed. Two locations will have greater impacts: the Cary Parkway bridge over Black Creek and the Old Reedy Creek Road bridge over Crabtree Creek.

Cary Parkway Bridge over Black Creek:

Inspections will occur on March 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A snooper truck will be used, requiring a single-lane closure on one side of the bridge for the duration of the inspection.

Old Reedy Creek Road Bridge over Crabtree Creek:

Inspections will occur on March 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Due to the bridge width, the entire structure will be closed during the inspection. A snooper truck will be used, but the bridge surface will not be affected and could be crossed in an emergency. The closure will affect access to the Old Reedy Creek Road Trailhead parking lot and residential properties north of I-40. NCDOT’s contractor, HDR, will notify affected property owners and provide signage and message boards.

Greenway Eco-Counter Installations

Installation of 10 Eco-Counters along some of Cary’s most heavily used greenways began in early March and will continue through April. These low-profile devices count pedestrians and bicyclists, capture direction of travel, and categorize general bicycle speeds without collecting images or personally identifiable information.

This initiative coincides with Cary’s celebration of surpassing 100 miles of greenways, a milestone that underscores the importance of data-driven planning as the system continues to expand. The data will provide a clearer, real-time picture of greenway use to support planning, guide future investments and expansion, and strengthen competitive grant applications. The information will also be shared through the Open Data Portal.

My Tree, Our Tree Registration Open

Registration is now open for My Tree, Our Tree. Through this forestry program, residents may receive a free tree, while supplies last. Participants can choose from five native species: Sweetbay Magnolia, American Snowbell, Swamp White Oak, Arrowwood Viburnum, or American Fringetree. Tree pickup will take place March 28 during Cary’s Arbor Day celebration at Town Hall.

Spring Compost Workshops Kickoff

The spring Compost Workshop Series kicked off this week, with 1,080 bags of compost from Cary’s yard waste collection service set to make their way to lawns and gardens across town this weekend. Classes take place at historic Good Hope Farm and include hands-on instruction for backyard composting as well as tips for applying finished compost in residential landscapes. This biannual initiative provides a seasonal service to the community while supporting long-term environmental health.

Black History and African American Appreciation Month Recap

The community celebrated Black History and African American Appreciation Month in February with events highlighting this year’s theme, The Brilliance of Resilience.

The month began with two art exhibitions: Portraits of Resistance and Resilience, a quilt exhibition honoring eleven African American women from Reconstruction through the Civil Rights era, and Christopher Evans’ Within the Light—Finding the Balance.

The Theater hosted several Black History Month film screenings, a sold-out concert, Sisters in the Name of Song, and a fireside chat and book signing with Mark Curry. On Valentine’s Day, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Chip Shearin performed to a sold-out crowd of more than 400 at the Arts Center. The Willie Hinton Dance Collective also presented RISE: The Story of Love and Resilience.

The celebration concluded with the Annual Youth Advocacy Summit at Downtown Cary Park, featuring nationally recognized civil rights historian Dr. Yohuru Williams. The summit engaged young people in workshops, panel discussions, and hands-on activities focused on civic engagement, leadership, and community impact.

Important Dates

Environmental Advisory Board
Tuesday, March 10, 6:00 p.m.

Human Relations, Inclusion, and Diversity Advisory Board
Tuesday, March 10, 6:00 p.m.

Wake County EMS Community Meeting: Cary
Wednesday, March 11, 1:00 p.m.

Historic Preservation Commission
Wednesday, March 11, 6:30 p.m.

Town Council Work Session
Thursday, March 12, 5:00 p.m.

Town Council Meeting
Thursday, March 12, 6:30 p.m.

Q&A on Manager’s Resignation and Other Items

The situation left by the former town manager has been aptly described by one of our new council members as an oil spill, and that comparison is quite fitting. Like any spill, new issues may arise as the investigation and cleanup progress. While the former town manager’s actions were clearly unethical, I am not aware of any illegal conduct at this time. However, three important efforts are ongoing: a review and report by the North Carolina State Auditor, a criminal investigation led by the NC State Bureau of Investigation at the request of the Wake County District Attorney, and an internal investigation by Womble Bond Dickinson on behalf of the Council. From the information available to me, the impact of the former town manager’s actions was limited due to the town’s consistently strong financial position.

The following questions were addressed on my January 4^th, January 11^th, and January 18^th blog:

WithersRavenel Contract
Was the $1.3 million in fraud returned to Cary? Yes …
Why didn’t you know about the town manager’s behavior?
When did you learn about the land purchase to Cary Elementary?
Do you have conflicts of interest?
Why did you give push back to a council member that wanted to move forward with changes now?
How could you not know all the things the former manager was doing?
Did I know the book “Top of the Arc” cost the town $150,000?
Why did you pay the town manager’s severance?
What changes have you made and will you make?

The questions that are new or updated are below.

Mayor’s Mailbox

I have received dozens of emails about the possibility of ICE moving into a building in the Regency area. The Town does not have authority over the federal government. At this time, the Town has not received any requests or permit applications from ICE. However, they could still proceed with locating there, and the Town would not have the authority to prevent it. Unfortunately, some of the emails have not only criticized me, the Council, and the Town, but have also included name-calling and personal insults.
A request to support ICE.
A request to stand with Iranian people.
Questions about the former town manager.
A complaint about a rezoning request, 26-REZ-02 after a neighborhood meeting. This is early in the process and council has yet to see a staff report.
A request to deny a rezoning based on a story in the Triangle Business Journal. Again, the council has yet to see a staff report on this proposal.
A request for a small parade in the Downtown Cary Park to recreate a celebration from Bulgaria.
A continued concern about wanting a traffic signal at Green Level Church Road and Carpenter Hill Lane.
Several compliments for my State of Cary addresses.
A concern about the Cary Convenience Center being shut down at the end of the year.
A complaint about open house directional signs.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a Smart Cities Connect Conference, council-staff 3 x 4 meetings, a work session on capital budget priorities, and the first regularly scheduled council meeting of March.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, March 15^th, 2026. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts, those are not the best means of communication with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@carync.gov and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.

Kiwanis Club, VFW Auxiliary National President, and Morrisville Apartment Fire

Purpose of this Blog

This blog is written with sincerity, honesty, and a commitment to accuracy so our constituents can better understand the work we do. After all, we work for them!

How Cary Government Works

You can find additional information about how Cary’s government works on the town’s website here.

Kiwanis Club Meeting

Monday I met with regional members of the Kiwanis Club who are attempting to start a chapter in Cary.

Kiwanis is a local service organization focused on improving the lives of children and communities through volunteer-driven service projects and fundraising. Members, known as Kiwanians, address community needs by building playgrounds, supporting literacy, mentoring youth, feeding the hungry, and raising funds for pediatric health initiatives. Local clubs perform over 1.3 million projects annually. Common activities include stocking food pantries, cleaning parks, ringing bells for the Salvation Army, and buying medical equipment.

You can find out more about joining here.

VFW Auxiliary National President

Thursday evening, I had the distinct honor of attending a banquet welcoming the National President of the VFW Auxiliary, Lois Callahan. Along with hearing inspiring remarks from President Callahan, I also had the opportunity to share a few words of my own. An excerpt from my remarks is below:

“It is truly a privilege to stand among the men and women whose sacrifice and dedication protect the freedoms we cherish. Please know that I, along with the citizens of our community, will never forget what you have given—and continue to give—so that we may live in liberty and peace.

While I have not worn the uniform myself and cannot fully understand the thoughts and experiences that come with active duty and deployment, I do understand the pride, concern, and deep love that surround your service, as my own family is currently supporting a deployed service member.

VFW Post 7383 plays a vital role in our community, steadfast in its commitment to veterans and their families. Though the words ‘thank you for your service’ may sometimes sound routine, their meaning is profound. You have placed service above self, and that selflessness is the very definition of heroism.”

It was a wonderful evening spent visiting with veterans and their supporters. We are truly blessed by their sacrifice, dedication, and continued commitment to our community.

Morrisville Apartment Fire

I was heartbroken to learn about the apartment fire in Morrisville this week. Having lost my own home to a fire in 2002, this news feels especially personal. My heart goes out to everyone impacted by this devastating event. No one ever imagines facing something like this, and it’s incredibly difficult to see families and neighbors navigating such sudden loss and uncertainty.

To those who have lost their homes or been displaced, please know you are not alone. The strength and compassion of Morrisville and the surrounding communities are most evident in times like these. I’m confident that neighbors, friends, and local organizations will rally to provide comfort and support. I understand that NeighborUp (Dorcas) has been on site assisting residents, and the United Way 211 center is also available to help connect people with needed resources.

Wishing safety, healing, and resilience to all who have been affected, and sincere gratitude to the first responders who acted swiftly and courageously.

Town Manager’s Report

Council,

I want to thank you again for your time and engagement at last week’s Council-Staff Annual Meeting. I thought it was a productive time together, with great dialogue and candid feedback, and I appreciate the way each of you contributed. That kind of conversation makes us better and helps staff move forward with clarity, especially as we shift our attention toward budget season. I look forward to continuing those conversations in the months ahead.

This week, Danna and I were in Chapel Hill attending the UNC School of Government’s Essentials of Municipal Government course, along with Councilmembers Bella, Brittany, and Sarika. The program, offered in partnership with the North Carolina League of Municipalities, is a solid refresher on municipal authority, financial oversight, ethics, and the council-manager form of government. Even after all these years, it’s helpful to step back, focus on the fundamentals of good governance, and remind ourselves why structure matters.

Since we skipped last Friday’s report because of the annual meeting, this week’s report is a bit longer than usual, but it’s full of important updates that I hope you’ll have time to review.

Have a great weekend.

Russ Overton

Interim Town Manager

Quarterly Cary Economic Development Report

Cary Chamber of Commerce President Mark Lawson submitted a summary of economic development activity between November 2025 and January 2026. The report can be found here.

311 Snapshot

311 processed 2,339 new cases this week.

Volume by Contact Method

Phone: 1,490
Email: 359
Web: 232
Internal: 157
Walk-In: 54
Text: 40
Social Media: 7

55.02% cases fell into these top five categories:

Utility Billing & Services: 563
Inspections and Certifications: 316
Permitting: 171
Water Meter Service & Requests: 129
Parks & Recreation Programming (Classes/Camps): 108

FY 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report

As reviewed at the February 5 Work Session and Council meeting, the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for Fiscal Year 2025 has been completed and officially submitted to the Local Government Commission (LGC). As this year’s Report concludes, attention also turns to the future. The audit is not just a conclusion; it is an opportunity to strengthen systems and affirm the organization’s responsibility to maintain effective internal controls.

2026 Cary 101 Applications Open

Applications for Cary 101 are now open through March 17. Residents can apply today at www.carync.gov/cary101. Cary 101 is a nine-session program that offers citizens an opportunity to deepen their understanding of local government and inspire greater community involvement. Participants receive a behind-the-scenes look at Cary’s culture, departments, and operations prior to their graduation in May.

Haleys Branch Trails Community Meeting

Wake County will be holding a community engagement meeting to share updates on the 286 East property, now named Haleys Branch. The 151-acre site, located adjacent to Lake Crabtree County Park, is currently leased to Wake County from RDU Airport Authority. The meeting will provide a first look at the concept plan for the property, including proposed mountain bike and hiking trails, and offer an opportunity for public feedback. It will be held on March 10 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Academy Pavilion Event Space at Downtown Cary Park.

CDBG Public Input Opportunity

To further the goals of the Imagine Cary Community Plan (ICCP) and Cary Housing Plan, Cary supports key initiatives in new housing development, housing rehabilitation, and housing stability support services. To accomplish this, Cary uses a blend of local and federal funds, including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Every year, Cary prepares an Annual Action Plan outlining how federal CDBG and local funds will be used to implement community goals for the coming fiscal year, in alignment with community input and the ICCP. Before preparing the draft 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan, staff will host a CDBG Public Input Opportunity on March 3 from 4-7 p.m. at the Herb Young Community Center to share information about community goals and receive public comment. Staff will consider all feedback when drafting the 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan, which will be posted for public review in late March. For more information about the March 3 public input opportunity, visit housing.carync.gov.

25-REZ-15 Carpenter Fire Station Townhouses Withdrawn

On February 12, the applicant for rezoning 25-REZ-15 Carpenter Fire Station Townhouses at 7021, 7025, and 7029 Carpenter Fire Station Road requested to withdraw the rezoning request. A neighborhood meeting for this case was held in January, and it had not yet been scheduled for a public hearing.

Council-Staff Annual Meeting Community Engagement

Staff kept the community informed during this year’s Council-Staff Annual Meeting through clear and accessible communications. The three livestream sessions averaged about 2,600 viewers, significantly extending the meeting’s reach, with two residents attending in person. Media coverage included seven online articles and 14 television segments across major outlets. Social media posts generated over 25,000 impressions and nearly 1,000 engagements (clicks, reactions, shares, or comments), keeping key information visible throughout the weekend. Emails to around 6,600 subscribers had strong open rates with over 1,600 opens each, directing residents to videos and materials online. With only two 311 inquiries, the low number of follow-up questions suggests the information was easy to find and understand. Overall, the communications approach helped reinforce transparency throughout the meeting. View a detailed breakdown of outreach and content here.

Annual Water Disinfection Switchover

The Cary/ Apex Water Treatment Facility (CAWTF) will begin its annual disinfection switchover process today. In accordance with state and federal recommendations, each year the treatment facility temporarily stops adding the normal chlorine/ammonia disinfection mixture and switches to free chlorine. This change to a more potent disinfectant, combined with flushing of water lines, cleanses the system and helps ensure high-quality drinking water throughout the remainder of the year. During this time, residents and customers may notice a minor increase in chlorine and, in some cases, the water may appear slightly discolored. This activity is part of our normal water system maintenance process and will be taking place in tandem with several of our neighboring municipalities. The switch in disinfectants will continue until April 6.

Annual Biosolids Report

In 2025, the South Cary Water Reclamation Facility (SCWRF) and Western Wake Water Reclamation Facility (WWWRF) produced 6,174 dry tons of biosolids. Cary reports annual biosolids production to the Environmental Protection Agency and the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality. The report documents production volumes, treatment performance, and compliance with Class A Exceptional Quality standards. Through thermal drying at the SCWRF and WWWRF, biosolids are converted into Enviro-Gems, a fertilizer and soil amendment used in agriculture, supporting sustainable reuse and reducing waste. Read the 2025 Annual Biosolids Report here.

Aquastar Anniversary and AMI Updates

This year marks the 15th anniversary of Cary’s implementation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), a milestone in commitment to innovation and responsible water resource management. While all of our first-generation residential meters have been replaced and upgraded, staff continue to upgrade infrastructure as part of our proactive, asset-management-based meter management program. These efforts ensure long-term system efficiency, billing accuracy, and reliable service for our citizens and customers.

Water Main Replacement Construction Update

The Annual Water Main Replacement Project has mobilized to Shirley Drive, where the existing 8-inch water main will be upsized to 12 inches to improve downtown system resiliency. Aging sewer infrastructure will also be replaced before street restoration to reduce future maintenance needs. Letters and door hangers were distributed to impacted residents to provide advance notice of the work and associated closures. Beginning Monday, Shirley Drive will be closed to through traffic weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. while a new gravity sewer main is installed. Due to the pipe depth and center-road location, traffic cannot be maintained during construction. Daytime closures are expected to last approximately three months. Resident access will be maintained, and a signed detour will use Kildaire Farm Road, W. Cornwall Road, and Griffis Street. Since starting in December 2025, the project has progressed steadily. Water main installation is complete on Logan Circle and Carnoustie Circle, with final pavement restoration pending warmer temperatures. New water mains on Tanglewood Drive and Sarazan Meadow Way are undergoing testing before being placed in service.

Wake County Hotel Development Summit

On Thursday, Cary Chamber President Mark Lawson, Director of Planning and Community Development Heather Whelehan, and Assistant Director of Administrative Services Brittany Edwards represented Cary at the Wake County Hotel Development Summit, organized by Visit Raleigh, JLL, and Wake County Economic Development. The event connected dozens of hotel developers from across the country with municipal leaders through a series of 20-minute appointments. At Cary’s table specifically, discussions focused on local supply and demand trends, the type of hospitality product best aligned with Cary’s market, and the Town’s targeted mixed-use strategy.

Cary Chamber Business Expo

Staff from our 311 team were in attendance at this year’s Cary Chamber of Commerce Business Expo on February 25. The expo is an opportunity to showcase Cary’s 311 services to Chamber members and the community. The event was well attended and featured business exhibits, educational seminars, networking, and an afternoon social.

School BreakOUT! The Arts

More than 600 people stopped by Downtown Cary Park for School BreakOUT. Families explored a wide variety of artist-led, hands-on activities designed to spark imagination and keep young creators engaged throughout the afternoon. Participants painted ceramics, crafted pearler bead necklaces, and experimented with open-ended art using reusable materials. Artists from the Cary Arts Center also led interactive experiences, guiding guests through mosaic wood slice creations, mini watercolor resist paintings, and step-by-step Chibi manga drawing.

Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting: March 4

The following neighborhood meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 4 at 6:30 p.m.

26-REZ-02 Ferrell Sowter PDD Rezoning

For more information and to register, please visit the Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting page.

Important Dates

Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Advisory Board
Monday, March 2, 5:15 p.m.

Information Services Advisory Board
Monday, March 2, 6:00 p.m.

Senior Advisory Board
Wednesday, March 4, 12:00 p.m.

Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting
Wednesday, March 4, 6:30 p.m.

2026 State of Cary
Thursday, March 5, 6:00 p.m.

Q&A on Manager’s Resignation and Other Items

The following questions were addressed on my January 4^th, January 11^th, and January 18^th blog:

WithersRavenel Contract
Was the $1.3 million in fraud returned to Cary? Yes …
Why didn’t you know about the town manager’s behavior?
When did you learn about the land purchase to Cary Elementary?
Do you have conflicts of interest?
Why did you give push back to a council member that wanted to move forward with changes now?
How could you not know all the things the former manager was doing?
Did I know the book “Top of the Arc” cost the town $150,000?
Why did you pay the town manager’s severance?
What changes have you made and will you make?

The questions that are new or updated are below.

Mayor’s Mailbox

Dozens of emails about ICE potentially moving into a building in Regency. (We have no authority over the federal government. At this time, the town has not received any requests or permit applications from ICE. However, they could proceed there, and we do not have the authority to stop them.)
A complaint about a town utility vehicle blocking traffic.
Thank you for our police officer’s compassion and care after an accident.
A request for a letter of congratulations.
Requests to help with school projects.
A request for flags at half staff for Jesse Jackson (these are done by the Governor, and this one was already approved).
A question about the former town manager’s hiring process.
Requests to attend several events.
A request to recognize a student who is competing for a national award.
A thank you: “I continue to have full confidence in your leadership. We need your guidance and role model now more than ever. I know this is a challenging time, but you are the perfect person to lead Cary forward. Thank you for your continued dedication to making Cary the best place to live, work, and play.”

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, meetings with residents, a State of Cary address at Glenaire, a State of Cary at town hall, a NC Metro Mayors meeting, Dr. Sharma’s 100^th birthday celebration, and Hum Sub’s Basant Bahar celebration.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, March 8^th, 2026. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts, those are not the best means of communication with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@carync.gov and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.

NC Association of Zoning Officials, Wake County Mayors Association, GRCVB, CAMPO, Economic Development, Interviews, Downtown Cary Park #1 in Architecture, and Council-Staff Working Retreat

Purpose of this Blog

This blog is written with sincerity, honesty, and a commitment to accuracy so our constituents can better understand the work we do. After all, we work for them!

How Cary Government Works

You can find additional information about how Cary’s government works on the town’s website here.

NC Association of Zoning Officials Midwinter Meeting

On Monday, I delivered welcoming remarks to the NC Association of Zoning Officials mid-winter conference, which had about 200 attendees. I spoke just before the keynote address.

Although zoning officials often work behind the scenes, their influence is clearly seen in neighborhoods, local businesses, and the overall character of their communities. Their decisions go far beyond buildings and parcels of land; they help shape the future of the places people call home.

They operate at the intersection of law, policy, and people. Every application they review reflects someone’s investment, someone’s home, or someone’s livelihood. They are tasked with balancing private property rights and the public good, economic opportunity and infrastructure capacity, and growth with preservation. Doing so requires not only technical expertise, but sound judgment and a high degree of professionalism.

Cary was proud to be the host municipality of this conference, and I hope they consider returning next year.

Wake County Mayors Association

Monday evening, I attended a meeting of the Wake County Mayors Association. Joining the discussion were the mayors of Cary, Fuquay Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, and Wendell.

We covered a range of topics, including pending legislation on property taxes, General Fund balance considerations, different types of council members, and the council-manager form of government. It was an excellent group, and the conversation was both thoughtful and lively.

GRCVB Board

On Tuesday morning, I attended the monthly meeting of the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau in North Hills. The group began with the treasurer’s financial report, followed by several funding requests, including some already submitted for fiscal year 2031. This year, nine of the twelve municipalities, including Cary, received funding. One notable update was that hotel occupancy rates are down, a trend being seen nationwide, though our market is projected to outperform much of the country.

A representative from Kane Realty Development shared updates on current and upcoming projects in North Hills, and the meeting concluded with a walking tour of the area.

The session was wrapped up with reports from the four liaisons, including Cary. In my report, I highlighted the TST tournament and upcoming performances at Koka Booth Amphitheatre.

After the meeting I received the following information about visitors to the Raleigh area for this quarter:

Around 43% of Q4 2025 visitors were day-trippers to Wake County, who did not stay overnight in the destination at paid accommodations or private homes.
The top origin market for Q4 2025 visitors to Wake County was the Raleigh/Durham/Fayetteville Designated Market Area (DMA, a 23-county region), and 55.8% of all visitors hail from North Carolina. Other notable origin states for Q4 include D.C. and Va., Fla., S.C., N.Y. and Ga. These origin insights can help our business partners with ad and promotional targeting.
Out of 700 POIs tracked in Wake County, RDU International Airport saw the most visitor volume in Q4 2025, followed by Crabtree, Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek, North Hills – Main District and Lenovo Center, respectively. Of the top 25 POIs by visitor volume, RDU International Airport drew the highest proportion of visitors (52%) vs. residents of Wake County (48%) in Q4 2025.
Insights for accommodation partners from Q4 2025: overnight visitors from the New York, Charlotte, Greenville/New Bern/Washington, Atlanta and Wilmington DMAs spent the most with Wake County hotels across all hotel classes. Q4’s average hotel revenue per arrival was $266. (Revenues tracked by the LED vs. STR’s accounting suggest capture of approximately 28% of hotel stays with these data.)

For your data-related questions or even more insights, please contact GRCVB’s Destination Data, Technology and AI Department at data@visitRaleigh.com.

CAMPO Executive Board

Wednesday afternoon I participated in a meeting of the CAMPO (Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization) Executive Board. CAMPO is a regional transportation planning organization serving communities in Chatham, Franklin, Granville, Harnett, Johnston and Wake Counties. According to The Federal Aid Highway Act of 1962, areas considered by the Federal Census to be urban in nature with a population of at least 50,000 must have a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive transportation planning process. In order to receive funding from the federal government in the state of North Carolina, this process is carried out by Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO). Members from each of the MPOs make up the North Carolina Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations. Currently, there are 19 MPOs in North Carolina.

The meeting agenda featured four consent items, four public hearings, and five discussion items.

The consent agenda included approval of meeting minutes, the FY 2026 Third Quarter Wake Transit Work Plan Amendment Requests, the NCSU-ITRE Master Service Agreement Amendment, and the Apex Pleasant Park Access Study Interlocal Agreement. All consent items were approved unanimously.

Public hearings were conducted for the FY 2027 Unified Planning Work Program, the Program Management Plan Update for Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities, the FFY 2027 LAPP Program, and Amendment #2 to the FY 2026–2035 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). Each of these items was approved.

Discussion items included presentations on NCDOT’s winter weather preparedness efforts, the 2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan, a congestion management update, the Cape Fear River Basin Wildlife Crossing Study, and the Wake Transit Conference Committee.

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee met Wednesday night. The agenda included remarks from the Interim Town Manager Russ Overton, a development update from Assistant Town Manager Scot Berry, and the Quarterly Chamber report from Chamber President Mark Lawson.

The manager’s remarks were brief and primarily served as an introduction, providing background context.

The development update covered trend data from the second quarter of fiscal year 2026 (October–December). The trends indicate that Cary’s growth continues to slow.

The following are a few takeaways from the Chamber report:

Unemployment in November: Cary 3.2%, Wake County 3.5%, NC 3.7%, US 4.4%
Unemployment in December: Cary 2.8%, Wake County 3%, NC 3.9%, US 4.4%
Monthly Inflation Rates for 2025:

January 2025 3.00%

February 2025 2.82%

March 2025 2.39%

April 2025 2.31%

May 2025 2.35%

June 2025 2.67%

July 2025 2.70%

August 2025 2.92%

September 2025 3.01%

October 2025 N/A

November 2025 2.74%

December 2025 2.70%

Average: 2.69%

Inflation for January 2026 – 2.50%
Jobs created in 2025: 1,275 in order (Technology, Life Science, Advance Manufacturing, Financial Services, Professional Services, Health Care, Sports & Entertainment.)
Business Recruitment Pipeline:

Active Projects: 13

Potential Jobs: 3,038

Potential Investment: $983M

Industries: Advanced Manufacturing, Life Science, IT, Research & Development, and Food & Beverage Manufacturing.

New Headquarters: Invicta Water – This organization relocated their business, which was in Burlington, NC to Cary, so they could have a larger operation and be in a more modern space to further expand their client reach. This company specializes in the removal and destruction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” from water sources. Unlike traditional methods that merely filter or capture PFAS, Invicta Water’s technology aims to eliminate these harmful substances without producing toxic byproducts.

Council-Staff 3 x 4

The council-staff 3 x 4 meetings focused primarily on planning the retreat agenda. Proposed retreat topics include a financial update; budget financial fluency and priorities; Cary’s DNA; the evolving Cary community; service levels; and Cary’s mission, vision, and values. In preparation, staff requested input on which service-level discussion topics should be included.

Upcoming work sessions will address the delegation of authority policy, capital projects, and a retreat follow-up, if needed.

Looking ahead, future topics include Alston Commons, ACT 38 Imagine Cary Community Plan, ACT 23 retaining walls, and various real estate items.

Each 3 x 4 meeting lasted one hour.

Interview with WRAL

On Thursday, I gave an interview to WRAL regarding the council staff working retreat scheduled for Friday and Saturday. Although the discussion centered on the retreat, the resulting story leaned toward the kind of clickbait coverage we’ve seen from the media in recent months, particularly around the manager transition. You can review the story here. Only the final portion reflects the recent comments; the rest appears to have been blended in to heighten the drama.

Interview with Graduate Student

Thursday afternoon, I participated in an interview with a graduate student from North Carolina A&T State University who is currently studying public policy. The questions covered my background and upbringing, leadership style, key policies and initiatives, and the changes that have taken place during my time in office.

Council-Staff Working Retreat Friday

On Friday, I joined the council and staff for the start of our annual two-day retreat to establish the town’s direction and vision. Much of the conversation centered on financial planning and the budget.

The Interim Manager started the retreat with the poem “Still I rise” by Maya Angelou which was so fitting. I, along with others, feel that we have unjustly received a lifetime of hate in the last few months, so it was very uplifting. Some of the versus that really resonated with me:

“You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I’ll rise.

…

Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I’ll rise.

Did you want to see me broken? Bowed head and lowered eyes? Shoulders falling down like teardrops. Weakened by my soulful cries.

…

You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I’ll rise. … I rise I rise I rise.”

With that the rest of the retreat was about how we were moving forward.

After an icebreaker, the council spent an hour and a half in a circle with NC Senator Adcock, who previously served as Cary’s Mayor Pro-Tem, discussing strategies for building a stronger, more unified council. While some might view this as unproductive, it’s important to note that council members rarely have the opportunity for these kinds of group discussions outside of official town business. Building working relationships and engaging in these conversations is not only valuable but a crucial step in helping us move forward from where we are today.

To set the tone for the remainder of the retreat, a video highlighting the future of Cary was shown, featuring both staff and council members. Following the video, the council engaged in a discussion about what defines Cary’s DNA.

The next session on Friday focused on reviewing Cary’s vision and values, which have not been updated since 2006. Participants split into seven small groups to evaluate them, with each group including one council member. We then reconvened to discuss the proposed changes and recommendations from each group. Several council members raised objections to the word “citizens” and preferred “residents” instead. They also disagreed with the statement, “We will continue to be nationally recognized for excellence in local government” and said that “we shouldn’t be chasing national awards”.

After lunch, the council received a presentation on demographics and development. The data, including graphs and charts, highlighted much of what I talk about in my State of Cary address and that we are an ageing community with a strong preference to age in place.

The subsequent presentation focused on service levels and featured a panel of staff representing utilities, fire, police, development, parks, and public works. In preparation, council members were asked several days in advance which service areas they wanted to explore. Topics included:

Loose-leaf collection between November and January, including three rounds of collection, two completed prior to December 24, and the collection of more than 10,000 tons annually.
Sidewalk maintenance under Policy 135 (covering more than 400 miles) and greenway maintenance (over 100 miles).
Greenway mowing on a 10-day cycle and trash collection on a 7-day cycle, maintained by a team of six full-time employees and three seasonal staff, with an average FY26 cost per mile of approximately $8,600.
Sidewalk maintenance response times, with assessment occurring within one day of a reported concern.
Street maintenance and pavement conditions, including a goal of addressing 90% of reported potholes on Cary-owned streets within 24 hours, and coordinating with North Carolina Department of Transportation regarding potholes on state-maintained roads.

Key takeaways from the discussion included:

Service levels require both personnel and funding.
The definition of “service level” varies depending on perspective.
Service levels are interconnected, often involving multiple departments and layers of coordination.

While the information shared was thorough and impressive, one of my most significant takeaways was that each department indicated their current operating model is not sustainable. Maintaining our existing service levels will require substantial budget considerations moving forward. One of the most significant comments I heard from some of the council members was that we do not have to be the best of the best in every area.

The council spent the rest of Friday in a closed session with the attorney, interim manager, and town clerk.

Council-Staff Working Retreat Saturday

Saturday morning began with a session to potentially prioritize budget items. Council voted on these items using the quadratic method which resulted in the following:

Community Safety: 29
New Capital Investment: 23
High Performing Staff: 22
Affordability: 21
Maintaining Service Levels: 21
Maintaining Facilities: 21
Fiscal Responsibility 16
Environmental Stewardship: 16
Service Excellence: 16
Operational Efficiency: <10

Each council member acknowledged that all priority items were important, though they placed greater emphasis on certain items when casting their votes. Staff will use both the quantitative and qualitative prioritization results to guide budget decisions.

The second session on Saturday was a financial update with key financial indicators. Here are some of the points that were made:

Top five General Fund expenditures Public Safety, General Government, non-departmental (debt service, utility, etc.), PRCR
Top five Spending increases:
- Police: $11 million
- Non-departmental: $10 million
- Parks: $9 million
- IT: $9 million
- Public Works: $5 million
Top five Personnel Spending increases:
- Police: $9 million
- Parks: $5 million
- Fire: $5 million
- Public Works: $5 million
- Town Manager’s Office: $4 million
Top five Operations and Maintenance increases:
- IT: $8 million
- Parks: $5.5 million
- Non-departmental: $4.5 million
- Finance: $2.75 million
- Police: $2.75 million
Fund Balance at 41%, policy is 33%
Available Fund Balance Revenue: 21.5%
Debt Service/Expenditures: 8.7%
FY 2026 Q2 Financial Key Takeaways:
- Property tax and sales tax revenues outperforming budget.
- Staff closely monitoring financial performance, including revenue growth and net results.
- Positive net results and fund balance projected for June 30, 2026.

Saturday’s third session focused on the Fund Balance Policy. Key takeaways included:

Fund Balance and its categories are measured at year-end and used strategically when making spending decisions.
As Cary continues to mature as a community, our financial benchmarks and policies should evolve accordingly.
Bond ratings remain critically important and are a key area of focus for the Council, leadership, and the investment community.

Our current policy states that Total Fund Balance must be at least 33.33%, approximately four months, of budgeted General Fund expenditures. General Fund expenditures include total expenditures and debt service but exclude other financing sources and uses. It is worth noting that our fund balance policy is significantly higher than that of many comparable communities. Staff will prepare options for potential changes to the Fund Balance policy and present them at a future work session.

The next session focused on unfunded positions and preliminary staff requests for the upcoming FY 2027 budget. Because a number of positions have been held vacant over the past several years, there is now a significant backlog of needs.

The interim manager ended the retreat with reflections and looking forward.

In summary, the retreat was centered more on conversation and collaborative discussion than on formal presentations. Both staff and council remained fully engaged throughout the two days, which made the experience especially productive and valuable. If you want to watch the retreat, you can view it here on Cary’s YouTube channel.

Downtown Cary Park Design Firm Receives Top US Architectural Honor

Downtown Cary Park was recently recognized for innovative park design by the 2025 American Architecture Awards, the nation’s highest architectural honor. Designed by the Boston-based firm Machado Silvetti in partnership with the Town of Cary, the Park seamlessly integrates landscape and architecture to create a cohesive, contemporary civic destination in the heart of Cary.

“The American Architecture Award is a national recognition of the design achievements of Downtown Cary Park,” said Jeffry Burchard, managing partner and principal at Machado Silvetti. “It is a reminder of the importance of community support and collective effort in the pursuit of beautiful and innovative public spaces.”

The Downtown Park design was selected for the award from a shortlist of over 1,500 submissions across 27 unique disciplines. It is one of only five parks in the nation recognized by the 2025 American Architecture Award.

One notable achievement of the park is Machado Silvetti’s unified design approach, where architecture and landscape function as one experience. The Park transitions from an urban plaza to natural spaces, creating diverse spatial and ecological conditions across the site.

Equally important to its recognition is the Park’s measurable social impact. With more than 750,000 visitors in its first year and over 1,000 events hosted, Downtown Cary Park has become a vibrant hub for recreation, culture, and community connection, demonstrating the power of design to shape public life and strengthen a growing community.

“This recognition reflects the vision and care that went into creating a park that truly belongs to the community,” said Joy Ennis, Downtown Cary Park General Manager. “Downtown Cary Park was designed to bring people together and seeing how residents and visitors have embraced the space makes this honor especially meaningful.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to experience the award-winning Downtown Cary Park and discover how thoughtful design, community vision, and public investment are shaping the future of Cary.

Learn more at downtowncarypark.com.

Council Out and About

Hope you’re enjoying the warmer weather and, like me, are ready to be done with the harsh winter we had this year. Many of our local businesses were impacted by the severe weather, and that’s why I organized an open walk-in meeting at a coffee shop in my district — to support the business, and to bring the community together.

The response was far more than I expected. We had a packed house and some really meaningful conversations with residents. Connecting, listening, and sharing my perspective reminded me why these moments matter so much, and it has motivated me to put more of these meetings on the schedule.

I encourage everyone to continue supporting our local businesses and help them through this challenging time. There’s a lot happening in our town, with many opportunities to engage and support our community. One event I’m especially looking forward to is Fest in the West, an event organized annually by a long-time Cary resident in my district. It features a wonderful variety of vendors and activities for young kids and families to enjoy. Please mark your calendars for April 18th.

For more events and updates, be sure to sign up for the Town’s newsletter.

Sarika Bansal

District D Representative

Connecting With the Community

Councilmember Sarika Bansal hosted open-walk-in office hours in District D. She enjoyed connecting with residents and hearing firsthand about the ideas and issues that matter most to the community.

Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush and Councilmembers Michelle Craig and Bella Huang attended the Lunar New Year Celebration hosted by the North Carolina Chinese American Society and the North Carolina Asian Americans Alliance. The festive event brought the community together to celebrate culture, tradition, and the beginning of a new year.

Councilmember Brittany Richards attended the Lunar New Year Banquet hosted by the Chinese-American Friendship Association. The evening was filled with vibrant performances and joyful fellowship in honor of the holiday.

Councilmember Carissa Kohn-Johnson toured the SAFEchild Advocacy Center in Raleigh on Monday. She was joined by Development Director Anna Jackson, Board Member Virginia Anthony, and Executive Director Rebekah Paredes to learn more about the center’s services for Wake County municipalities.

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht presented the State of Cary at Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate, with Councilmember Sarika Bansal also in attendance. The presentation highlighted Cary’s progress and was followed by an engaging Q&A session.

Mayor Weinbrecht delivered the State of Cary address at the Cary Chamber of Commerce Eye Opener event. Attendees had the opportunity to learn more about Cary’s accomplishments and future initiatives. Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush and Councilmembers Sarika Bansal, Michelle Craig, Bella Huang, Carissa Kohn-Johnson, and Brittany Richards also attended.

Mayor Weinbrecht spoke with fifth-grade students at Green Hope Elementary School. He shared insights about local government and encouraged students to get involved in their community.

Mayor Weinbrecht toured the United Way Call Center in Cary in recognition of NC211 Day. The visit highlighted the vital services NC211 provides to residents across the state.

Mayor Weinbrecht, Mayor Pro Tem Bush, and Councilmembers Bansal, Craig, Huang, and Richards attended a Lunar New Year celebration hosted by Representative Ya Liu at Prestonwood Country Club. The celebration brought community leaders and residents together to honor cultural heritage and welcome the Year of the Fire Horse.

Councilmember Bella Huang attended the grand opening of LIVE Hydration Spa Cary. The ribbon-cutting marked an exciting addition to Cary’s thriving small business community.

Q&A on Manager’s Resignation and Other Items

The following questions were addressed on my January 4^th, January 11^th, and January 18^th blog:

WithersRavenel Contract
Was the $1.3 million in fraud returned to Cary? Yes …
Why didn’t you know about the town manager’s behavior?
When did you learn about the land purchase to Cary Elementary?
Do you have conflicts of interest?
Why did you give push back to a council member that wanted to move forward with changes now?
How could you not know all the things the former manager was doing?
Did I know the book “Top of the Arc” cost the town $150,000?
Why did you pay the town manager’s severance?
What changes have you made and will you make?

The questions that are new or updated are below.

Town Owned Properties

We have received a variety of questions related to the manager’s transition, one of which was about town owned properties. The Town currently owns 352 fee simple properties. You can find a map of these properties here. To get information on the parcel, zoom in and select.

Transit Service in District D

In response to District D citizens about transit to their area the staff provided the following:

We do not currently have any new fixed route transit service planned for implementation in western Cary.
The current Wake Transit Bus Plan / short-range operations plan does not include funding for any new service in Cary; beyond the two new routes we implemented last November. The last Bus Plan update (2021-2022) looked at service options in western and southern Cary and determined that the density/ridership potential wasn’t high enough to prioritize Wake Transit Plan funding above new service for other transit providers in Wake County.
After the last Bus Plan update, Cary conducted a Microtransit Study to determine the feasibility of Microtransit service as a “starter” option in areas that don’t score high enough for Wake Transit funding.
The Microtransit Study determined this service type is a good fit for western and southern Cary. The study was presented to Council in January 2025. It was noted that this service will require 100% Town funding for at least 3 years before the service could start generating federal support. It could eventually be eligible for some level of Wake Transit funding, but the amount and timing are uncertain. We do know we won’t receive funding in the next five years.
It was also noted that it would take at least one year to purchase vehicles and design/construct stops to support new service. Service would begin the year after infrastructure needs are met. Initial capital needs are in the $1-$2M range, depending on the level of initial service, with another $1-$2M required annually to operate the service. Capital needs should be considered during the upcoming capital project prioritization discussions.
The next Wake Transit Bus Plan update will kick-off later this year, with a final plan expected in late 2027. We will advocate again to start including service in western and southern Cary in the funding model. If they are included, funding will likely not be until 2031 or later.
We continue to provide Door to Door service to eligible customers in all areas of Cary.

Mayor’s Mailbox

Dozens of emails about ICE potentially moving into a building in Regency. (We have no authority over the federal government. At this time, the town has not received any requests or permit applications from ICE. However, they could proceed there, and we do not have the authority to stop them.)
Complaints and a petition about a proposed mixed use on Davis Drive. (So far, this has not been introduced to council, and we have no staff report.)
Questions about the former town manager’s actions.
A complaint about the Downtown Cary Park’s dog park location.
Several invitations to events.
A request for a traffic signal at Green Level Road and Carpenter Hill Lane. (NODOT is the decision maker for traffic signals.)
A concern about PFAS in Cary. (We eliminated that years ago.)
A complaint about town vehicles in the parking deck during early voting. (All town lots were full of town employee cars. There was nowhere else for them to go. FYI, two decks will open in March.)

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a meeting with Kiwanis Club International, a Ramadan Iftar dinner, and a proclamation for VFW Auxiliary.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, March 1^st, 2026. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts, those are not the best means of communication with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@carync.gov and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.

#1 Disc Golf Course, Cary Tennis Classic Board, State of Cary for Realtors and Chamber, Green Hope Elementary, United Way 211 Day, and Lunar New Year

Purpose of this Blog

This blog is written with sincerity, honesty, and a commitment to accuracy so our constituents can better understand the work we do. After all, we work for them!

How Cary Government Works

You can find additional information about how Cary’s government works on the town’s website here.

#1 Disc Golf Course is Diavolo of Cary

Diavolo at New Hope, a 22-hole disc golf course in Cary, has been recognized by UDisc as North Carolina’s most popular disc golf course for 2025. Since opening in October 2020, the course has climbed as high as No. 7 on UDisc’s World’s Best Disc Golf Courses list and currently holds the No. 17 ranking worldwide. The honor highlights a successful partnership between the Town of Cary and the Capital Area Disc League, whose shared vision was to create a world-class destination welcoming disc golfer of every skill level.

Cary Tennis Classic Board

The Cary Tennis Classic Board met on Monday night. We are beginning to focus our monthly meetings more on the details of the tournament, especially sponsorship, which is what we spent most of our time talking about. We also talked about the future of the Cary Tennis Park and how its clubhouse expansion is essential if we are to keep this and other tournaments.

State of Cary – Realtors

Tuesday morning, I gave the State of Cary address to about 30 realtors. Council member Bansal was also in attendance and was part of the Q&A afterwards. My talk lasted about 50 minutes, and Q&A lasted about 45 minutes. We then spent another 20 minutes or so taking pictures. Most of their questions focused on roads, schools, and development.

State of Cary – Cary Chamber

On Wednesday morning, I delivered the State of Cary address to a packed ballroom at Prestonwood during the Cary Chamber’s “Breakfast with the Mayor.” I estimate that more than 300 people attended. My remarks ran about 45 minutes, and the audience was extremely supportive, greeting me with standing ovations at both the beginning and the conclusion of the program.

Several of the questions were really expressions of appreciation, thanking me for leading Cary through the town manager transition during this challenging period. Although WRAL and ABC11 were present, their coverage did not reflect that response and instead focused primarily on my comments regarding the manager transition.

Green Hope Elementary

Wednesday afternoon, I had the pleasure of speaking with four fifth-grade classes at Green Hope Elementary. I discussed how local government works, the scope of our authority, and how we collaborate with state and federal governments. I then spent about 30 minutes answering their questions.

They asked several thoughtful and engaging questions, including ones about carbon emissions, the most challenging part of being mayor, and what advice I would give my younger self. It was a lot of fun, and I hope they’ll invite me back again.

United Way of NC 211 Day

On Wednesday afternoon, I visited the United Way Call Center in Cary to help celebrate NC 211 Day. Each year, the United Way of North Carolina recognizes this day to honor the dedicated 211 professionals who serve as a vital lifeline for North Carolinians seeking essential health and human services.

Last year, NC 211 answered more than 200,000 calls and connected individuals and families across all 100 counties with over 336,000 resources. In Cary alone, there were 1,084 calls identifying 1,661 needs, unfortunately, 169 of those needs went unmet. Currently, 52 verified agencies are available to provide assistance in our area.

It was an informative and meaningful visit, and I’m grateful to United Way and the NC 211 team for the critical work they do every day to support those who need it most.

Lunar New Year

On Thursday night, I joined the full council, dozens of elected officials, and several hundred community members at Prestonwood to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year. The evening featured cultural performances, a series of speeches, and concluded with a group photo of the elected officials. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect and mingle, especially with local business leaders, but the strong presence of public officials gave the event a distinctly political tone.

Town Manager’s Weekly Report

Russ’s Message

Council,

I enjoyed seeing you all at the Mayor’s State of Cary Address on Wednesday. I’m looking forward to being with you at the Annual Council/Staff Retreat next week. We will send you more details by next Tuesday. Since we’ll all be together next Friday, there will be no weekly report. I hope you all have a great Valentine’s weekend.

Russ Overton

Interim Town Manager

311 Snapshot

311 processed 2,327 new cases this week.

Volume by Contact Method

Phone: 1,471
Email: 329
Web: 244
Internal: 167
Walk-In: 56
Text: 49
Social Media: 11

57.07% of cases fell into these top 5 categories:

Utility Billing & Services: 535
Inspection Scheduling & Status: 311
Permitting Inquiries & Payments: 198
Water Meter Service & Requests: 187
Garbage Inquiries & Pickup: 97

FY 2026 Q2 Report

The Quarterly Report for the second quarter (October–December 2025) of Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 is available online and printed copies will be provided to Council next week. The report includes a new section offering additional detail on projected revenues, expenditures, and fund balance. Second-quarter highlights include strong midyear financials with projected fund balance growth; Downtown Cary Park generating $5 million in direct economic impact; record attendance at Harvest Fest and the NCAA Men’s College Cup; the launch of two new GoCary routes and completion of major sidewalk connections; and adoption of data governance and artificial intelligence (AI) policies.

Southern Wake County Business Summit

On Monday, Interim Town Manager Russ Overton, Assistant Town Managers Scot Berry and Shelley Curran, and Utilities Director Jamie Revels represented Cary at the Southern Wake County Business Summit. The summit was jointly hosted by NC Commerce Secretary Lilley and NC Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Wilson.

The meeting focused on regional wastewater capacity and collaborative solutions to support business and residential growth in southern Wake County, including the expanding life sciences sector in Holly Springs. Representatives from Apex, Holly Springs, Wake County, and the business community participated. While much of the discussion centered on Holly Springs’ wastewater treatment, staff also provided an update on the joint Cary, Apex, and Holly Springs wastewater capacity study now underway. Council should expect to review the study results later this year. Participants also discussed technical and regulatory permitting considerations and capacity management strategies to support continued industry expansion.

McCrimmon Parkway Pedestrian Improvements

Contractors working on behalf of Cary located and marked existing utility infrastructure this week near Panther Creek High School. This Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) work is part of the McCrimmon Parkway Pedestrian Improvements project, which will construct two new pedestrian crossings and a new traffic signal to improve mobility near the school. The information collected will supplement the surveying work completed earlier this year by Cary’s in-house survey team and, together, will form the basis for detailed project design. The recent survey work and this SUE effort are keeping the project on schedule for completion ahead of the 2027-2028 school year.

Urban Agriculture Programming Update

While winter weather lingers, urban agriculture programs are preparing residents for spring. Garden orientations at Carpenter and McCrimmon Community Gardens welcomed 120 households, providing plots, resource packets, and access to shared tools.

New in 2026, Environmental Outreach will partner with Access Cary to pilot Plant, Grow, Connect, creating hands-on gardening opportunities for individuals with disabilities at Carpenter Community Garden. Registration is also open for a full schedule of gardening classes, including sessions where participants can take home bagged compost for residential projects.

American Legion Celebrates Public Servants

American Legion Post 67 recognized two public safety employees at its annual first responder awards dinner February 10. Police Captain Jeremy “JB” Burgin, retiring in May after more than 28 years of service, was honored for a career that included serving as the department’s first K-9 officer, district commander, and mentor to generations of officers. Fire Captain Kevin Stewart, who retired in January after 26 years, was recognized for leading major projects and developing both new and veteran firefighters throughout his career.

Gold Medal Games: Cary Goes for Gold

More than 400 people bundled up Saturday for Gold Medal Games at Downtown Cary Park (DCP), cheering on Team USA while stepping into the action themselves. Guests watched live Olympic coverage on big screens and joined interactive games and challenges across the park, testing their skills with inflatable curling and a slap shot booth, trying VR skiing, and competing in the DCP Biathlon. Families also crafted bobsleds to race down a miniature ice track, posed at an ice sculpture photo op, and designed their own Olympic-style medals.

Important Dates

Economic Development Committee
Wednesday, February 18
6:00 p.m.

Greenway Committee
Thursday, February 19
6:00 p.m.

Annual Council-Staff Retreat
Friday, February 20
8:30 a.m.

Annual Council-Staff Retreat
Saturday, February 21
8:30 a.m.

Q&A on Manager’s Resignation and Other Items

The following questions were addressed on my January 4^th, January 11^th, and January 18^th blog:

WithersRavenel Contract
Was the $1.3 million in fraud returned to Cary? Yes …
Why didn’t you know about the town manager’s behavior?
When did you learn about the land purchase to Cary Elementary?
Do you have conflicts of interest?
Why did you give push back to a council member that wanted to move forward with changes now?
How could you not know all the things the former manager was doing?
Did I know the book “Top of the Arc” cost the town $150,000?
Why did you pay the town manager’s severance?
What changes have you made and will you make?

The questions that are new or updated are below.

Potential ICE Facility in Regency

I received questions about a potential ICE facility in Regency. Here is how staff responded:

“…Many of you have seen a recent article regarding a potential Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) location online and have inquired about what if anything we know about this property. Recent tenants of the existing office building include software and technology businesses as well as commercial real estate office. Cary has not received any requests or permit applications for government offices or other potential tenants that indicate ICE is planning to move into this space. The property is located within the C-6 Tract of the Regency Park Planned District (PDD). Permitted uses include office, institutional, commercial, hotel and club. …”

Mayor’s Mailbox

A complaint about Apex apartment development hurting Cary residents.
A question about the staff merit increase.
Complaints about the “The Voice of Hind Rajab” playing at the Cary Theater.
Compliments on my State of Cary presentations.
A complaint about political sign enforcement.
A complaint about dog poop at an apartment complex.
A complaint that we are doing nothing for transparency.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, welcome remarks for the North Carolina Association of Zoning Officials, a Wake County Mayors Association meeting, a CAMPO (Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization) Executive Board meeting, an Economic Development Committee meeting, a meeting with a graduate student, and the annual council-staff working retreat.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, February 22^nd, 2026. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts, those are not the best means of communication with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@carync.gov and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.

Cary Underrated, NC 8th for Tech Graduates, CAMPO Blueprint for Safety, Council Work Session, and Council Meeting

Purpose of this Blog

This blog is written with sincerity, honesty, and a commitment to accuracy so our constituents can better understand the work we do. After all, we work for them!

How Cary Government Works

You can find additional information about how Cary’s government works on the town’s website here.

Cary Underrated City in NC

WorldAtlas named Cary as one of the most underrated cities in North Carolina. Here is what they said:

“Located in central North Carolina within the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill metropolitan area, Cary is a city close to Durham and Raleigh. With an estimated population of around 180,000, it ranks among the state’s largest towns, celebrated for its low crime rate, excellent schools, and easy access to parks and greenways.

Cary boasts numerous parks and recreational facilities, offering plenty of open green space such as Downtown Cary Park and North Cary Park. Residents and visitors enjoy walking trails at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve and lakeside activities at Fred G. Bond Metro Park, which features the Bond Park Community Center. Other popular spots include the Cary Arts Center, Page-Walker Arts & History Center, Koka Booth Amphitheatre, and Marla Dorrel Park. Phillips Farms of Cary is a seasonal attraction that is currently closed but plans to reopen in Spring 2026.”

One note for WorldAtlas. Cary is the 2^nd largest town in the nation, and is the largest town in North Carolina.

State of North Carolina 8^th for Tech Graduates

According to TryHackMe, North Carolina ranks eighth, with tech graduates earning 67% more than average. The average annual cost of a tech degree in North Carolina is $14,073. Four years after graduation, the median earnings for graduates in the state are $35,484, compared with $59,303 for tech graduates.

Council Meeting Prep

Monday I contacted each council member to hear of any concerns or questions about the upcoming agenda. Council members had questions about the auditor’s report, the gravel lot next to the Walker, and the staff merit increase.

Council 3 x 4 Meetings

To give and receive information from staff the council and staff now hold 3 x 4 meetings which include two council members and the mayor plus the manager and at least four staff members. Topics discussed this week included the retreat agenda, the future convenience center, and the ACFR (audit) report from Cherry Bekaert. We also talked about the need to explain the council-manager form of government to the public.

CAMPO Blueprint for Safety Task Force

On Tuesday morning, I participated in a task force meeting for the CAMPO (Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization) Blueprint for Safety, which was attended by more than 60 participants. The purpose of the task force is to identify infrastructure treatments and policy approaches that support safer road users, safer vehicles, post-crash care, safe speeds, and safer roads. The task force’s work is organized into pillars, strategies, and actions. The pillars define key areas of focus, Policy, Safety Culture, and Projects, designed to intentionally address safety needs. Strategies articulate the vision for advancing each pillar, while actions specify the work CAMPO, local governments, NCDOT, and other partners will undertake to implement the blueprint. These actions are further organized into near-term and long-term horizons.

Meeting with Citizen

I met with a citizen who had previously spoken during the Public Speaks Out portion of a council meeting, where he raised several questions and called for my resignation. The interim town manager was also present. As I explained and answered questions, I was interrupted several times by the citizen, who stated that he did not care. He ultimately said that I needed to resign because I had been in the position for 20 years, though this is the beginning of my 19th year as mayor. I asked whether he believed the issues were entirely my fault, and he responded that I had simply been doing the job long enough. At the conclusion of the meeting, he stated that I am a man of integrity.

Council Work Session

Council held a work session on Thursday evening and focused on two topics, the removal of the convenience center and the FY2025 budget.

The convenience center opened in the 1950s, with most of the site located within Norfolk Southern’s railroad right-of-way. This is not unusual; for example, Cedar Street itself lies within the rail right-of-way. We have been notified that the facility must vacate the right-of-way by the end of the year.

Currently, the convenience center accepts residential waste and recycling, recycling and composting, and large and specialty items. The center serves approximately 90,000 visits annually. Most convenience centers are operated by the county rather than by municipalities.

Council was presented with three options for the future of the convenience center:

Close the convenience center to the public (by December 2026). Current operating costs are approximately $800,000 to $900,000 per year.
Maintain yard waste and food waste disposal at the current site, close all other services, and reconfigure the site to accommodate those remaining functions.
Maintain yard waste disposal at the current site and relocate all other services to a new downtown location on land owned by the Town of Cary. The estimated design fee for a new location is $175,000, with construction costs projected at $3 to $4 million.

Council members requested that staff explore the possibility of Wake County developing an additional site in Cary to help offset costs; however, this appears to be a remote possibility. Based on the discussion, the council does not appear to support pursuing a new facility at a cost of $3 to $4 million. Any selected option would result in a reduced level of service compared to what Cary residents receive today. It should also be noted that, regardless of the option chosen, there will be a period after the center closes during which no convenience center services will be available in Cary. The council will be deciding on this issue later in the spring.

The next item discussed during the work session was the FY2025 budget and the audit conducted by Cherry Bekaert. The Cherry Bekaert audit is one of several actions currently underway, including:

An investigation by the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor into alleged fraud, waste, and abuse of taxpayer funds.
Reviews conducted by Womble Bond Dickinson.
- An examination of procurement card usage, reimbursements, and expenditures of Town funds by the former town manager.
- A review of the former town manager’s financial reporting to the Town Council.
- An evaluation of the work environment created by the former town manager.
A criminal investigation requested by the District Attorney and being conducted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.
The Cherry Bekaert audit, which serves as Cary’s external independent audit and reviews financial statements for financial reporting, compliance related to federal funds, and internal controls for Fiscal Year 2025.

Staff then walked the Council through the draft Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). Once finalized, the report will be made available to the public. The ACFR:

Confirms the Town’s overall financial condition
Identifies financial trends and potential risks
Supports policy development and budget decisions
Is used by bond rating agencies, lenders, and regulatory bodies
Demonstrates stewardship of public funds
Measures accountability and outcomes

The findings of the report occurred during the council meeting that followed the work session.

Council Regular Meeting

The first regularly scheduled meeting of the council was held Thursday night. The agenda included three presentations, three consent items, and one discussion item.

The first two presentations were proclamations recognizing Lunar New Year and Ramadan. The third presentation addressed the 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), including the results of the independent audit and an overview of the Town’s annual financial performance. Each year, Cary prepares year-end financial statements to report financial outcomes and ensure accountability for the use of public funds. These statements are reviewed by an independent auditor, who issues an audit opinion.

The audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, confirmed that Cary remains in a strong financial position. The Council presentation focused on the financial section of the ACFR. Two key takeaways from the forty-five-minute presentation were that the Town’s financial records were free of material misstatement and that Cary’s financial condition remains strong. During the fiscal year, $23.6 million was added to the fund balance, bringing the total fund balance to $106 million.

Despite these positive results, media coverage largely centered on the former town manager’s actions and recommendations rather than the Town’s overall financial health.

The consent agenda included minutes, the Walnut Street Gravel Lot Improvements Amended Proposal, and an adjustment to the meeting schedule.

The discussion item focused on restoring funding to the employee merit program, which was reduced following a recommendation from the former town manager. That recommendation was presented as having the support of the entire management team, which was not the case. The FY2026 budget currently funds Cary’s pay-for-performance employee compensation program at an average 3% merit-based increase, a 2% decrease from last year.

Underfunding the merit program makes it difficult for Cary to remain competitive in the regional labor market. When combined with the escalating cost of living, a significant number of vacant positions, and historically low staff-to-citizen ratios, the strain on many Cary employees is substantial.

This staff report recommended restoring the merit program to a 5% average increase through a series of actions, including the reallocation of existing funds. These changes can be implemented without increasing taxes, fees, or other FY2026 appropriations.

Our employees are Cary’s greatest asset, and they are truly the best of the best. The proposed funding restoration relies on reallocating funds that were already budgeted for initiatives unlikely to occur during this fiscal year. The following outlines the sources of those funds:

Reallocation From	Amount
Town Manager’s Office – Contracted Services	$500,000
Available for Mid-Year Appropriation	$450,000
Town Manager’s Office – Training and Travel	$250,000
Historic Preservation – Contracted Services	$200,000
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources – Contracted Services	$200,000
Solid Waste – Contracted Services	$150,000
General Fund Total	$1,750,000
Utility Fund – Remote Water Infrastructure Division	$280,000
Fleet – Parts	$35,000
Total	$2,065,000*

*In addition, there is a $750,000 transfer to General Fund from Utility Fund.

Council Out and About

Message from Council Member

Councilmembers attended fewer events this week, as many were rescheduled. Are you as over this winter weather, snow, ice, and unusually cold temperatures, as I am?

To the parents supporting their children through remote learning while also working from home: I see you, and I know how hard this can feel. I also recognize the difficult decisions being made to keep everyone safe.

To our small businesses and hourly workers feeling the strain of reduced hours, and to our essential workers who reported to work even before the roads were clear: I see you.

I have also seen many thoughtful posts and emails asking how to help others and expressing gratitude to the Town of Cary A+ Team, who are working around the clock to treat and plow our roads.

What stands out most, despite the frustration, is the encouragement, empathy, and respect shown across differing perspectives. This is Cary—people first—and it reminds me how proud and honored I am to live and serve here.

Michelle Craig

District B

Walk for Peace

Councilmember Sarika Bansal joined other Triangle-area elected officials as Buddhist monks participating in the Walk for Peace are expected to pass through Apex while traveling along NC 64.

Mayor’s State of Cary

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht presented the 2026 State of Cary at the Cary Senior Center, joined by Councilmember Sarika Bansal and Michelle Craig. The event provided residents with an overview of current initiatives, future goals, and opportunities for continued community engagement.

Town Manager’s Weekly Report

Russ’s Message

Council,

I want to start by thanking you for your continued support of our staff. Your approval last night of the merit increase funding means a great deal to our employees, and I know it was well received. I also appreciate the steady partnership you show our organization as we continue to work through a challenging period.

As we navigate this time and keep operations moving forward, I want to point out a new addition to this week’s report titled Cary TV Online Views. Following the decision to expand and invest in online streaming of public meetings, this section shows the impact of that decision. The numbers show that residents are using these tools and appreciate having more ways to stay informed and engaged.

Russ Overton

Interim Town Manager

Council Manager Form of Government Webpage

For more information on the council-manager form of government, visit the webpage under the Mayor & Council section of Cary’s website.

Cary TV Online Views

Following Council’s vote to expand meeting streaming, here’s a breakdown of viewership over the last few months:

	Nov.	Dec.	Jan.
Council Meetings	524	9,689	4,857
Work Sessions	N/A	726	4,195
Planning & Zoning	62	N/A	N/A
Total Views	586	10,381	9,030

Click here for a more detailed breakdown.

311 Snapshot

311 processed 2,253 new cases this week.

Volume by Contact Method Phone: 1,546 Email: 351 Web: 206 Internal: 81 Walk-In: 31 Text: 29 Social Media: 9

53.86% of cases fell into these top 5 categories: Utility Billing & Services: 539 Inspection Scheduling & Status: 249 Permitting Inquiries & Payments: 156 Garbage Inquiries & Pickup: 145 Water Meter Service & Requests: 125

Chatham Estates Community Report Update

Nonprofit partner NeighborUp continues to administer the Stable Homes Cary program to serve Cary residents facing relocation, including those in Chatham Estates. Last week, NeighborUp created two ways for community members to offer financial support. Online donations can be made at NeighborUp.org/ChathamEstates, and gift card donations can be dropped off at NeighborUp’s Cary office. One hundred percent of these donations will go directly to Chatham Estates families to assist with moving expenses, home repairs, food, and other needs.

Chatham Street Lane Closure

Beginning Monday, February 9, contractors working on the 107 East Chatham Street development project, Lloyds Full Service, will be working in the westbound lane of East Chatham Street near the Academy Street intersection for a sewer connection. This work will require a single lane closure and a sidewalk detour. The work is expected to be completed on Tuesday, February 10, weather dependent.

22-REZ-19 Holt PDD Withdrawn

On February 2, rezoning 22-REZ-19, the Holt Planned Development District (PDD) at 8200 and 8400 Regency Parkway, was administratively withdrawn due to inactivity, and the property owner was notified. Due to changes to NC General Statutes last year, withdrawn, denied, or approved rezoning requests are no longer subject to a one-year waiting period, and a new rezoning application may be submitted following a new pre-application meeting and a Traffic Analysis Report, if applicable.

FY26 Street Improvements Project Out for Bids

The FY26 Street Improvement Project was advertised February 5, 2026, with bids scheduled to open February 26. About 10 miles of neighborhood streets will be improved, with construction expected to begin in spring and conclude in fall 2026. Affected residents will be contacted directly throughout the process. The Annual Street Improvement Project goes beyond resurfacing by upgrading pedestrian ramps to meet federal standards, refreshing pavement markings and signage, addressing minor surface issues, and applying preservation treatments that extend pavement life. This preventive approach helps control long-term costs while maintaining Cary’s 525 miles of streets at a high level of service.

Reclaimed Water Holiday

Beginning February 9, Cary will conduct the annual 10-day maintenance shutdown of the reclaimed water system, known as the Reclaimed Water Holiday. February is selected because reclaimed water use and irrigation demand are typically lowest, allowing routine maintenance on production and distribution systems while minimizing customer impacts. Postcards were mailed in January to notify customers, and the period also gives customers time to perform maintenance on onsite systems. Commercial customers using reclaimed water for cooling towers were contacted by mail and phone so they can switch to potable water backup during the maintenance window. If no significant issues are found, full service is expected to be restored by February 19.

Taste of Black History Luncheon

The Senior Center hosted its annual Taste of Black History luncheon today, bringing residents together to honor the traditions, stories, and cultural contributions that shape Black history. The event created a warm space for conversation, reflection, and connection as attendees shared memories and celebrated the richness of the community’s heritage. Events like this continue to highlight the Senior Center’s commitment to fostering understanding, unity, and shared celebration.

Important Dates

Environmental Advisory Board
Tuesday, February 10
6:00 p.m.

Historic Preservation Commission
Wednesday, February 11
6:30 p.m.

Q&A on Manager’s Resignation and Other Items

The following questions were addressed on my January 4^th, January 11^th, and January 18^th blog:

WithersRavenel Contract
Was the $1.3 million in fraud returned to Cary? Yes …
Why didn’t you know about the town manager’s behavior?
When did you learn about the land purchase to Cary Elementary?
Do you have conflicts of interest?
Why did you give push back to a council member that wanted to move forward with changes now?
How could you not know all the things the former manager was doing?
Did I know the book “Top of the Arc” cost the town $150,000?
Why did you pay the town manager’s severance?
What changes have you made and will you make?

The questions that are new or updated are below.

Mayor’s Mailbox

Encouragement from citizens: “… I see you leading with patience, honesty, and a genuine desire to do right by this community. I also see you bringing sunlight to issues that were long tucked in the shadows by the former Town Manager. That takes courage. And it deserves to be acknowledged.

I also want to share something important: a lot of the loudest noise out there is fueled by incomplete or incorrect information. Many reasonable, thoughtful residents see this clearly and do not share those extreme views. We notice your professionalism. We notice your restraint. We notice your good faith. …”

Complaints about “The Voice of Hind Rajab” being shown at the Cary Theater (Operational matters, such as theater programming, is not a council decision).
A concern about allowing chain businesses to replace local businesses (We have no authority to dictate specific businesses).
A complaint about lack of transparency. So, I provided information. Then I am told I am attempting to manage them. So, I offered to meet with them. They responded with “I have to decline the offer for a private meeting, as I expect that you would want to manage me or lecture me on civility.”
A complaint about political signs of “Melanie Shekita”.
A complaint about giving the staff a merit increase.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a meeting of the Cary Tennis Classic Board, two State of Cary presentations, speaking to 5^th graders at Green Hope Elementary, a United Way of NC211 Day event, and a Lunar New Years event.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, February 15^th, 2026. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts, those are not the best means of communication with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@carync.gov and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.

Raleigh-Cary #5 Best Performing Cities, Sister Cities, the State of Cary, and Winter Storm Gianna

Purpose of this Blog

This blog is written with sincerity, honesty, and a commitment to accuracy so our constituents can better understand the work we do. After all, we work for them!

How Cary Government Works

Raleigh-Cary #5 Best Performing Cities

Tuesday I was notified of the Raleigh-Cary area being one of the best performing cities in the country by the Milken Institute. Here is what they said:

“Hello – our team is delighted to share the official 2026 Milken Institute Best-Performing Cities Report. To note, Raleigh-Cary, NC ranked #5 in this year’s report, continuing the trend of remaining a top 10 city for the fourth year in a row.

As background, the Best-Performing Cities (BPC) Index offers an impartial measure of performance that policymakers, business leaders, and government officials can use to assess the economic vitality of their metros within a broader national context. The report also provides rankings for the individual components of the index, offering meaningful insights for city officials seeking to examine the underlying factors driving their metropolitan areas’ performance. The index is constructed using 13 key measures that fall into three categories: labor market conditions, high-tech impact, and access to economic opportunities.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions – our Research team would be happy to discuss the findings and recommendations at your convenience. You can follow the conversation around the report, or join in, on the official Milken Institute X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram pages, using the official hashtag #BestPerformingCities.”

We consistently are recognized throughout the year as the best of the best.

State of Cary Taping

On Wednesday morning, I delivered the State of Cary presentation in front of a camera, with no live audience, which was a first for me. Originally, this slot was reserved for a live presentation at Prestonwood during the Cary Chamber’s annual Breakfast with the Mayor. However, due to last weekend’s weather, they made the decision to postpone the event for safety reasons, rescheduling it to February 11.

While I think the message came across well, the presentation felt a bit awkward without an audience, just me, the camera, and the slides to focus on. Still, I hope the message is valuable to those who watch. You can find the slides, script, and the video here. I’ll be presenting this live several more times, including a session at Town Hall on March 5th.

Sister Cities

On Thursday, I joined Council Member Craig and staff for a discussion with President Pam Huff about the future of Sister Cities. The town is fully committed to strengthening its partnership with Sister Cities, and we explored ways to make the relationship more formal. The goal is to ensure that both sides have clear expectations of each other moving forward.

State of Cary at Senior Center

On Friday, I gave my State of Cary presentation live for the first time to an audience of about 40 people at the Cary Senior Center. Council Members Bansal and Richards joined me for the event. The live presentation lasted about 45 minutes, compared to the 35-minute taped version. Afterward, I spent another 30 to 45 minutes answering questions. The conversation was full of thoughtful questions and great suggestions, with almost all feedback being positive. Many of the suggestions focused on improving public communication. One comment that stood out was, “We believe in you, Mayor,” which I truly appreciated. After the presentation, Council Members Bansal, Richards, and I stayed for an additional 30 minutes to continue the discussion and answer more questions.

Winter Storm Gianna

Winter Storm Gianna swept through Cary on Saturday evening, bringing up to three inches of snow in some areas. Plowing began at dawn and will continue until sunset. As of now, there have been four weather-related accidents, one of which involved injuries, and first responders have helped three stranded drivers. Thankfully, Cary avoided the worst of the storm. Meanwhile, my daughter on the NC coast received around 15 inches of snow.

Council Out and About

Message from Council Member

As a second wave of winter weather brings winter to our doorsteps, I’m reminded that while the North Carolina air is biting, the spirit of Cary remains incredibly warm.

Our dedicated crews are working around the clock to keep our streets safe, but I ask that you look out for one another as well. Please check in on your neighbors to ensure they have what they need to stay cozy. Whether it’s clearing a sidewalk or sharing a hot thermos of something tasty, these small acts of kindness define who we are.

Please be sure to check our town social channels and the local news outlets to stay informed. We are a resilient community that shows up for each other, and we’ll weather these storms together.

Carissa Kohn-Johnson

At-Large Council Member

Meet and Greet with Chinese Senior Dance Group

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush, and Councilmembers Sarika Bansal, Bella Huang, and Carissa Kohn-Johnson enjoyed a performance by the Chinese Senior Dancing Group, featuring singing and dancing to three songs. The event celebrated cultural exchange and highlighted the vibrant contributions of the senior community.

Regional Transportation Alliance (RTA) 24^th Annual Meeting

Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush and Councilmembers Sarika Bansal and Bella Huang attended the Regional Transportation Alliance (RTA) 24th Annual Meeting, The State of Mobility 2026, which included a presentation on The State of RDU Airport. The luncheon provided an opportunity for attendees to hear regional transportation priorities and future mobility initiatives.

Town Manager’s Weekly Report

Dana’s Message

As we head into the weekend, we’re closely monitoring another round of winter weather following last weekend’s storm, with very cold temperatures and the potential for snow and ice. Public Works has brined main thoroughfares and secondary streets, equipment is fully loaded, and crews are prepared as operations transition to extended schedules to keep services running through the storm.

I’m incredibly grateful for the coordination happening across Cary to prepare in advance, and for the many employees who will be working through the weekend in challenging weather to serve the community. That level of care and commitment, much of it behind the scenes, makes a real difference.

Today, Public Works Director Jimmy Simpson spoke with ABC11, and Fire Chief Mike Cooper is tentatively scheduled for a remote interview tomorrow. We appreciate the support the media has provided to staff who are out working hard for Cary residents.

Wishing you a safe weekend, and I hope you’re able to enjoy the snow.

Dana Widmar

Assistant Town Manager

311 Snapshot

311 processed 2,109 new cases this week.

Volume by Contact Method

Phone: 1,432
Email: 312
Web: 191
Internal: 87
Walk-In: 54
Text: 19
Social Media: 14

57.13% of cases fell into these top five categories:

Utility Billing & Services: 521
Inspection Scheduling & Status: 217
Garbage Inquiries & Pickup: 209
Permitting Inquiries & Payments: 147
Water Meter Service & Requests: 111

311 and Marketing Join Forces for Snow Comms

This past weekend, staff from 311 and Marketing collaborated on communications for the Winter Storm Fern Emergency Operations Center (EOC), providing citizens with critical information about storm prep and response, as well as engaging content encouraging the public to share their snow stories. Data from eight storm-related news releases shows an impressive open rate of 50% versus Cary’s average of 30%, and a 2% click rate versus Cary’s average of 1.5%. The top-performing news release was Do You Hear What We Hear? Winter Storm Fern Whispers Into Cary, What You Need to Know. On social, 66 posts across five platforms received 1.64 million impressions, 42k engagements, and 2,926 clicked links with overwhelmingly positive sentiment. The top-performing post was Sounds of Cary ~ Safety first. Coming out of a successful weekend of communications, the team is ready for another round in the coming days!

Police and Fire Escort Buddhist Monks

On January 24, the Police and Fire Departments provided an escort to cover the 5-mile stretch along US 64 and Tryon Road from Cary into Raleigh for Buddhist monks during their Walk for Peace.

At the Raleigh city limits, officers from the Raleigh Police Department and personnel from the Swift Creek Fire Department continued the escort as the monks made their way to the State Capitol in downtown Raleigh.

This event reflects the ongoing commitment to community service and public safety, and it highlights how unity, compassion, and interagency collaboration strengthen our region.

Bronze-Level Bicycle Friendly Community Recognition

The League of American Bicyclists has again recognized Cary as a Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community. Cary has held this distinction since 2003 and was one of the first communities in the nation to receive the designation. The award reflects more than two decades of work to build an accessible, comfortable, and connected bicycle network and places Cary among just 13 communities in North Carolina with this recognition.

More than 120 miles of on-road bicycle facilities and over 100 miles of greenways support transportation, recreation, health, and sustainability goals, reflecting a long-term commitment to planning, strategic investment, and partnerships that expand mobility for users of all ages and abilities.

Draft updates to the ENGAGE and MOVE chapters of the Imagine Cary Community Plan, which integrate the new Bike Plan and Vision Zero principles, are now available online for feedback. Staff anticipate bringing the amendments forward for Council consideration in early 2026. These updates focus on creating a more connected network, closing system gaps, updating policies, and adopting design guidance aligned with evolving national best practices.

Applause! Cary Youth Theatre Wins Bronze at Diamond Awards

Applause! received the 2026 5 West Bronze Diamond Award for Best Performing Arts Education. The Diamond Awards recognize the best of businesses, services, and venues in Raleigh and Western Wake County. The mission of Applause! Cary Youth Theatre is to empower youth to “imagine, create, and collaborate onstage and off.” Performing Arts Education Specialist, Kirsten DeSena, and her team of educators serve participants ages 2-18 in theatre classes, camps, workshops, and three or more mainstage productions each year. Participants learn collaboration, empathy, creativity, and the courage to make brave choices as they develop theatrical and technical skills under the guidance of theatre professionals.

Important Dates

Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Advisory Board
Monday, February 2
5:15 p.m.

Zoning Board of Adjustment
Monday, February 2
5:30 p.m.

Information Services Advisory Board
Monday, February 2
6:00 p.m.

Human Relations, Inclusion, & Diversity Advisory Board
Tuesday, February 3
6:00 p.m.

Senior Advisory Board
Wednesday, February 4
12:00 p.m.

Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting
Wednesday, February 4
6:30 p.m.

Town Council Work Session
Thursday, February 5
5:00 p.m.

Town Council Meeting
Thursday, February 5
6:30 p.m.

Q&A on Manager’s Resignation and Other Items

The following questions were addressed on my January 4^th, January 11^th, and January 18^th blog:

WithersRavenel Contract
Was the $1.3 million in fraud returned to Cary? Yes …
Why didn’t you know about the town manager’s behavior?
When did you learn about the land purchase to Cary Elementary?
Do you have conflicts of interest?
Why did you give push back to a council member that wanted to move forward with changes now?
How could you not know all the things the former manager was doing?
Did I know the book “Top of the Arc” cost the town $150,000?
Why did you pay the town manager’s severance?
What changes have you made and will you make?

The questions that are new or updated are below.

Mayor’s Mailbox

Questions on why we allow an ICE facility in Cary (We have no authority over the federal government).
Feedback from a former employee.
A request to meet in person.
A request for more programs for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Questions from an individual concerned about spending money on a 3^rd party investigation and an employee survey.
A complaint about ice at the top of Summerview Lane. (staff addressed and we received a thank you).
A request for a traffic signal at Davis Drive Middle school.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, council/staff 3 x 4 meetings, a CAMPO task force meeting, private citizen meetings, a council work session, and a regularly scheduled council meeting.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, February 8^th, 2026. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts, those are not the best means of communication with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@carync.gov and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.

Wake County Mayors, GRCVB Board, Council Work Session, CAMPO, Chinese Senior Dance Group, Council Meeting, and Winter Storm Fern

Purpose of this Blog

This blog is written with sincerity, honesty, and a commitment to accuracy so our constituents can better understand the work we do. After all, we work for them!

How Cary Government Works

SV Temple Vandalism

Monday, I learned of vandalism at the SV Temple in Cary. We unequivocally condemn this act of vandalism. This was not merely damage to property, it was an attack on a sacred space, a community, and the fundamental values of respect and coexistence that bind us together. Houses of worship must always remain places of peace, safety, and dignity, free from hatred and intimidation.

We stand in full solidarity with the devotees and the broader Hindu community affected by this incident. Acts of intolerance have no place in our society, and we call for a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible. Now more than ever, we must reject division and reaffirm our commitment to protecting religious freedom, mutual respect, and unity for all.

Wake County Mayors Association

The Wake County Mayors Association met Monday evening. In addition to me, mayors from Garner, Holly Springs, Morrisville, Raleigh, Rolesville, Wake Forest, and Wendell were in attendance. I was especially glad to see Mike Kondratick, the new mayor of Holly Springs, and Ben Clapsaddle from Wake Forest.

Each of us shared updates on what’s happening in our communities. There was, as expected, significant interest and many questions about developments in Cary. Another major topic of discussion was the future change in EMS service and its potential impact on our communities.

GRCVB Board Meeting

I attended my first Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) board meeting on Tuesday morning. Cary was previously represented by Jack Smith, who retired in December.

The Bureau was established in January 1992 by the Wake County Board of Commissioners and the Raleigh City Council, following legislation passed by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1991. The Greater Raleigh CVB is governed by a 12-member Board of Directors and is funded through approximately 22 percent of the six-percent Wake County Hotel Occupancy Tax and three percent of the one-percent Prepared Food and Beverage Tax.

During the meeting, the board made funding decisions, including support for the Cary TST tournament, and received updates on several items, such as repairs to the Raleigh Convention Center following the roof fire on December 4.

Meeting with Citizen

I met with a concerned resident on Tuesday to discuss issues related to the manager’s transition. We had a productive conversation and came away with a better understanding of each other’s perspectives. I welcome other conversations with those who have concerns about the manager’s transition.

3 X 4 Meetings

I participated in three council briefings this week, known as 3×4 meetings. These meetings include the mayor, two council members, and at least four staff members, including the manager, attorney, and clerk. This week’s discussions covered the council work session, the regular council meeting, and upcoming agenda items. Staff also provided updates on several key topics, including communications related to the manager transition, political signs, a potential social district expansion, the annual council–staff working retreat, EMS meetings, and the new organizational chart.

Council Meeting Prep

On Tuesday, I contacted each council member to identify any concerns or questions regarding the upcoming agenda. Feedback focused on the appropriations related to the Womble Bond Dickinson investigation and the appropriations for the lot adjacent to the Walker. Later that day, I met with the management team to review each agenda item and hear about the speakers who had signed up to address council.

Council Work Session

On Tuesday evening, council held a work session to discuss the upcoming meeting schedule, a housing update, review of the budget document, and a budget update. A closed session followed the work session.

The housing update included information on Stable Homes Cary and its work with Chatham Estates, a mobile home park. More than 144 residents will be displaced, and it is estimated that fewer than 40 percent will be able to find housing in Cary. Most residents earn less than 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). Staff discussed the management of Stable Homes Cary, including public outreach efforts and the assistance provided to more than 2,000 households.

Staff also addressed Cary’s housing gap, which impacts low-to-moderate-income households, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. The current proposal to replace Chatham Estates includes 330 multifamily units and 97 townhomes. The project will not require rezoning and, therefore, will not require council approval.

Staff presented a 2016 budget document to identify which elements council preferred to retain in future budget materials. Council feedback emphasized the need for additional trend data.

The proposed council budget schedule was also presented, outlining work sessions, group meetings, public hearings, and the retreat. Council expressed interest in expanding public engagement opportunities, including the use of charrettes.

Following the work session, council convened in closed session.

CAMPO

On Wednesday afternoon, I participated in the monthly meeting of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) Executive Board. The agenda included three consent items, one public hearing, and six discussion items.

The public hearing addressed the 2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan and was informational only.

During discussion items, Butch Lawter of Johnston County was elected chair, and TJ Cawley of Morrisville was elected vice chair. The board adopted a Resolution of Support and Dedication of Wake Transit funds as the local match for the NCDOT Raleigh-to-Richmond program application to the National Railroad Partnership Program grant. The board also received updates on the NCDOT Confident Scope and Cost Estimate (CSCE), the Unified Planning Work Program for 2027, the 2027 LAPP program, and Amendment #2 to the FY 2026–2035 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

The final agenda item included a performance review and merit adjustment for the Executive Director.

Chinese Senior Dance Group

On Thursday evening, I joined several town council members to attend a performance by the Cary Chinese Senior Dance Group. The group delighted us with singing and dancing, accompanied by their own live musical support. Most of the performers were in their 70s, and I was told that one member was 85. Thank you for a wonderful performance, I look forward to seeing many more in the future.

Council Regular Meeting

The final regularly scheduled council meeting of January was held Thursday night. The agenda included two consent items, one public hearing covering two items, and two discussion items.

The public hearing on a proposed annexation and rezoning of 310 Barbee Road and 974 W. Ferrell Road in Chatham County, for the development of 230 detached homes, generated significant negative feedback from both speakers and council members. Many expressed concern that the proposal did not align with the intent of the Chatham Joint Use Plan, noting that the plan calls for very low-density development, while the proposal included 10,000-square-foot lots.

The first discussion item involved council consideration of midyear appropriations from the General Fund, including up to $150,000 for a law firm investigation related to matters involving the former town manager and $100,000 for an employee engagement plan, including an employee survey. Following extensive discussion and a detailed breakdown of projected expenses, council unanimously approved the staff’s recommendation.

The second discussion item addressed rescinding the motion to approve an appropriation for a gravel lot adjacent to the Walker. Council provided feedback and voted to refer the item to a future meeting to allow staff to revise the proposal based on that feedback.

Council then went into closed session.

Winter Storm Fern

On Saturday, January 24, Winter Storm Fern moved into Cary. By daylight on Sunday, it had amounted to an inch or two of sleet with a light coating of ice. So far, we have been fortunate to avoid most of the precipitation and power outages as of this writing. Thousands remain without power in western North Carolina, but it appears we may have been spared the worst of the storm. That said, Sunday night is expected to bring the final round of precipitation.

Council Out and About

Message from Council Member

It was inspiring to see so many Cary residents and community partners come together to celebrate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy during our recent MLK events, filling our town with a spirit of unity and hope. As we reflected on Dr. King’s powerful words about justice, dignity, and the “beloved community,” we were reminded how vitally important it is for us to work together across neighborhoods, backgrounds, and generations to make those ideals real in Cary today. By showing up, serving, and uplifting our friends and neighbors, we honor Dr. King not just in speeches and ceremonies, but in the everyday ways we care for one another and strengthen our community.

Thank you for being part of our “beloved community.”

Lori Bush

Mayor Pro-Tem

Cary Chamber of Commerce Economic Forecast

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush, Councilmembers Bella Huang and Brittany Richards attended the annual Cary Chamber of Commerce economic forecast by Dr. Michael Walden. Dr. Walden is a renowned economist who offered insights on national and NC’s economy – from GDP, inflation, jobs and more, highlighting that NC continues to be a stable economic region.

Fire Department Visit

Councilmember Sarika Bansal visited the two Fire Stations in District D to show appreciation.

Muffins with the Mayor

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht attended a Muffins with the Mayor event at the Cary Senior Center, where he met with approximately 20 senior residents on Friday morning.

MLK Dreamfest Celebration

Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush presented a proclamation to NeighborUp for their continued work in the community, accompanied by Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and Councilmembers Brittany Richards, Michelle Craig, and Bella Huang, as part of Cary’s MLK Dreamfest celebration.

Visit to White Oak Missionary Baptist Church

Councilmember Sarika Bansal visited White Oak Missionary Baptist Church to meet with community members, including remarks highlighting the works of Dr. King.

Town Manager’s Weekly Report

Russ’s Message

Council,

It was great to spend time with staff and have the chance to answer questions this afternoon at All Hands.

As we head into the weekend, staff is closely monitoring the winter weather and preparing for potential impacts to roads, travel, and basic services, and I’ll keep you updated as conditions evolve and operations adjust. I also want to thank those who will be working through the weekend and into next week to keep the community up and running.

Russ Overton

Interim Town Manager

Wake County EMS Briefings for Municipal Elected Officials

Meeting Slide Deck

311 Snapshot

311 processed 2,100 new cases this week.

Volume by Contact Method:

Phone: 1,288
Email: 349
Web: 206
Internal: 194
Walk-In: 44
Text: 16
Social Media: 3

50.75% cases fell into these top 4 categories:

Utility Billing & Services: 475
Inspection Scheduling & Status: 278
Permitting Inquiries & Payments: 160
Water Meter Service & Requests: 152

National Point in Time Count

The annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is a federally required snapshot of sheltered and unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness, conducted nationwide each January. The Wake County Continuum of Care (CoC) led the 2026 PIT Count across Wake County last night.

During the count, nonprofit partner teams visited known encampments to register occupants, provide basic supplies, and connect individuals with housing resources. The Wake County CoC, which includes more than 70 public, private, and nonprofit organizations, will publish final data on its website once collection is complete. Mary Lederle, Policy & Program Analyst in Housing & Community Partnerships, was elected to the Wake County CoC Governance Board this year. More information, including ongoing efforts to support residents experiencing housing instability, is available at housing.carync.gov.

Utility Bill Payment Now Available on Apple and Google Pay

This week, Finance launched Apple Pay and Google Pay as new payment options for utility bills. Customers may now use these digital wallet options through the utility billing portal, DigiPay, alongside existing electronic payment methods. The addition of Apple Pay and Google Pay provides a fast, secure, and convenient way for customers to pay their utility bills using a mobile device or a supported web browser.

Regional Transportation Alliance 24^th Annual Meeting

On Friday, Assistant Town Manager Shelley Curran, Transportation Director Cassie Schumacher-Georgopoulos, Transit Director Kelly Blazey, Assistant Transportation Director Juliet Andes, and Transportation Engineering Manager David Spencer attended the 24th Annual Meeting of the Regional Transportation Alliance (RTA) along with several Councilmembers. The over 350 attendees included elected officials, business, government, and transportation leaders. Topics included the State of Mobility 2026 presentation and an update on accelerating the US 1 Capital freeway project in northern Wake County. The Raleigh/Durham Airport Authority leadership team presented on The State of RDU, and the event concluded with an interactive panel discussion on the importance and future of RDU airport.

MLK Dreamfest Weekend

Cary observed Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend with a series of community events honoring the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy. The weekend began with a free screening and panel discussion of John Lewis: Good Trouble at The Cary Theater. Events continued Saturday with youth-focused storytelling and crafts at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center, followed by the signature Dreamfest Cultural Celebration at the Arts Center. The event drew an overflow crowd, with ABC11’s Kweilyn Murphy serving as Mistress of Ceremonies for an evening of performances, a keynote from Rev. Jerome Gay Jr. of Vision Church RDU, and NeighborUp’s recognition. Additional observances included an interfaith service, a community meal and learning experience, and MLK Day service projects, including a Walk for Hope and volunteer activities at Good Hope Farm. The weekend centered on the theme The Beloved Community: Honoring Dignity, Uplifting Humanity.

Diavolo at New Hope Named the Most Played Course in NC

Diavolo at New Hope was recently named the most popular (most played) disc golf course in North Carolina for 2025, according to Udisc.com. Diavolo took over the top spot from the Kentwood Disc Golf Course in Raleigh, which has held the top spot since 2018. Diavolo opened in 2020 and was approved as part of a 2012 Community Investment Bond.

Important Dates

Cultural Arts Committee
Wednesday, January 28
6:00 p.m.

Q&A on Manager’s Resignation and Other Items

The situation created by the former town manager was aptly described by one of our new council members as an oil spill, and that is an accurate analogy. As with any spill, additional issues may continue to surface as the investigation and cleanup proceed. The good news is that the primary individual responsible has been dismissed.

The following questions were addressed on my January 4^th, January 11^th, and January 18^th blog:

WithersRavenel Contract
Was the $1.3 million in fraud returned to Cary? Yes …
Why didn’t you know about the town manager’s behavior?
When did you learn about the land purchase to Cary Elementary?
Do you have conflicts of interest?
Why did you give push back to a council member that wanted to move forward with changes now?
How could you not know all the things the former manager was doing?
Did I know the book “Top of the Arc” cost the town $150,000?
Why did you pay the town manager’s severance?
What changes have you made and will you make?

The questions that are new or updated are below.

Mayor’s Mailbox

Questions and concerns about the town manager’s transition.
Recommendations on how to proceed with the town manager’s transition.
A complaint about the traffic signal at Penny Rd and Ederlee.
A complaint about the traffic signal at Davis Drive Middle School.
Questions about the departure of an Assistant Town Manager.
Several complaints about the film “the death of Hind Rajab in Gaza”.
Several emails of support: “due to your tenue, lesser men would have retired out versus ensuring that the dark days were lead through. Your mettle and heart are obvious. Thank you for doing the right things.”, “Hang in there, I am confident there is a sliver lining down the road.”
A request to be on a citizen budget committee.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include State of Cary Prep, TowneBank Grand Opening, a Sister Cities Meeting, a State of Cary taping, and the State of Cary presentation at the Senior Center.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, February 1, 2026. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts, those are not the best means of communication with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@carync.gov and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.

Cary Tennis Classic Board, Muffins with the Mayor, and MLK Dreamfest Celebration

Purpose of this Blog

This blog is written with sincerity, honesty, and a commitment to accuracy so our constituents can better understand the work we do. After all, we work for them!

How Cary Government Works

Cary Tennis Classic Board

On Monday night, I met with the Cary Tennis Classic Board. Much of our discussion focused on issues related to the former town manager. We also talked about the future of the Cary Tennis Park, particularly as interest grows in an expansion that would include pickleball.

We are well positioned not only to maintain the nation’s top public tennis facility, but also to attract tournaments that could generate millions of dollars in economic impact. The board will meet again next month as we continue preparations for the Cary Tennis Classic, which begins on June 28.

Muffins With the Mayor

On Friday morning, I met with approximately twenty senior residents as part of the Muffins with the Mayor program. I encouraged them to ask about any topic of interest, which ranged from noise sensitivity to housing density. After an hour and a half of discussion, the issue involving the former town manager had not been raised, so I brought it up myself and we discussed it as well.

I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation and have asked staff to schedule another session as soon as possible.

As a side note, although neither I nor the council have offices at Town Hall, I hope to begin holding regular times to meet with residents who would like to sit down and discuss issues, as I continue to look for ways to increase transparency.

MLK Dreamfest Celebration

On Saturday night, I attended the MLK Dreamfest celebration at the Cary Arts Center alongside Council Members Bush, Craig, Richards, and Huang. Mayor Pro-Tem Bush delivered remarks and read a proclamation. The evening was a true celebration, featuring song, dance, poetry, and inspiring remarks from keynote speaker Rev. Jerome Gay Jr. The venue was filled to capacity, and the audience clearly enjoyed the program. Special thanks to our mistress of ceremonies, Kweilyn Murphy of ABC11, for guiding a wonderful evening.

Town Manager’s Weekly Report

Russ’s Message

Council,

As you may have seen, there is a chance for light snow late Saturday night through Sunday afternoon. Our Public Works staff is ready in the event we see any accumulation. As a reminder, Town Hall will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Please refer to the news release for more details on closures and operations.

If you have some availability this weekend, I hope you can attend at least one of the annual Dreamfest events or programs. The full lineup of events is linked here. I hope you enjoy your weekend and please stay warm.

Russ

Interim Town Manager

311 Cases

311 handled 2,574 cases this week — here’s a breakdown of contact methods and our top 5 service areas.

Volume By Contact Method:

Phone: 1,626
Email: 397
Web: 284
Internal: 207
Walk-In: 38
Text: 9
Social Media: 13

53.48% cases fell into these top 5 categories:

Utility Billing & Services: 594
Inspection Scheduling & Status: 289
Permitting Inquiries & Payments: 203
Water Meter Service & Requests: 180
Loose Leaf Inquiries & Pickup: 105

2026 Biennial Survey

The Biennial Citizen Satisfaction Survey launched January 12, to assess how well Cary is delivering on its mission and to measure overall confidence in local government operations. Consultants working on behalf of Cary will contact a randomly selected representative sample of approximately 400 residents by phone. As in previous surveys, topics include public safety, services, communications, transportation, recreation, and the environment.

Green Level West Road Renaming Letters Mailed Out

In June of 2025, Council voted to rename a portion of Green Level West Road to High House Road, from NC 55 to Green Level Church Road, with an effective date of January 30, 2026. Wake County’s Board of Commissioners later voted to approve the renaming in August of 2025. This week, staff sent out the second reminder letter to property owners on Green Level West Road that will be re-addressed, along with an FAQ sheet on readdressing. Properties to be re-addressed will receive $300 to defray the costs of changing their address.

24-REZ-14 Weston PDD Amendment Balloon Test

On January 15, the applicants for 24-REZ-14 Weston PDD Amendment conducted a balloon test on site. A balloon was raised with a boom to a height of approximately 75 feet near the high point of the site, with the intent of providing neighbors with a reference for the visibility of the potential future building(s).

White Oak Greenway Maintenance

Nine storm drainage improvements along the White Oak Creek Greenway have been completed. These improvements extend from Jenks Carpenter Road to past N.C. 55 and are designed to more efficiently convey stormwater runoff away from the greenway trail. The upgrades will help reduce standing water and improve trail conditions during and after rainfall.

Chinese Lantern Festival Recap

The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival concluded another highly successful season at Koka Booth Amphitheatre, ending an eight-week run that welcomed 249,360 guests, 183 more than last year, and featured 22 sold-out nights during the holiday season. Celebrating its 10th year in Cary, the festival has grown into a beloved annual tradition since Tianyu Arts & Culture introduced it to North Carolina in 2015. In addition to its striking visual displays, the festival delivered meaningful community benefits by raising $7,014.61 for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and $7,659.49 for the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina through online donations.

Three Kings Parade

The Town of Cary and Diamante Arts & Cultural Center concluded the holiday season with the 2026 Three Kings Day Parade along N. Academy Street and Town Hall campus. The event drew approximately 300 attendees and featured 20 colorful floats and community groups. The parade celebrated the cultural significance of Three Kings Day and highlighted the power of community partnerships to bring residents together.

Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting – February 4

The following neighborhood meetings will be held on Wednesday, February 4 at 6:30 p.m.

For more information and to register, please visit the Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting page.

Important Dates

Town Council Work Session
Tuesday, January 20
5:30 p.m.

Public Art Advisory Board
Wednesday, January 21
6:15 p.m.

Town Council Meeting
Thursday, January 22
6:30 p.m.

Q&A on Manager’s Resignation and Other Items

WithersRavenel Contract

Under North Carolina law, an elected official may work with a company that does business with the town. These situations are governed by G.S. 14-234.3, which addresses nonprofit board involvement, and G.S. Chapter 138A, which establishes broader ethical standards for state and local officials. Both statutes emphasize transparency, disclosure, recusal when appropriate, and the avoidance of even the appearance of impropriety, particularly in matters involving contracts or quasi-judicial decisions such as zoning.

I did not conduct business with the Town of Cary while contracting with WithersRavenel.

However, the negative environment created at Town Hall by the actions of former Town Manager Stegall has had a harmful impact on staff and the organization as a whole. In addition, a false narrative surrounding WithersRavenel has cast an unwarranted shadow over a homegrown company that has provided excellent service to the town for decades. I do not want the current environment to cause harm to any individual or business. The last thing we need is for good people or a good company to be unfairly damaged.

For these reasons, I have terminated my contract with WithersRavenel. I will not provide further interviews on this matter.

The following questions were addressed on my January 4^th and January 11^th blog:

Was the $1.3 million in fraud returned to Cary? Yes …
Why didn’t you know about the town manager’s behavior?
When did you learn about the land purchase to Cary Elementary?
Do you have conflicts of interest?

The questions that are new or updated are below.

Why did you give push back to a council member that wanted to move forward with changes now?

Multiple reviews are currently underway concerning the former town manager’s actions, including a third-party investigation and audit, an investigation by the North Carolina State Auditor, a Wake County District Attorney investigation, and an SBI investigation. Acting before these reviews are complete risks a “ready, shoot, aim” approach and could undermine sound decision-making. Responsible action requires full and accurate information.

We will continue to be open and transparent with the public and will share information as it becomes available.

I look forward to continuing to work with that council member and the full council team on the trust and transparency initiatives we have previously discussed.

How could you not know all the things the former manager was doing?

We function as a board of directors for the Town of Cary and are not involved in its day-to-day operations. We do not maintain offices at Town Hall and have limited contact with staff, typically only in the presence of the town manager. Our role is to establish policy. Our understanding of the organization is based on its performance and on information provided by staff. This structure is comparable to a corporate model in which the council serves as the board and the town manager serves as the CEO; as in a corporation, board members are not involved in daily operations.

This arrangement, known as the council–manager form of government, is used by nearly all municipalities in North Carolina. While there may be a perception that town staff report directly to me or that I hold ultimate authority, that is not accurate. Staff report to the town manager, who serves as the liaison to the town council and is responsible for staff actions and the information presented to council members. I am one of seven council members who collectively exercise authority over the town manager, town attorney, and town clerk.

The former town manager was highly adept at misleading both staff and council. He falsely warned staff of severe council repercussions from council if certain actions were not taken, while selectively providing differing information to individual council members.

Despite these challenges, the organization continues to perform at a high level, delivering an exceptional quality of life while maintaining the lowest tax rate in Wake County.

Did I know the book “Top of the Arc” cost the town $150,000?

No.

I am not aware of any current or former council member who knew of this. We were all interviewed for the book and were aware that it was being written, but there was no reason to believe that a personal endeavor would be funded by taxpayers. Needless to say, we were shocked to learn that taxpayer dollars were used for this purpose.

Why did you pay the town manager’s severance?

First, he has not been paid any severance and will not receive severance unless and until all terms of his contract are met. The town entered into an employment agreement with the former town manager in 2016 that provides six months of severance unless the manager committed a criminal act, a provision that is standard in employment contracts across the country. While his conduct was clearly harmful, no evidence of a criminal act has been presented to the town at this time.

Under the contract, the severance provision applies regardless of whether he resigned or was terminated. Had the town declined to honor the agreement, the former manager could have pursued legal action and likely still would have been entitled to severance, resulting in additional costs to taxpayers. Extended litigation also brought the risk of further harm, including the possibility of false statements or public disparagement of the town and its employees.

As of the past few days, the former manager has been under investigation by the Wake County District Attorney’s Office and the State Bureau of Investigation.

What changes have you made and will you make?

At the November 20 council meeting, I made a motion, approved by the council, to ensure that all council meetings are streamed and televised. I viewed this as an essential first step toward greater transparency.

Second, the council has eliminated one-on-one meetings. Going forward, informational update meetings with the town manager will include two council members and the mayor, along with three additional staff members. These meetings are referred to as “3 x 4” meetings.

Although we do not maintain offices at Town Hall, I am exploring ways to establish regular times to meet with residents and discuss their concerns.

Additional changes will also be implemented in how the budget is reviewed.

Finally, the internal review being conducted by Womble, Bond, and Dickinson is expected to result in further procedural improvements.

Mayor’s Mailbox

Concerns about taxes.
Several complaints about the former manager’s contract.
“I can only hope that you do not take responsibility for another person’s poor choice, and if you do, let go and let God. Move forward and continue the invaluable leadership that has made Cary a great community.”
“As a 15-year resident I’ve observed all the good you have done for Cary. I and my family have benefited from your efforts. The township is much better off and is a great place to live.”
“I appreciate you, and I believe that you are doing a good job as our mayor! Thank you for leading the Town of Cary with excellence for many years…I am disappointed to hear that several of my fellow citizens are blaming you and council members for the bad decisions made by our former town manager.”
Complaints about the movie “The Voice of Hind Rajab” being shown at the Cary Theater.
A request to develop a sister city relationship with Italy.
Complaints about a proposal for apartments in Weston.
A complaint about taxpayers’ dollars spent managing the downtown park.
A complaint about ICE in Cary.
A request to rewrite the Cary Community Plan and basically stop funding our sports venues.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include a Wake County Mayors Association meeting, a GRCVB (Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau, 3X4 meetings, two council work sessions, State of Cary slides prep, a CAMPO (Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization) Executive Board meeting, and a regularly scheduled council meeting.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, January 25, 2026. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts, those are not the best means of communication with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@carync.gov and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.

Interview with Indy Week, Interview with WUNC, Dr. Walden’s Economic Forecast, Council Work Session, and Council Meeting

Purpose of this Blog

This blog is written with sincerity, honesty, and a commitment to accuracy so our constituents can better understand the work we do. After all, we work for them!

Interview with Indy Week

Monday morning, I did an interview with Chloe Bohl of Indy Week. We talked for half an hour in detail about topics related to the town manager’s transition. I thought the article was well written, fair, and balanced. Thanks to Chloe for being interested in getting information to the public rather than generating the anything-for-a-click news reporting we have seen from other media outlets. You can read the article here.

Interview with WUNC

I sat down with Sharryse Piggot Monday morning for an interview. I answered questions about the manager transition and how we are moving forward. Though not to detailed, I thought the article was well written, fair, and balanced. I appreciate Sharryse for meeting with me and providing information to the public. You can read the article here.

Council and Staff 3 X 4 Informational Meetings

Instead of the one-on-one meetings council used to have with the town manager, we now have two council members, and the mayor meet with four staff members. Topics included an informational preview of the January 8^th work session and council regular meeting, items for the January 22^nd meeting, and key topics council should consider. One topic was how to have drop-in public meetings on the budget to involve the residents more.

Dr. Walden’s Presentation at Cary Chamber Breakfast

On Wednesday Dr. Michael Walden from NC State University presented his annual economic outlook at a Cary Chamber Breakfast. Here are some of the points from that presentation:

GDP growth in the US from 2018 to 2023 was 12%. The last two years it was 5%.
GDP growth in NC from 2018 to 2023 was 14%. The last two years it was 7%.
Employment trends in NC are stable between 3% and 4%. The US is seeing an increase and is around 4%.
Jobless rate in US is 4.6%, in NC it is 3.7%, and Raleigh/Cary 3.2%.
Job openings are trending downward in both the US and NC.
The top four leading job gainers in NC are healthcare and social assistance at 101,586; professional, scientific, and technical services at 62,050; accommodation and food services at 61,292; educational services at 34,289.
US and NC retail sales continue to expand, but with some bumps.
Three worries: households are borrowing more, saving less, and are less optimistic
Loan delinquencies have risen, but not to dangerous levels.
Lower inflation rate does not necessarily mean lower prices.
The average weekly earnings, when adjusted for inflation, haven’t gone up in the last two years.
Tariffs were initially paid by the importing company but now more is being passed to the consumer.
Mortgage interest rates remain between five and seven per cent but have been trending slightly lower lately.
Median house listing in North Carolina is over $400,000.
Home affordability in North Carolina is trending toward more affordable housing over last year.
In 2026 GDP growth is expected to be between 2% and 3%.
In 2026 the jobless rate is expected to be 4.5%.
In 2026 the annual inflation rate is expected to be between 2.5% and 3%.
Issues that could impact GDP, jobs, and inflation include tariffs, AI, Fed policies, consumer solvency/sentiment, government shutdowns, foreign conflicts, social security solvency, and national debt.

Council Work Session

The Cary Council held a work session on Thursday evening to review the meeting schedule, see the high-level budget introduction by staff, changes in EMS service, and talk about council-initiated items.

In the budget introduction the council was introduced to the duties of the Budget Officer:

Each local government and public authority shall appoint a budget officer to serve at the will of the governing board. In counties or cities having the manager form of government, the county or city manager shall be the budget officer. Counties not having the manager form of government may impose the duties of budget officer upon the county finance officer or any other county officer or employee except the sheriff, or in counties having a population of more than 7,500, the register of deeds. Cities not having the manager form of government may impose the duties of budget officer on any city officer or employee, including the mayor if he agrees to undertake them. A public authority or special district may impose the duties of budget officer on the chairman or any member of its governing board or any other officer or employee.

The staff will be recreating the budget preview packet from past years. It will include highlights, a financial summary, key trends, and major budget requests. The budget preview packet will be given to council in March. The planned schedule for the budget process:

January 20: work session
February 5: work session
February 20-21: Council-staff retreat: financial fluency and priorities
March 9-13: Small group meetings: budget previews & packet review
March 12: work session
March 23-27: small group meetings: budget preview Q&A
March 24: work session
April 16: work session
April 28: work session
May 7: Manager’s recommended budget delivered to council
May 14: Quarterly: Review Manager’s recommended budget
May 28: work session
May 28: 1^st budget public hearing
June 11: work session
June 11: 2^nd budget public hearing
June 23: work session
June 25: budget adoption

Council asked staff to prepare ways for the public to be more involved. One idea is a focus group made up of Cary 101 graduates.

Wake County Plans changes in EMS service. They regulate all emergency and non-emergency ambulance services in Wake County municipalities. Fire departments in Cary and other municipalities provide first responder services. They just can’t do transport. Due to this lower level of service Cary Fire calls will increase and will have to remain in location longer. Ambulance service will respond to calls of highest priority based on a four-tiered system. An example of the tier one would be a heart attack. An example of tier four would be back pain or sick calls.

Council Meeting

The Cary Council held its first regularly scheduled meeting of the year on Thursday night. The agenda included three consent items, Public Speaks Out, no public hearings, and two discussion items.

The consent items were two sets of minutes and a call for a public hearing for two properties in Chatham County.

Public Speaks Out speaker comments were mostly criticism of the council and me related to the actions of the former town manager. They basically stated that everything was our fault and that I, as mayor, should resign for the actions of the former manager.

The first discussion item for staff to prepare a report for the proposed South Hills Municipal Service District was unanimously approved direction by council. The report will be made available to the public, and public hearing will be held in the future.

The second discussion item was about the Walnut Street Parking Deck Gravel lot. When the deck was completed, Cary constructed a gravel parking lot for overflow and construction vehicle parking on adjacent property owned by Academy Park Commercial LLC. Per the amendment to the Downtown Development Project Agreement with Academy Park Commercial LLC approved by Council June 26, 2025, Cary is permitted to maintain the gravel lot until a new building is constructed on that site, provided visual and safety upgrades are made. Should Cary not make improvements, per the agreement the lot must be removed by September 11, 2026. The choice was to remove the lot and plant grass or upgrade the lot and continue to allow parking. The council unanimously approved the improvement of the lot and keeping the spaces.

After the regular meeting the council spent three hours in closed session.

Town Manager’s Weekly Report

Russ’s Message

This week, we’re introducing the 311 Snapshot. Moving forward, you’ll see this routinely as a pulse check on case volume and the top case categories we’re seeing. Think of it as a quick look at how citizens interact with staff to keep the Cary machine moving forward.

I also wanted to share a brief heads-up related to this Saturday’s Three Kings Day Parade. N. Academy Street and roads surrounding Town Hall Campus — including Wilkinson Avenue and Ambassador Loop — will be temporarily closed from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition, the parking lot at Herb Young Community Center will be closed from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., but Town Hall Parking Deck access will not be affected.

I’m looking forward to what 2026 has in store for Cary and for the work ahead with all of you.

Russ

Interim Town Manager

January 8 Work Session

Definitions and examples of EMS call levels

311 Snapshot

311 processed 2,568 new cases this week:

Volume by Contact Method

Phone: 1,655
Email: 384
Web: 260
Internal: 188
Walk-In: 54
Text: 21
Social Media: 6

53.86% of cases fell into these top 5 categories:

Utility Billing & Services: 604
Inspection Scheduling & Status: 264
Water Meter Service & Requests: 195
Permitting Inquiries & Payments: 192
Recycling Inquiries & Pickup: 128

Page-Walker Willow Oak Removal Completed

A large willow oak on the west side of the Page-Walker Arts & History Center was removed earlier this week. Fungal growth identified at the base of the tree prompted multiple assessments, including a higher-level evaluation using specialized equipment to measure internal decay. These assessments confirmed advanced deterioration caused by two fungal pathogens and a high likelihood of failure, with the greatest risk being directed toward the Page-Walker building. The removal was necessary to preserve the historic structure and ensure the well-being of visitors. Looking ahead, staff plan to replant an oak in the same general area this year and are exploring opportunities to reuse salvaged wood for commemorative or public art purposes, honoring the tree’s significance to the campus.

Animal Services Prepare for Upcoming Shelter Closure

The Wake County Animal Shelter will be closed from Jan. 16 to Mar. 2 for repairs and maintenance. The Police Department’s Animal Services team is equipped to manage this temporary closure, having successfully navigated longer closures in the past. During these months, the Animal Services team will prioritize triaging animal-related service calls to explore alternative solutions, reducing unnecessary intakes while still allowing for certain cases that meet criteria. Overall, minimal operational impacts are expected as the Animal Services team relies on its experience and partnerships with the County.

Kwanzaa Celebration

The Arts Center hosted the Cary Kwanzaa Celebration on December 29, honoring African American culture and community. This year’s theme, Honoring Cultural Scholarship and Performance in the Community, included a performance by the SUAH African Dance Theatre. Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush presented a proclamation designating December 29 as Cary Kwanzaa Celebration Day.

Holiday Season Recap

Community traditions and live performances marked the close of the Christmas season. Nearly 3,000 votes were cast in the 14th Annual Gifting Tree Project, featuring 105 trees decorated by local schools, families, and organizations; the 2025 winners can be found here. In partnership with Douglas Realty, the gifting trees will be reused after the holidays to help rebuild sand dunes along North Carolina’s coast. The Motown holiday show at the Arts Center featured singers and dancers from across the Triangle performing holiday classics alongside Motown favorites, sharing a message of joy, soul, and hope.

Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting – January 14

The following neighborhood meetings will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 6:30 p.m.

For more information and to register, please visit the Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting page.

Important Dates

Zoning Board of Adjustment
Monday, January 12, 6:30 p.m.

Environmental Advisory Board
Tuesday, January 13, 6:00 p.m.

Senior Advisory Board
Wednesday, January 14, 12:00 p.m.

Historic Preservation Commission
Wednesday, January 14, 6:30 p.m.

Greenway Committee
Thursday, January 15, 6:00 p.m.

Q&A on Manager’s Resignation and Other Items

The following questions were addressed on my January 4^th blog:

Was the $1.3 million in fraud returned to Cary? Yes …
Why didn’t you know about the town manager’s behavior?
When did you learn about the land purchase to Cary Elementary?

The questions that are new or updated are below.

How could you not know all the things the former manager was doing?

We serve as a board of directors for the organization called Town of Cary and are not involved in its day-to-day operations. We do not maintain offices at Town Hall; our role is to set policy. Our understanding of the organization comes from its performance and from communication provided by staff.

This structure is known as the council–manager form of government and is used by almost all municipalities in North Carolina.

While some may believe that staff report directly to me or that I hold ultimate authority, that is not the case. Staff report to the town manager. I am one of seven council members who collectively have authority over the town manager, town attorney, and town clerk.

The former manager was highly skilled at misleading both staff and council. He would warn staff of drastic council cuts if certain actions were not taken, while selectively sharing different information with individual council members.

Despite this, the organization continues to perform at a high level, and we maintain the highest quality of life with the lowest tax rate in Wake County.

Did I know the book “Top of the Arc” cost the town $150,000?

No.

I am not aware of any current or former council member that new. We were all interviewed for the book and knew he was writing one. There was no reason to believe that the town would pay for a personal endeavor.

Why did you pay the town manager’s severance?

First, he has not been paid severance and will not receive any severance until all terms of his contract are fulfilled. The town entered into an employment agreement with the former town manager in 2016, which provides six months of severance unless he committed a criminal act, a provision that is common in employment contracts nationwide. While his actions were clearly harmful, there is no evidence at this time that he committed a crime.

Under the contract, the severance obligation applies whether he resigned or was terminated. Had the town refused to honor the agreement, the former manager could have pursued legal action and likely still would have been entitled to severance, resulting in additional costs to taxpayers. Prolonged litigation also brought the risk of further harm, including potential false statements or public disparagement of the town and its employees.

At present, there is no indication that his conduct was technically illegal, although the investigation remains ongoing and may provide additional clarity.

While it was difficult to approve payment to someone whose actions caused significant harm, honoring the contract was necessary and represented the most responsible course of action to protect the town’s legal and financial interests.

What changes have you made and will you make?

Additional changes will also be implemented in how the budget is reviewed.

Finally, the internal review being conducted by Womble, Bond, and Dickinson is expected to lead to further procedural changes.

Do you have conflicts of interest?

No.

Under North Carolina law, an elected official has a conflict of interest (COI) only when personal financial interests or those of immediate family members conflict with their public duties. When such a conflict exists, the official must refrain from participating in decisions that could provide personal benefit. State law addresses these situations through specific statutes, including G.S. 14-234.3, which governs nonprofit board involvement, and G.S. Chapter 138A, which establishes broader ethical standards for state and local officials. These laws emphasize transparency, disclosure, recusal when appropriate, and avoiding even the appearance of impropriety, particularly in matters involving contracts or quasi-judicial decisions such as zoning.

Despite this well-defined legal framework, The News & Observer has continued to publish stories suggesting that I have a conflict of interest where none exists. Notably, the publication was unable to identify a single currently practicing municipal attorney, of whom there are at least a dozen in Wake County alone, willing to state that my actions constituted a COI. Instead, they relied on commentary from a retired attorney from Durham, who characterized the situation as “sticky.” Further review of her background suggests she is not widely respected among her peers.

It is also worth noting that many elected officials across North Carolina are employed by engineering firms, yet this has not drawn similar scrutiny from The News & Observer. For example, a Johnston County commissioner works for the same firm with which I contract and currently serves as chair of CAMPO (the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization). All CAMPO members are required to complete ethics training and disclose their employment, a standard practice that promotes transparency and accountability.

Unfortunately, The News & Observer appears more focused on advancing a predetermined narrative rather than on accurately presenting the facts. The result is reporting that prioritizes sensationalism over substance, seemingly driven more by generating clicks than by providing fair and balanced coverage.

Here are the facts:

I am the owner of Weinbrecht Consulting LLC and provide government relations support to WithersRavenel under an hourly consulting agreement focused on asset management. I am compensated solely at an hourly rate and do not receive bonuses, commissions, or incentive-based pay. My compensation does not vary based on business outcomes or client activity, and I bill only for the hours worked.

My consulting income from WithersRavenel totaled $24,404 in 2023 and $23,694 in 2024. In 2025, I expect to earn less than $20,000, though my financial summary for the year has not yet been finalized. These amounts are not “fees,” as described in media reports, but represent the cumulative payment of hourly charges for work performed.

Most of my work involves participating in calls with staff from across the country to discuss how to effectively communicate asset management needs to elected officials. In the past several weeks, these calls have included participants from Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and Washington state.

Another component of my role is traveling nationally to give presentations, often alongside a past national president of the American Public Works Association (APWA) and occasionally assisting with WithersRavenel’s conference booth. The purpose of the booth is to gather sales leads. In the evenings, the marketing team typically hosts those leads at dinner.

During the 2023 ICMA conference mentioned by the News & Observer, I worked at the booth helping collect sales leads. The marketing team asked me to contact Cary representatives to see if they might be interested in attending the dinner, which I did by email and again on the day of the event. That was my only involvement.

It is disappointing that the News & Observer attempted to imply otherwise. This kind of misleading characterization does little to serve readers and may help explain the outlet’s declining readership.

Mayor’s Mailbox

“Dear Honorable Mayor:

I was distressed to hear you were asked to resign at the latest Council meeting. We are very fortunate to have you as our Mayor! You have worked tirelessly for the Town and led in building Cary into the fine community it is today. I know the recent breach of faith by the Town Manager was a betrayal of trust of all of us. And I believe honoring the contractual payout is the right decision, avoiding costly litigation. I have no doubt that you and the Council will fully investigate and learn from the situation, to make the Town of Cary even stronger in the future.

Again, thank you for all your years of hard work as our Mayor! I hope you will continue if it’s the right decision for you and your family.”

“Must have been pure torture for you!! I watched on my TV for as long as I could stand it. Most citizens who have followed the chaos Sean caused know where the real problem was. It’s true there needs to be some changes made & tightening the belt a bit, but you are not to blame for what he did. Even when Jennifer stepped up to speak I could barely hear her so hopefully she explained a little more clearly how it all unfolded. You have been & are still a great leader both on council and for the citizens of Cary! Hang in there and have peace knowing many of us support you as well as are happy having Russ. Hugs.”
Several other emails of support.
A complaint that we allow an ICE facility in Cary. (We have no authority in federal matters).
Invitation to several events.
A concern about ethics and trust.
An interest expressed in being involved in budget discussions.
A complaint about getting a building permit.
A complaint about leaf pickup.
A request for me to resign based on the News and Observer stories.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a Cary Tennis Classic board meeting, “Muffins with the Mayor” at the Cary Senior Center, and a Red Cross event.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts, those are not the best means of communication with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@carync.gov and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.

Happy New Year! Updates on Manager Transition, Champion Tree Removal, and an Update Stable Homes Cary

Purpose of this Blog

This blog is written with sincerity, honesty, and a commitment to accuracy so our constituents can better understand the work we do. After all, we work for them!

Updates on the Town Manager Transition

As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency, we continue to share updates regarding the town manager’s transition. This past week, additional information was posted on the following topics:

Land purchase and delegation of authority
Manager employment agreements
Trolley purchase and resale
Tuition reimbursement policy and related records
Council and manager roles
Council meeting participation links

The most current information is available here. Information from record requests can be found on the 311 portal.

The internal investigation being conducted by Womble Bond Dickinson is ongoing. The firm is reviewing whether any illegal activity may have occurred and identifying opportunities to strengthen our processes.

The State Auditor’s investigation is also ongoing, and we are fully cooperating by providing all requested documentation.

In addition, staff is compiling information on several matters of interest to the Council, including the ones requested by council member Bansal weeks ago:

The Town Manager’s spending authority
Professional development opportunities for Council and senior staff
Reallocation of funds for special projects
Implementation of a more structured review process for senior staff spending and documentation of time spent away from the office
Review of senior staff travel expenditures to ensure accountability
A comprehensive, in-depth review of the Town’s budget with full Council participation
Reporting on the Town’s fund balance at all quarterly meetings

It is important to allow staff and investigators sufficient time to gather and analyze information before making changes. Acting too quickly can lead to unintended consequences. For example, reducing the Town Manager’s spending authority too drastically could have serious operational impacts. In the recent water and sewer leak at Kildaire and Cary Parkway, an authority set too low would have required a special Council meeting to allocate funds, delaying critical repairs for residents and businesses.

We must avoid a “ready, shoot, aim” approach and ensure that any changes are thoughtful, deliberate, and well-informed.

Willow Oak at Page-Walker To be Removed

In Cary we value our trees and champion trees. Sadly, I received the following information from staff on Monday:

I wanted to forward some information that was shared with the Friends of Page Walker earlier this evening regarding the removal of a champion tree near the south parking area at Town Hall and adjacent to the Page Walker. Please see the full email below. The tree will be removed next week, and staff is also working on a revegetation plan to regrow the canopy. Below is a little more detail from the full arborist report and if anyone would like to see the full report, we’ll be happy to provide a copy. Please let Danna or I know if you have any additional questions.

Tree 1 was found to have two species of fungal pathogens (Oak Bracket Fungus and Brittle Cinder Fungus) at the root flare. The fungi encompass more than 50% of the circumference of the tree and was confirmed by the Bartlett Research Lab. The consulting arborist also assessed the tree using a mallet for sounding wood decay and a resistograph to determine the level of structural integrity within the root system of the tree. Resistograph drill readings were taken at 1-inch above grade in 21 locations around the full circumference of the tree and detected major structural integrity loss within the root flare. An average of at least 9.75 inches of sound wood is necessary to support a 64-inch willow oak. Of the 21 readings only three exceeded that thickness while nine showed less than 5-inches of sound wood and five showed no sound wood present within the root flare. The likelihood of failure is probable, which means that failure may be expected under normal conditions within the next two years. The tree also presented an unbalanced crown with more weight on the north side of the tree. The location of the most significant decay is on the east side of the tree, when this is combined with the unbalanced crown, there is a higher likelihood that if whole tree failure occurred the tree would fall toward the Page Walker.

We are blessed to have town staff that care about our trees.

Stable Homes Cary

The following was a briefing we received this week about our Stable Homes Cary program:

Updated December 28, 2025

Cary Housing Plan & Support for Housing Initiatives

Two key foundations of Cary’s housing strategy are Partnerships and People First. Through projects and programs, Cary collaborates with local and regional partners to improve housing resources in Cary. These endeavors help ensure that all Cary citizens can enjoy the high quality of life that Cary has to offer.
Since the adoption of the Cary Housing Plan in November 2021, Cary has launched several initiatives including Healthy Homes Cary to help low-income households with home repairs; Cary’s Nonprofit Capacity Building Program to provide training for nonprofit leaders; and Cary’s partnership with Laurel Street Residential to develop 126 units of mixed-income housing on Town-owned property at 921 SE Maynard.

Stable Homes Cary – Dorcas (recently renamed NeighborUp) Partnership

In early 2024, Cary began discussions with NeighborUp and other local groups interested in addressing housing instability, homelessness prevention, redevelopment displacement, and in particular, helping Chatham Estates residents. In addition to Cary and NeighborUp, other organizations involved in the discussions include Taylor Family YMCA, Northwest Cary YMCA, The Carying Place, A Doorway to Hope, OneWake, and the Western Regional Housing Action Group.
Through these discussions, NeighborUp, a major Cary non-profit providing emergency relief and support services to residents experiencing housing instability, agreed to serve as lead agency to support the launch of a new program, Stable Homes Cary. The program integrates three key components: short-term emergency relief, case management, and referrals to other area service providers.
In March 2024, Council approved the establishment of a two-pronged program including:
An allocation of $1,650,000 through FY27 ($500,000, $550,000, and $600,00 disbursed over three years, a blend of Cary General Funds and CDBG-CV Covid Relief funds) to scale up the existing direct emergency housing assistance model, develop housing navigation counseling expertise, and administer the Oasis Utility Bill and Play It Forward programs and;
An allocation of $800,000 (Cary General Funds) to seed a fund for assistance to be disbursed exclusively to residents who need to relocate due to property redevelopment.

Chatham Estates Potential Sale

As of February 7, 2024, Curtis Westbrook, owner of Chatham Estates, the 27.25-acre mobile home park with 144 mobile homes located at 607 Cedar Street at the intersection of E. Chatham Street and SE Maynard Road, listed the property for sale with broker Lee & Associates.
The listing currently includes the residential portion of the property. Cary’s understanding is that current owner plans to maintain ownership of the commercial area Chatham Square Shopping Center and Maynard Plaza.

In March 2025, a development plan was submitted to Cary by Withers Ravenel on behalf of Toll Brothers proposing the by-right development of 330 multifamily units and 97 townhouses. The plan is in the third round of review and with last activity in October 2025. While rezoning is not required, Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZOBA) approval is necessary because the development has over 100 units.

Last month, the Toll Brothers development team initiated a meeting with NeighborUp to understand the Stable Homes Cary Program and explore opportunities to support the Chatham Estates residents through a potential contribution to the relocation fund. Cary is not aware of any additional funding committed to date.
Cary’s understanding is that Toll Brothers and the current property owner intend on closing the sale in June 2026. Under North Carolina state law, mobile home park owners are obligated to provide a Notice to Vacate 180 days in advance of eviction. Toll Brothers’ representatives have indicated this notice will be issued Monday, December 29th.
NeighborUp and A Doorway to Hope have begun community outreach to educate residents and provide information about Stable Homes Cary resources. Counselors have been on-site several times over the last month and a flyer with counselor information is being distributed door-to-door in person by NeighborUp and A Doorway to Hope staff on Monday, December 29th.
Through individual case management, both in the neighborhood and at NeighborUp, counselors will help identify potential housing options, connect residents with resources, and administer relocation assistance disbursement to help meet each household’s needs. People will be eligible to be reimbursed for assistance with moving expenses (moving vehicle rental, mobile home mover, moving materials, professional labor, etc.), housing expenses (rental deposits, utility deposits, renter’s insurance, application fees, first month’s rent, etc.) and/or home purchase expenses (down payments, inspections, HOA fees, homebuying fees, etc.) Households earning at or below 300% poverty level are eligible for the Cary Stable Homes funds. (Currently, 300% poverty level is $96,450 for a household of four.) Funds will be awarded based on need and equitably as households apply. U.S. citizenship status is not a qualifying requirement.
Once residents have received the official Notice to Vacate, NeighborUp will disburse assistance for eligible expenses as resident applications are evaluated. NeighborUp will report on program activity and request reimbursement from Cary.

Interview with WTVD ABC11

On Monday evening, I spoke with ABC11 for approximately twenty minutes. Most of the discussion focused on issues surrounding the town manager’s resignation. I was also asked about a supposed conflict of interest, a narrative being advanced by the News & Observer. I want to be clear that I have no conflict of interest.

I appreciate ABC11’s fair and balanced approach in reporting this story.

Q&A on Manager’s Resignation and Other Items

Was the $1.3 million in fraud returned to Cary?

Yes.

Cary was a victim of fraud. While safeguards exist to prevent this type of incident, they were not followed in this case. Through the combined efforts of the Cary Police Department, the FBI, and the bank, the funds were successfully recovered. Specific details regarding how the recovery was accomplished cannot be disclosed.

Why did you pay the town manager’s severance?

The town entered into a contractual agreement with Stegall in 2016. That agreement provided for six months of severance unless he committed a criminal act, a provision that is common in employment contracts nationwide. While his actions were clearly harmful, there is no indication that he committed a crime.

Under the terms of the contract, the severance obligation applied whether he resigned or was terminated. Had the town refused to honor the agreement, Stegall could have pursued legal action and likely would have still been entitled to severance, resulting in additional costs to taxpayers. Prolonged litigation also carried the risk of further harm, including the potential for lies, or public disparagement of the town and its employees.

At this time, there is no evidence that his conduct was technically illegal, though the investigation is ongoing and may provide additional clarity.

While it was difficult to pay a significant sum to someone whose actions caused substantial harm, honoring the contract was necessary and represented the most responsible course of action to protect the town’s legal and financial interests.

Why didn’t you know about the town manager’s behavior?

The mayor and council serve as members of a policy-making board. We are not full-time employees, nor do we maintain offices at Town Hall, and we do not oversee day-to-day operations. Those responsibilities rest with the town manager. This structure is known as the council-manager form of government and is used by most municipalities in North Carolina.

As a result, the manager was able to conceal his actions from the policy board, and I was unaware of his inappropriate conduct until public records requests were submitted this fall. When I first learned of the tuition expense in October, I immediately questioned the town manager about it. At that time, he defended the expenditure, and I was not aware of the full scope of the spending. Notably, he then cancelled nearly all my one-on-one meetings for the following month and a half, until the council placed him on leave.

After a second public records request was released, I went back and looked at the first one and learned that the total amount spent on tuition exceeded $25,000. I then sent an email expressing my concerns and cc’d the council. Shortly thereafter, several staff members, who requested anonymity, provided additional information, including concerns regarding land purchases and misrepresentations about the fund balance.

At that point, I contacted our auditor, Cherry Bekaert, to report what I had learned. This led to Sean’s formal review, which began on November 18 and concluded on November 20, when the council called for his resignation.

Here is my timeline of events for everything I recall:

September 1: First record request from A. Williams
September 30: A link to records for A. Williams released to council:
- Council Related Records Folder: emails and receipts for two council members.
- Staff Related Records Folder: emails and receipts for Stegall and four other staff members
- Council emails, expenses, and reimbursements for all council members including me
- Staff emails, expenses, and reimbursements including Stegall
- Public records can be found here.
October 12: Public Records request for texts by A. Williams for all receipts, per diems, reimbursements, etc.
- None found and presented
October 13: I questioned Stegall about tuition at one-on-one meeting
- Stegall cancels all but two weekly one-on-one meetings with me after that
October 30: A link to records for A. Williams released to council, Part 2 (text requests)
November 5: I verify land purchase next to Cary Elementary with Wake County Real estate records
November 13: Council Quarterly, Stegall says fund balance never was below policy which was a false statement
November 14: I called auditor Cherry Bekaert and tell them about what I have heard
November 14: I send email to Stegall and council:

“I reviewed this spreadsheet and looked back at previous information for A. Williams.

Based on my observations we have spent over $25,000 on tuition, which concerns me. I expressed this concern to Sean in our one-on-one a few weeks ago.

What is the projected final total for these costs? I am worried that it looks like gifts and favors especially since this is not an option for town employees. I think as a council we need to understand how it gets approved and paid. It is also troubling to me now since we are in the middle of an audit.

We should discuss this at the policy and procedure work session set for December. Thanks”

Beginning early November: Several staff approached me anonymously about their concerns:
- Stegall lying about fund balance policy
- Stegall elaborate spending including hotel receipts
- Spending Tuition on a council member when staff doesn’t get the same benefit
- Land purchase next to Cary Elementary using money budgeted for “smart” improvements to parking decks. Land to be used for affordable housing, a Guardian ad litem project, or open space. Only two council members were aware.
- Old library site to be used for affordable housing.
- Millions of dollars in contracts with friends (a company named G&H) with little or no outcomes (no other details provided to date)
November 15: I prepared to convince my colleagues to remove Stegall
November 18: Council began annual review of Stegall. At this point I was unable to get council to agree to his removal.
November 20: Due to my concerns about transparency, I made a motion in our regularly scheduled meeting that all council meetings, remote and in chambers, should be televised, which was passed unanimously
November 20: In a Closed Session meeting Sean asked to resign and is put on leave
Week of November 24: Council member pays back tuition
December 4: New Council members sworn in
December 11: First meeting with new council members
December 13: Stegall resigns
December 15: Special Meeting to announce Stegall’s resignation

When did you learn about the land purchase next to Cary Elementary?

I learned in early November that two parcels of land adjacent to Cary Elementary had been purchased. I later verified the transactions in July 2024 using the Wake County Real Estate website.

Stegall had authority for up to $1 million in discretionary spending. Because the two parcels were acquired through separate contracts, each individual purchase did not exceed that threshold, allowing staff to execute the agreements without bringing them before the Town Council for approval. Although the parcels are adjacent and likely intended for a single future project, one that would ultimately require Council approval, they were treated as separate transactions.

Stegall directed staff to purchase the parcels separately, which was technically legal. However, the purchases were not disclosed to the full Council. This appears to have been done to avoid public discussion and to accommodate the preferences of a small subset of Council members. The land acquisition is one example of how Sean operated in secrecy and in ways that benefited individual Council members rather than the Council as a whole.

The first parcel, measuring 0.58 acres, was assessed at $149,064 but purchased by the town for $379,000. The second parcel, approximately 1 acre, was assessed at $248,292 and purchased for $686,000. Combined, the total cost of the two purchases exceeded $1 million. The money came from a budgeted item for smart technology for our parking deck.

What changes have you made and will you make?

Additional changes will also be implemented in how the budget is reviewed.

Finally, the internal review being conducted by Womble, Bond, and Dickinson is expected to lead to further procedural changes.

Why did you say downtown trolleys were returned when they were not?

Unfortunately, this is very misleading story by the News and Observer. I am surprised that this is what I am being asked to address when there are more pressing issues facing our town.

In the blog post they reference from October 29, 2023, you will see a single statement about trolleys is listed under the work session notes. At that time, I was simply relaying information that staff had presented to the council.

Regarding the trolleys, here are the facts as I understand them. The town manager sent a staff member to accept delivery of the trolleys. That individual was not qualified to determine whether the trolleys met ADA compliance requirements. As a result, the town was placed in a difficult position when we later attempted to return them and the seller refused.

Subsequent negotiations were discussed in closed session, and state statute prohibits disclosure of those discussions. That is why no further details appeared on my blog. In the meantime, the trolleys were stored while the town attempted to resolve the matter.

Ultimately, the trolleys were sold to another community that was aware they were not ADA compliant and chose to purchase them anyway. The sale price was close to the depreciated value. While the town did incur a loss, it could have been significantly worse.

The fundamental error was the manager’s decision to send an unqualified individual to accept the trolleys. Council relies on management to exercise sound judgment and make informed decisions on behalf of the town.

Do you have conflicts of interest?

No.

Here are the facts:

I own Weinbrecht Consulting LLC and work with WithersRavenel under an hourly consulting contract providing government relations support related to asset management. I am paid only an hourly rate and do not receive bonuses or commissions.

My consulting income from WithersRavenel was $24,404 in 2023 and $23,694 in 2024. In 2025, I expect to earn less than $20,000, although I have not yet finalized my financial summary for the year.

During the 2023 ICMA conference mentioned by the News & Observer, I worked at the booth helping collect sales leads. The marketing team asked me to contact Cary representatives to see if they might be interested in attending the dinner, which I did before the event by email and again on the day of the event. That was my only involvement.

Cary Mayor Rumors for 2027

Rumors that these next two years on the Cary Council will be my last are simply not true. I fully intend to seek re-election and am grateful to have the unwavering support of my family, friends, and constituents.

As the only living Mayor who has led Cary through a recession and some of the most challenging financial times, I see it as both my responsibility and my calling to continue my service on the Cary Council. I am committed to working alongside my colleagues to help guide our community through today’s uncertainties.

I remain dedicated to my oath and to serving as Cary’s Mayor. I’m excited for what lies ahead—tomorrow and beyond.

Mayor’s Mailbox

A complaint that I wasn’t doing my job supervising the manager.
A complaint that I am “bought and paid for” based on the News and Observer false narrative.
A threat based on the News and Observer narrative (Thanks guys – turned that one over to the police).
A complaint “you and your team council are no longer trusted to make ANY decision in my opinion.”
Suggestions on how I should proceed as mayor.
A thanks for my “steady leadership, good heart and fortitude, especially in this challenging time”.
A request for a traffic signal at Morrisville Parkway and Highcroft Drive.
A complaint about the ICE facility off Evans Road.
Questions about Trolleys.
A request to have recycling every week (This would require more equipment, more personnel, and more tax dollars. A better solution would be to get an additional recycling bin which we will gladly provide.)

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, media interviews, a council work session, and a council meeting.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, January 11, 2026. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts, those are not the best means of communication with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@carync.gov and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.

Purpose of this Blog

How Cary Government Works

Meeting with Citizen

State of Cary – Glenaire

Cary AAA Confirmed with Fitch’s

State of Cary – Town Hall

Dr. Sharma’s 100th Birthday

Basant Bahar

Council Out and About

Triangle Community Coalition Annual Meeting

Essentials of Municipal Government at UNC School of Government

Banquet Welcoming the National President of VFW Auxiliary

Islamic Center of Cary’s Annual Interfaith Iftar Dinner

Future Scholars Summit

Town Manager’s Report

Information from Foundry Commercial About ICE in Regency

311 Snapshot

State of Cary Address Engagement

Community Input on CDBG Annual Action Plan

Biannual Bridge and Culvert Inspections Begin

Cary Parkway Bridge over Black Creek:

Old Reedy Creek Road Bridge over Crabtree Creek:

Greenway Eco-Counter Installations

My Tree, Our Tree Registration Open

Spring Compost Workshops Kickoff

Black History and African American Appreciation Month Recap

Important Dates

Q&A on Manager’s Resignation and Other Items

Mayor’s Mailbox

Next Week

Purpose of this Blog

How Cary Government Works

Kiwanis Club Meeting

VFW Auxiliary National President

Morrisville Apartment Fire

Town Manager’s Report

Quarterly Cary Economic Development Report

311 Snapshot

FY 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report

2026 Cary 101 Applications Open

Haleys Branch Trails Community Meeting

CDBG Public Input Opportunity

25-REZ-15 Carpenter Fire Station Townhouses Withdrawn

Council-Staff Annual Meeting Community Engagement

Annual Water Disinfection Switchover

Annual Biosolids Report

Aquastar Anniversary and AMI Updates

Water Main Replacement Construction Update

Wake County Hotel Development Summit

Cary Chamber Business Expo

School BreakOUT! The Arts

Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting: March 4

Important Dates

Q&A on Manager’s Resignation and Other Items

Mayor’s Mailbox

Next Week

Purpose of this Blog

How Cary Government Works

NC Association of Zoning Officials Midwinter Meeting

Wake County Mayors Association

GRCVB Board

CAMPO Executive Board

Economic Development Committee

Council-Staff 3 x 4

Interview with WRAL

Interview with Graduate Student

Council-Staff Working Retreat Friday

Council-Staff Working Retreat Saturday

Downtown Cary Park Design Firm Receives Top US Architectural Honor

Council Out and About

Connecting With the Community

Q&A on Manager’s Resignation and Other Items

Town Owned Properties

Transit Service in District D

Mayor’s Mailbox

Next Week

Purpose of this Blog

How Cary Government Works

#1 Disc Golf Course is Diavolo of Cary

Cary Tennis Classic Board

Dr. Sharma’s 100^th Birthday

State of North Carolina 8^th for Tech Graduates

Regional Transportation Alliance (RTA) 24^th Annual Meeting