FY2021 Budget

resulting from the uncertainty of COVID-19. The goal of this approach is to limit service impacts while still demonstrating progress toward desired outcomes.

In addition to the balanced budget, a summary of items that have been deferred and/or delayed will demonstrate the challenges and tradeoffs that were considered to prepare a budget with reasonable growth that is developed in a time of uncertainty for the town and its residents and businesses. Additional reductions from the proposed budget that would be necessary to accommodate even further reduced alternative scenarios are also provided for Town Council review. These alternative scenarios do not fully address current needs and only postpone essential staffing, operational and project needs to future years’ budgets, and do not prepare for the town’s long-term vision and goals. The budget will be made available to the public by May 11 and will be formally presented to Town Council and the community at the May 12, 2020, Town Council meeting. The budget presentation (provided in a virtual meeting setting) will be streamlined to focus on key topics and significant budget items. In particular, the discussion will focus on the RNTR, Smart Shuttle, smart city technology and other larger cost items. This year’s proposed budget is also influenced by transportation and mobility initiatives, public safety enhancements, some equipment replacement and the reopening of the Morrisville Aquatics and Fitness Center. Human capital needs for both current and future staff will also be discussed in-depth. All meetings will be available for the public to listen. Following the initial briefing, the budget portal will open for public input, feedback, and comment. Information about the budget will be enhanced by social media campaigns to promote engagement with the public. Work sessions are planned for May 19, May 28, and June 4. The Public Hearing will be held on June 9. If more time is needed, an additional work session will be held on June 16, with adoption planned for June 23. In accordance with state law, a balanced budget must be adopted by July 1. A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) tool will be utilized throughout deliberations to supplement information included in presentations to provide expanded detail and clarification of budget requests for the FY 2021 proposed budget. The FY 2021 proposed annual operating and capital budgets continue to be influenced by our rapid growth and demands of a flourishing community. Major work efforts stem from our ongoing efforts to address transportation and mobility needs, our emphasis on technology improvements to expand information sharing and data with the public, and expanded parks and recreational programming. Communications and outreach efforts support information sharing about many key initiatives leading to an engaged and informed public. Productive and collaborative decision-making to move things forward has been evident in many decisions this year. An energized Town Council has focused much of the past year discussing and evaluating major policy and capital investment plan decisions as they explore a future bond referendum to meet significant capital needs. Affordable housing, land acquisition, and land use BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS

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