City of Monroe Council Approves FY 2025-26 Budget

Monroe City Council passed the fiscal year 2026 budget in a special meeting on Monday, June 23, 2025, with a vote of 5-2. The total operating FY26 budget is $222.4 million. The adopted tax rate is set at 44 cents, down from 50.25.

In his opening comments, City Manager Mark Watson described how the budget has been developed to meet the current and future service demands for Monroe residents. The City’s population is estimated at 43,081, a 25% increase over the past five years.

The budget includes $2 million for a street paving program, a Council priority expressed at the City Council Strategic Planning Retreat on September 12 and 13, 2024.

“Monroe’s budget is built on responsible growth and thoughtful planning, preserving vital services while positioning the City, which is Union County’s only full-service municipality, for a strong economic future,” said Manager Watson. “With public service as a top priority, our police department is a stand-out among peers, with one of the region’s lowest vacancy rates.”

“Monroe is business friendly and is a one-stop shop for obtaining water, sewer, natural gas, and electric services. We are equipped to meet future demand for residents and businesses,” said Manager Watson.

The City issues 850 to 950 new single family home permits yearly and approximately 700 business and residential permits monthly. Monroe’s utilities are sustained through their own revenues of user fees and require no general fund support. Additionally, the budget includes strategic workforce planning that reduces the City’s reliance on outside contracts.

“The budget is fiscally sound and fully funds all prior commitments, a 3% increase for healthcare, the Department of State Treasurer actuarially required contributions to the retirement system, workers’ compensation, and prior debt service requirements,” said Finance Director Lisa Strickland.

“This budget process has been smooth and successful, starting with the Council retreat in September, followed by numerous meetings among Department Directors, Finance, and City leadership and individual informational sessions with Council members. The resulting budget positions the City for continued success in the future,” said Assistant City Manager Lisa Hollowell.

Following a public hearing, the Council expressed appreciation for the budget for including the street paving program, additional personnel in public safety, and an employee cost of living adjustment (COLA).

Read more about the City’s budget at www.monroenc.org/budget.