Student Interview
Monday afternoon I was interviewed by a high school student. Questions included the topics of downtown growth, maintaining our town feel, embracing diversity, historical events that shaped Cary’s culture, and how one can be more involved.
Manager One-On-One
Monday evening I met with the town manager for our weekly one-on-one. We talked about the upcoming quarterly meeting, his proposed tax rate, moving capital projects to worthy but unfunded, the future of capital projects, past and future bonds, economic development, Waverly, and maintenance of town facilities.
Wynston Ridge HOA Meeting
Tuesday night I attended a homeowners meeting at Wynston Ridge. After their formal meeting I provided a summary of what is going on in their area and around town. I also talked about the current budget and next year’s budget.
Cary #1 for Surprisingly Affordable City for Retirees
Wednesday I was notified that Cary is the best in the nation for “surprisingly affordable cities for retirees” according to GOBankingRates. Here is what they said about Cary:
Cary, North Carolina
- Livability Score: 90
- Percentage of Population 65 or Older: 12.46%
- Total Monthly Cost of Living: $3,615
The Southern part of the United States is known for heat and humidity, and Cary is no exception with its extreme seasonal variations and a muggier period usually extending from late May to early October. Don’t worry, though, as the temperature stays in the range of 32°F to 89°F all year long.
You can read more about other cities from GOBankingRates here.
Travel and Leisure reported on this ranking and stated the following:
“While Florida remains the most popular retirement destination among Americans, the cost of living, which can exceed $60,000 per year, along with expensive real estate, may deter some seniors. However, that doesn’t mean you should give up on your dream of living your golden years in a sunny and warm spot.
In 2024, finance website GoBankingRates identified 12 affordable cities with great weather for retirees, after analyzing U.S. cities across various factors, including cost of living, overall livability, average rent, and weather. And while many of the locations are in Florida, a significant number are outside the Sunshine State, including Cary, North Carolina, which has the highest livability score on the list.
“The Southern part of the United States is known for heat and humidity, and Cary is no exception with its extreme seasonal variations and a muggier period usually extending from late May to early October,” GoBankingRates explained. “Don’t worry, though, as the temperature stays in the range of 32°F to 89°F all year long.” It also noted that the town has a livability score of 90 out of 100 and estimates monthly expenses at $3,615. Additionally, 12 percent of its population is over 65, ensuring a healthy retiree community.
Related: 50 Best Places to Retire in the U.S. in 2025
Beyond the weather, AreaVibes also rated the city highly for its amenities, low crime rate, health, housing, schools, and employment, all of which received an A+ score. Those living in the area or from the region gave it a slightly lower, but still respectable B rating. The only category where the city performs poorly is the cost of living, which earned it a D on AreaVibes; however, it was still good enough to place Cary in the top 12 on GoBankingRates’ report. …”
Briarcliff Elementary Multicultural Night
Wednesday evening, I participated in Briarcliff Elementary’s Multicultural Night. Part of the evening included “celebrities” reading books to children. I had the pleasure of reading “Everybody! You, me, and us” to about a couple of dozen. Afterwards, I toured the school.
I was lucky to be joined by council member Craig. The event was a lot of fun, and I hope they invite me back.
Council-Staff Quarterly Meeting
Thursday the council spent half a day at its first 2025 quarterly meeting, which is Q3 of fiscal year 2025. The meeting focused on the Manager’s proposed budget and finances. Here are some of the notable statements from the meeting:
- 80% of our conversations have been on the budget
- New GDP show the US economy went into reverse in the first quarter
- “Major businesses are on hold. No one wants to expand or hire in this kind of unpredictability.” – Joseph Lunde
- The FY 2026 is NOT sustainable in the longer term – 24 months and beyond:
- There are no new hires for the 2nd year in a row
- We are without employee development opportunities
- Personnel adjustments at 3% while 5% is needed to maintain our leadership in the market
- This is the last year we can hold services in the budget without cutting of services
- Budget does not anticipate recession or growth
- Property taxes make up 59.5% of revenue and sales tax makes up 21.3%
- Due to legislative restrictions, we have limited revenue diversity. We need revenue diversity so that property tax is approximately 25% of the revenue.
- Revenues should be acceptable. People HATE property taxes.
- Even in maintenance mode we will experience $24.6 million in increases: $8 million police, $7 million IT, $6 million personnel costs, etc.
- Sales tax collections may pressure budget
- FY2026 recommended budget expenditures: 27% police/fire/911, 27% PRCR and Public Works, 23% General Government, 10% Debt Service, 8% development and infrastructure, 4% non-departmental, 1% transfer to capital.
- FY2026 recommended Utility expenditures: $96.99 million
- FY2026 recommended budget: maintenance focused, limited capital expenditures, no capital improvements, and 1.5 cent tax rate increase
Cary Chamber Excellence Awards
Thursday evening, I attended the Cary Chamber Excellence Awards where I gave brief welcome remarks. The awards included Innovation, Community Service, Employer of the Year, Impact, Non-Profit of the Year, Business of the Year, and Creative Placemaking. We are blessed to have so many businesses that believe and invest in Cary.
Town Manager’s Report
There was no town manager report this week.
Mayor’s Mailbox
- Several complaints about the Waverly proposal 23-REZ-12 (“sounds like decision already made” and other insults. I can assure you that the council has not made up its mind. The strategy of constantly insulting decision makers puzzles me.)
- A complaint about the latest Regency Multi-family proposal
- A complaint about a group home
- A complaint about the rail crossing closure at Indian Wells
- Several congratulations for being the #1 place to retire in the US for Affordability at Weather
- A request to use the Cary Towne Mall site for minor league baseball (land is owned by Epic Games not the Town of Cary)
Next Week
Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a Cary Chamber Intercity Visit, meetings with candidates for state and local offices, and a meeting of the NC Metro Mayors.
Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, May 11th, 2025. 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.
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