Let’s dive in.

August 11th Town Council Meeting

Great news - the town staff has started putting together a pre and post meeting summary called the “Council Connector”. You can subscribe here.

I’m excited - because this is going to save me a ton of time. Going forward I’m only going to pull out and discuss the major controversial topics, and refer everyone to the Council Connector for the blow by blow.

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Fire Station 1

Key Takeaways: Fire Station 1 is not in any immediate danger of demolition, a study has been funded, fire crews are moving to Station 3 after it’s expanded

A petition asking that we “Save Fire Station 1 From Demolition!”. Articles have been written. People showed up at the meeting. What is going on?

Nothing, really. Actually Fire Station 1 is not about to be demolished, no decision on the building is happening anytime soon, and the petition is alarmist and misleading.

Two different issues are being conflated.

1. “Save Fire Station 1” - the building. No decisions have been made about the building. At the August 11th meeting, we funded a study to basically let us know what our options are. The study should take just under a year.

2. “Keep Fire Station 1 an Operating Fire Station” - that ship has sailed. The Fire Chief gave a good presentation about the operational and public safety reasons it makes sense to combine Fire Station 1 and Fire Station 3. That decision, driven by and at the request of AFD, was made two years ago. We’re well underway in implementing.

Council’s intention has always been to have AFD maintain some presence downtown. I will say: we have been briefed on the state of the building in the past, and the news is not good. If there is to be a renovation, it’ll be pretty extensive: think Holt Brothers level. Because we’ll need the need to conform to a modern building code, and because of the poor state the building is in, this is not a case where we can just change the furniture and use the building for something else.

AFD has a good site outlining the timeline of events here.

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Flock

Key Takeaway: I have serious concerns about Flock, and I’m not sure the company and that business model should exist

The N&O had another story about Flock that I was quoted in;

The issue has been referred to the Public Safety Committee of the Town Council. Their job is to provide a recommendation to the full Council on what action or direction (if any) we should take on the issue. As of right now that meeting has not been scheduled, but I have heard that it will be early September, possibly September 1st. The public will be allowed to attend.

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Peakway Connector Progress

Great news! The Peakway Connector project has moved it’s projected finish date all the way up to October 2026 - about a year ahead of schedule! I can only assume this was possible because of excellent governance and political leadership, probably.

I’m Really Sorry But The Town Has an Obligation to Enforce the Law

Key Takeaway: The Town is obligated to enforce the law equally on everyone, and the Town Council is actually not involved in deciding when laws are enforced

Some recent reporting about this zoning compliance case was inaccurate. This report was better, but omitted important details.

• Zoning enforcement is handled by Town staff through a defined administrative process. The Town Council has taken no votes on this property and has not directed or otherwise been involved in the enforcement action, despite some aggressive misinformation to the contrary

• Apex must enforce its laws fairly and consistently, particularly after receiving complaints. The same rules have been enforced elsewhere, including in similar parking cases by AHS

• The property owner did not respond to notices or other Town communications throughout the year, so the established enforcement process continued to the courts.

• State law defines a rezoning process through which the owner could request permission for this use and allow all sides to be heard. The owner has repeatedly chosen not to pursue it.

• The Town has never given the owner permission to operate a commercial parking lot on residential property, and in fact has consistently said otherwise.

The town cannot selectively ignore zoning laws for one property. These are also the laws that give Apex the authority to regulate developments such as data centers and apartment complexes. Fair enforcement, and indeed the US Constitution, requires that these law applies equally to everyone.

Timeline

The elephant in the room: Mayor Gilbert and property owner are longtime friends, and he vouches for her character and intentions. I do not question his sincerity, but simply point out the law still applies.

Anyway. Here’s the full timeline of events, as I understand them from documentation provided to me by staff.

2018: The Town received safety and nuisance complaints. The matter was resolved after the owner said only relatives would be allowed to park there going forward.

2019: Complaints revealed that non-relatives were paying to park. When enforcement resumed, the owner claimed it was actually a noncommercial operation offering free parking. “Nonprofit parking lots” were not defined in the UDO. Disproving this clearly false claim in court could have required student testimony about payments. Instead, the Town amended the ordinance in 2020 to clarify and define that “nonprofit” parking lots required the same standards as commercial lots.

2020–2023: Enforcement resumed after more complaints, but the property came into compliance when school parking ceased during the pandemic.

2024-2025: Complaints from students, teachers, and parents followed a substantial increase in spaces sold. Cars were packed so tightly that most could not leave independently, including one case involving an ill student. Staff explained the violations, offered help seeking legal approval, and warned that operations must stop. The owner nevertheless sold more spaces.

Early Fall 2025: Mayor Gilbert proposes a UDO amendment which would essentially spot zone this particular property to exempt them from this type of zoning enforcement. The Council declined to proceed, encouraged the property owner to instead apply for a rezoning, and again asserted elected officials have no role getting involved in enforcement actions.

Fall 2025: Rather than comply with the law, at the last moment Mayor Gilbert and owner claimed the property was a “PVA” and was no longer legally a residential property. The Town then investigated but ultimately found no legal basis for that extraordinary claim (NCDOT agreed). The owner never provided one. Enforcement eventually began again.

Spring 2026: The Town sent nearly a dozen warnings, violation notices, and fines. Staff again explained that the parking operation could not continue and again identified the process for seeking approval. No response was ever received. The owner continued selling spaces. The lot continued to be oversold, blocking in some students.

August 2026: Having exhausted the normal enforcement process, Apex finally sought a court injunction ordering the property to comply with the zoning ordinance.

That brings us to today.

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Downtown Progress

Although it’s old news by the time you guys read this newsletter, over the summer we completed the east side of Salem Street and have switched over to working on the west side. The current projected completion date is still December/January. I understand some mild surprises have been found underground on the west side as well (some utility lines weren’t where they were expected) but we’re working through it.

On other Downtown news, at the Tuesday work session Council heard an update which confirmed that the Christmas Parade will proceed along the usual route this year. The plan is to assume one side of the street will be closed and act accordingly; larger floats/etc might need to exit the parade a bit early. Around October we believe we’ll have a good idea as to where the street will be, and if we can pivot back to a “normal” parade with Salem fully open, all the better. Thank you to Rotary Club and Apex staff for working through all the details (including insurance, etc)!

Triangle Environmental Symposium

The Triangle Environmental Symposium, put on by our friends at Trees for the Triangle, is being held this year in Apex! I’ll be moderating a panel titled “Rooted in Justice: Growing Health Communities” on August 27th, 7pm at the Halle. You can get tickets here

Quick Mentions

• Utility billing updates include a 1% late fee and a temporary $1,000 disconnection threshold for balances more than 90 days overdue.

• Electric meter replacement crews are working in numerous communities, including Beaver Creek Apartments, Bradley Farm, Crestmont, Villages of Apex, and White Oak Creek.

• Recycling cart replacements are complete in Village at Crockett’s and Waterford Green, underway or scheduled in Buckingham and several other neighborhoods, with revised timing posted for Cameron Park and Charleston Village.

• Street maintenance includes mid-August crack sealing, mid-September microsurfacing, and continuing concrete and resurfacing work in Green at Scotts Mill.

• South Mason Street sidewalk construction is underway, while design work continues for Tunstall Avenue and Center Street and bids are opening for downtown school and transit connections.

• The Apex Peakway North widening project has completed its approved traffic forecast and moved into traffic-capacity analysis.

• Justice Heights Extension crews are installing a stream-crossing culvert and headwalls.

• The downtown GoApex Route 1 detour will remain in effect through December 2026.

• Apex has joined a regional tree-canopy group, Plant the Peak applications are expected to open soon, and environmental events include invasive-plant workdays and the Triangle Environmental Symposium series.

• Businesses can register by August 24 for the August 26 Small Biz Strategy Session at the Halle.

• Apex Police investigated a fatal incident at a Humie Olive Road construction site that officials initially described as an apparent accident; ABC11 reported that the investigation was ongoing.

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  Calendar

• On The Steps with Laila Biali, August 21st 7:30pm-9:00pm, The Halle Cultural Arts Center

• Ask Me Anything (with Town Manager Randy Vosburg), August 22nd 10:00am-12:00pm

• The Local Spot Passport, August 22nd 11:00am-10:00pm, Downtown Apex, 220 N Salem Street, Apex, NC, 27502, United States

• August Crafternoon at Bottle Theory: Lil’ Terrarium Workshop with Bear Hands, August 22nd 3:00pm-5:00pm, Bottle Theory, 3675 W Green Level Rd, Apex, NC, 27523, United States

• “Zootopia 2” Movie [Rhythm & Reels], August 22nd 7:30pm-9:30pm, Nature Park Amphitheatre

• Regular Town Council Meeting , August 25th 6:00pm-11:59pm, Town Hall

• Creek Critter Discovery with Haw River Assembly, August 26th 6:00pm-7:00pm, Apex Nature Park

• Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) Monthly Meeting , August 26th 6:00pm-11:59pm

• CommUniversity: Back to School Community & Conversation, August 27th 6:00pm-8:00pm

Town Council meeting next Tuesday. Make sure you subscribe the Council Connector and check back here for more updates.

-terry

Consent Agenda

The council passed several routine but important approvals tied to town operations, including multi-year service agreements for underground electric utility work with Lambert’s Cable Splicing Company and MasTec North America, along with a renewal of the town’s Fleetio subscription for fleet management. Also on the list are an audit contract with Cherry Bekaert, a large construction award for the Western Transmission Main Phase 2 project, and a new public records software agreement that could streamline information requests.

Additionally, I asked for and received unanimous consent to refer a potential smoke free ordinance to the Vibrant Community Committee. Cary and Raleigh are considering similar ordinances.

Public Art Moment: Prismatic Cyclone

The quarterly public art moment featured Prismatic Cyclone, a public art structure by Lawrence Feir that the town purchased in 2025. It’s currently located in Pleasant Park, check it out!

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EAB Appointments

The Mayor requested deferral of a block of appointments along with a rules of procedure amendment defining how the Town Council votes on appointments. We agreed but I did want to push forward with at least the EAB appointments: that board currently has 3 vacancies, missed quorum at the last scheduled meeting, and is talking about a special July meeting. They need to be at full strength ASAP as they have a lot of responsibilities, not the least of which is developing our data center ordinances.

Council unanimously appointed Courtney Landoll, Ramesh Nallavolu, and Kimberly Pierson to fill the vacancies.

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Sanitary Sewer Presentation

The sanitary sewer presentation was the closeout of an Asset Inventory and Assessment grant project funded through ARPA. Apex received a $400,000 funding offer, accepted it in 2024, and worked with Hazen and Sawyer on a Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Survey of the Town’s collection system. The work looked at the current condition of the system, future needs, risk levels, rehabilitation and replacement costs, and recommendations for capital projects and asset management.

Here is the final report (we’re in good shape). The “bottom line” slide:

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Horton Park PUD Amendment

This amendment was a fairly narrow land-use change, but it mattered because it dealt with the practical reality of transportation phasing. The development was originally approved with limits tied to road improvements and the NCDOT Ten Ten Road widening project. Since then, some improvements have been completed, a signal has been installed at Smith Road and Stephenson Road, and the state widening project has been pushed out with no firm schedule. This amendment allowed additional homes to move forward based on an updated traffic study, while keeping phasing requirements and adding a condition that the developer install a traffic signal at Jessie Drive and Ten Ten Road before platting more than 250 residential lots.

I saw real value in the developer offering to install a traffic signal at Ten Ten and Jessie. This was approved 4-1, with Council Member Zegerman dissenting.

Even Year Elections

This meeting was our last opportunity to take any firm unambiguous action regarding even year elections for this year. It’s something I’ve long supported. We’ve had multiple presentations and it’s been officially on our legislative agenda for the past two years. With the General Assembly Session set to wrap up, I took the opportunity to make the following motion:

It requests a change which transitions to even years via elections by holding two consecutive 3 year term elections, thus aligning us to even years beginning in 2030. It passed 4-1, with Council Member Gray dissenting.

To be clear this motion is a request to the General Assembly; we have no authority of our own to make this change. Dozens of other towns have had legislation to move to even years this session.

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-terry

Apex Adopts Budget

Key takeaway: The adopted budget was the result of an eight-month process and represents the lowest responsible budget Council could support while protecting public safety, core services, and long-term infrastructure.

At the June 9th meeting, Apex officially adopted its budget, the result of an eight-month process with extensive input from residents, staff, and Council.

The adopted budget keeps Apex prepared for the growth we are already experiencing. It protects public safety capacity, maintains core services, and fully funds the Community Investment Fund, which supports roads, parks, greenways, public facilities, downtown infrastructure, transportation connections, and public-safety infrastructure. Council did not simply accept the first number we were given; through the budget process, the proposal was cut to a limited, targeted 1.75-cent increase to expand public safety while still preserving the services and infrastructure residents rely on. After two years of keeping Apex’s tax rate the most restrained in Wake County, this budget makes a limited increase that is approximately in line with the inflationary pressures facing Town services.

I understand why a zero-cent increase sounds appealing, until you see the details. Zero cents is not free. Council had already reviewed the major tradeoffs required to get there: deeper reductions, position freezes, use of fund balance, and significant infrastructure delays. The late zero-cent proposal did not identify new money or a new efficiency strategy; it relied on choices Council had already considered and rejected because the consequences were too high. Staff review showed it would have sharply reduced or deferred infrastructure investment at the very moment Apex needs responsible long-term planning. It would have increased long term costs, not saved money, and necessitated a larger tax hike as soon as next year to fund the deferred positions and increased project costs. In my judgment, the adopted budget with the roughly inflation sized increase was the lowest responsible: not the easiest vote politically, but the right one for keeping Apex safe, financially strong, and prepared for the growth we are already experiencing.

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Flock Presentation

Key takeaway: Council is sending ALPR/Flock policy to the Public Safety Committee to develop recommendations going forward

We also got a presentation from our Police Chief about ALPR cameras.

We’re taking another look at Flock camera policy through the Public Safety Committee. Flock/ALPR technology may have public safety value, but it also raises real questions about data retention, outside-agency access, auditability, and how much control a private vendor should have over public safety infrastructure. I do not think Apex should simply rely on default settings, standard vendor assurances, or policies written for convenience rather than public accountability. Sending this to committee gives us a chance to bring back clear recommendations on safeguards, reporting, sharing rules, and Council oversight. Public safety tools should help our police do their jobs, but they also need public rules that earn public trust.

Apex Received a Clean Audit For FY2025

On May 28th we got a presentation about our required annual audit done by an independent external auditor. The audit confirmed our financial position is strong. They noted no “material weakness”, no “significant deficiency’s”, no “corrected” or “uncorrected” misstatements, and offered 3 “other comments”:

CSX Rail Relocation Study Initial Results

Key takeaway: Moving CSX operations out of downtown would be a good outcome, but the current path is expensive, uncertain, and depends heavily on a private railroad with limited incentive to move. I made the motion to pause further Town spending on the project unless a clearer funding path, stronger commitments, or broader public benefit emerges.

At our June 16th work session, Council reviewed the latest study on whether Apex could eventually relocate CSX’s downtown rail operations. Moving those operations out of downtown would have real benefits: fewer blocked crossings, less idling, less noise, and fewer safety conflicts between active freight operations and a growing downtown. But the study also made clear that this is a much larger and more complicated project than simply “moving the switching station.”

The current concept would likely require upgrading the Apex-to-Durham freight line, purchasing or identifying land, building replacement CSX facilities, coordinating with CSX, and pursuing major outside funding. The preliminary estimate for track upgrades alone was a little over $18 million, and that did not include land acquisition, a replacement rail facility, relocation costs, or other unknowns. CSX is a private company operating on its own property, and at this point there is no clear commitment that they would move even if those improvements were made. They are not willing to participate in funding the project. It is not realistic to make that level of capital commitment to upgrade private rail infrastructure when we have such a long backlog of public infrastructure projects to fund.

Because of that, I made the motion to pause further Town spending on the study. I still believe moving CSX operations out of downtown would be a good outcome if a realistic path emerges, especially one supported by regional, state, or federal partners. This might happen as part of a larger passenger rail project, as one example. But under the current facts, I do not think Apex taxpayers should keep spending money on a project without a clearer commitment, a stronger funding plan, and a more certain public benefit.

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Christmas Parade Update

Key takeaway: The Town and Rotary are still working to preserve the Christmas Parade downtown to the fullest extent possible. If Salem Street remains constrained by construction, the likely backup is a modified traditional parade that keeps walkers and smaller entries downtown while routing larger vehicles around the tightest section.

Staff gave an update on planning for the Christmas parade during the Salem Street downtown construction project. Staff and Rotary have been looking at several options: a normal traditional parade, a modified traditional parade, a stationary parade where spectators walk the route, or an alternate route outside the usual downtown path. The preferred options right now are still the traditional parade or a modified traditional parade.

The main issue is what Salem Street will look like by late November. If both lanes are open, the parade can proceed as usual. If only one lane is open through downtown, the parade may still be possible, but larger vehicles and floats could be too wide to safely pass through the construction area. Staff identified several oversized vehicles or floats that might need to be modified, skipped, or diverted.

The leading backup plan is a “modified traditional” parade: walkers and smaller groups would continue through downtown, while larger floats or vehicles would turn off near Saunders Street and demobilize near the Saunders lot. That would preserve the downtown parade experience as much as possible while addressing safety and lane-width limits.

There are still open questions around construction timing, insurance, liability, and whether a parade through an active construction zone is considered normal roadway use. Staff, Rotary, the contractor, police, fire, and transportation staff are continuing to work through those issues. The plan is to come back in August with another update, at which point we should have a better idea of the likely status of the downtown construction project.

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Olde Fashioned Fourth of July Update

Key takeaway: The Fourth of July changes were not caused by the recent construction delays; Salem Street was always expected to be under construction during July. Parts of Olde Fashioned Fourth are being preserved by combining them with Fireworks Frenzy on July 3, including the Parade of Wheels and Splash Down.

There has been some confusion about this year’s Olde Fashioned Fourth of July celebration. The traditional Salem Street version cannot happen this year because of the downtown streetscape project, but that was not caused by the recent construction delays. Even under the original schedule, Salem Street was going to be under construction in July, so we knew months ago the event would need to be adjusted. Here I am discussing it in March.

Instead, parts of Olde Fashioned Fourth are being combined with Fireworks Frenzy on July 3. The Parade of Wheels will still happen on a different route, and the Apex Fire Department’s Splash Down will also be part of that event.

Upcoming Events

• Family Fun Night, June 19th 6:00pm-8:00pm, Rock Solid Warrior South Apex, 2131 E Williams St Suite 106, Apex, NC, 27539, United States

• Apex Farmers Market, June 20th 8:00am-12:00pm, NC

• SuperFun Saturday, June 20th 10:30am-12:30pm, The Halle Cultural Arts Center

• The Local Spot Passport, June 20th 11:00am-10:00pm, Downtown Apex, 220 N Salem Street, Apex, NC, 27502, United States

• Apex Juneteenth Festival, June 20th 1:00pm-8:00pm

• Parents’ Night Out, June 20th 5:30pm-9:00pm, Rock Solid Warrior South Apex, 2131 E Williams St Suite 106, Apex, NC, 27539, United States

• Regular Town Council Meeting , June 23rd 6:00pm-11:59pm, Town Hall

• Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) Monthly Meeting , June 24th 6:00pm-11:59pm

• Cask & Barrel featuring Uncle Nearest, June 24th 6:30pm-8:30pm, Carrabbas Italian Grill, 1201 Haddon Hall Dr. Apex 27502, Apex, NC, 27502, United States

• CommUniversity: Parks Planning 101 , June 25th 6:00pm-8:00pm, Apex Senior Center

• Zentangle Basics Workshop with Jennifer Seiger at Adventures in Bloom - 6/25/26, June 25th 6:30pm-8:30pm, Adventures in Bloom, 110 N Salem Street, Apex, 27502, United States

Until next time.

-terry

Here is the summary, then we’ll dig into it.

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Apex 2025 Annual Audit Released

Key takeaway: Apex received a clean audit opinion from our external auditor, but the audit was late, and timely financial reporting needs to remain a priority.

Our independent auditors presented the Fiscal Year 2025 annual audit. The short version: Apex received unmodified opinions, which is the clean opinion you want to see from an audit. The auditors reported no material weaknesses in internal controls, no audit adjustments, and no concerns about the Town’s ability to continue operating.

That said, the audit was later than it should have been. The Town implemented a new financial system, and that transition contributed to the delay, but residents deserve timely financial reporting. The auditors also noted a couple of non-report-level issues around procurement card policy compliance and a state-law requirement related to unpaid utility balances for elected officials. Those items are being addressed, but the broader point is simple: strong finances matter, and so does transparency about them.

Apex is now a large and complex organization, with more than $1 billion in capital assets — roads, utilities, buildings, parks, and infrastructure residents rely on every day. Managing that responsibly requires both long-term planning and public accountability.

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Pride Proclamation

Key takeaway: Apex recognized Pride Month and reaffirmed that every resident should feel welcome and respected in our community.

The Town recognized June 2026 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in Apex. The proclamation focused on dignity, belonging, respect, and the importance of making sure all residents feel welcome in our community. PFLAG Apex was in attendance to accept the proclamation.

Apex will also host Pride Stories on Thursday, June 4, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Hunter Street Park. The event will include crafts, a guided story walk, sweet treats, and community activities. I’m glad Apex continues to make room for events that bring people together and remind every resident that they are part of this community.

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Apex Considers Even Year Elections

Key takeaway: Council is exploring even-year municipal elections because they could lower costs and increase voter turnout, but no final change has been made.

Council heard a presentation from the Wake County Board of Elections about the possibility of moving Apex municipal elections from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years. No final change was made. Council approved a resolution expressing interest in further exploring the idea and asking other Wake County municipalities for feedback.

There are several reasons to look at this. First, cost: Apex paid roughly six figures for recent municipal elections, and moving to even years could reduce that cost substantially because the County is already running a larger election. Raleigh saw about a 61% decrease in election costs after moving to even years, though Raleigh is not a perfect comparison.

Second, turnout. Municipal elections in odd years usually have much lower participation. Wake County reported turnout around 17% in 2023 and 25% in 2025 for municipal elections, compared with much higher turnout in even-year general elections. If we believe local government matters — and I do — then having more residents participate is a good thing.

There are tradeoffs. Local races would appear lower on a longer ballot, after partisan state and federal races. There would also need to be a transition plan, and I do not support springing that on residents without clear public discussion. This is still exploratory, but I think it is worth serious consideration.

Holland Road Rezoning Denied

Key takeaway: Council denied the rezoning because the project did not providetwo points of access as required.

Council denied a rezoning request for 2728 Holland Road, a proposed small residential project of up to 13 homes. The applicant made several positive commitments, including additional conservation area, sidewalk connections, one solar home, and increasing the affordable housing contribution to the full amount requested under Town policy.

Ultimately, my concern was connectivity. Apex’s rules generally require a second point of access when a neighborhood exceeds 50 homes. Holland Farm already has more than that on one access point, and this project would have added additional homes without solving that existing problem.

I said this during the meeting, and I’ll repeat it here: the two-access rule is a hard rule for me. I’ve voted against projects before for the same reason, and I expect to keep applying that standard consistently. The project had good elements, but emergency access and neighborhood connectivity are not optional details.

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Environmental Advisory Board Becomes An Actual Advisory Board

Key takeaway: Council gave the Environmental Advisory Board a clearer, more meaningful role in advising on environmental impacts during rezoning cases.

Council approved an ordinance change giving the Environmental Advisory Board a clearer role in rezoning cases. The EAB already reviews environmental conditions, but the process has not always given the board a clear way to say whether a project actually meets the Town’s environmental-impact goals.

This change allows the EAB to make a recommendation to Council on one specific legislative consideration: whether the project minimizes environmental impacts. It does not give the EAB final approval authority. It does not replace the Planning Board. It does not bind Council. It simply gives Council clearer advice from the board we created to advise us on environmental matters.

I understand the concerns raised by the Planning Board and members of the design community about timing and process. Those concerns are real, and staff will need to manage the process carefully. But I also believe advisory boards should not be performative. If we ask residents to volunteer their time and expertise, their work should meaningfully inform Council decisions.

The goal is to move environmental conversations earlier in the process, make expectations more consistent, and avoid last-minute negotiations at Council meetings.

Strict Detention Center Process Defined

Key takeaway: Apex did not approve a detention center; Council defined strict rules for where one could even be considered in the future.

Council also considered updates to the Unified Development Ordinance creating a new Heavy Industrial zoning district and defining where a detention center, jail, prison, or correctional facility could be considered. We did not create any Heavy Industrial districts; we defined it.

The important point: Apex did not approve any detention center. There is no proposal in front of Council. What we did was define a process and set standards before any application appears.

Under the ordinance language, this type of facility would only be allowed in a Heavy Industrial district (of which there currently are not any), with strict standards including:

• a minimum 10-acre site;

• at least 1,620 feet of separation from schools, daycares, places of worship, residential property, or residential uses;

• a 60-foot Type A buffer around the site;

• and a legislative rezoning process before Council.

Before last night, without clear definitions, there is too much ambiguity about how a future proposal might be classified. It could have even be argued by an applicant that such uses should be allowed “by right” in existing light industrial zoning districts regardless of size, setbacks, or buffers and without any legislative approval. I believe high-impact uses should have clear rules before they show up, not after.

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Yard Waste Ordinance Approved, Grass Changes Tabled

Key takeaway: Council approved yard waste enforcement and clarification updates, but delayed grass collection changes while staff continues reviewing options.

Council approved the first part of the yard waste ordinance update, which strengthens and clarifies rules around collection, enforcement, contractor waste, pile placement, and related operational issues.

The more controversial piece — changes to grass collection — was not approved last night. That issue was tabled while staff continues conversations with possible vendors and reviews options.

I know many residents are concerned about this. I’ve heard from people who are worried about losing a service, storing carts, impacts on older neighborhoods with mature trees, and the basic fairness of making changes while residents are already facing cost pressures. I also hear staff’s operational concerns: vacuum trucks are wearing out, disposal capacity is uncertain, grass is hard on equipment, and the Town needs a system that can actually work long-term.

For me, the key is separating the issues:

• How do we collect yard waste?

• Where do we take it?

• What belongs in a cart versus at the curb?

• What do we do about grass?

• How do we handle older neighborhoods with large mature trees and limited frontage?

• What is the cost of each option?

Those questions deserve a clear side-by-side comparison before final decisions are made. I supported the enforcement and clarification changes, but I agree with holding off on the grass changes while we continue looking for the best path forward.

As usual, if you have any questions or comments you can make them here or reply to this email.

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-terry

A Short Meeting, But Several Important Updates

Wed, 13 May 2026 23:12:33 GMT

Newsletter: I want you to know the budget process is still underway: council continued work in mid‑May and the next public hearing is scheduled for June 9. Fund balances remain generally stable and the town is working to finalize the FY2025 audit (staff are targeting a signed opinion at the May 28 meeting). Please plan to participate or submit comments while decisions are still being made.

Important billing change you need to prepare for: beginning July 2026 the town will resume standard utility billing procedures — a 1% late fee will be applied the day after a bill’s due date, and accounts over $500 that are more than 90 days past due may face disconnection. The town will send multiple notices before any disconnection, so set up payment arrangements or verify your account contact details now to avoid fees or service interruptions.

Service and project updates you can act on: GoApex Route 1 now runs Sunday service and increased weekday frequency, so consider trying transit for errands or park‑and‑ride connections. State leaders have included $208 million for the planned NC Children’s Hospital — a meaningful step forward though the budget isn’t final. Downtown Salem streetscape work is back on site with a revised timeline toward December; staff are working to reduce impacts as construction continues.

Source: Newsletter

Apex Tax Rate Decision🎄Christmas Parade Options🎄New Initiatives

Fri, 22 May 2026 18:38:32 GMT

Newsletter: We used two work sessions this week for early planning on future initiatives tied to the town’s strategic plan — this was a discussion, not a final vote. We focused on responsible development, environmental leadership, economic vitality, a welcoming community, and high-performing government. Those ideas will be refined by staff and come back to Council at our strategic retreat in the fall.

The downtown streetscape project likely makes the traditional Christmas parade route unsafe this year, so we’re looking at three one-year options: two shorter moving routes (staging near Thales or Apex High toward Hunter Street) or a stationary “reverse parade” festival. My priorities are simple: safety first, keep the downtown connection and foot traffic for businesses, respect Rotary’s role, and communicate clearly before we pivot. Staff will keep working with stakeholders before a final decision.

On the budget, Council directed staff to prepare the FY27 draft around a 1.75‑cent property tax increase (down from the initial 3.5 cents); the public hearing is scheduled for June 9. I supported lowering the proposal while protecting core services like public safety and fleet replacement, and I asked staff to keep looking for ways to protect the Community Investment Fund. We have a Budget Town Hall on May 26 at 6:00 p.m. at the Apex Senior Center. A request to fund additional DA staffing will be studied further and is not included in this budget; I prefer a regional approach with better data before we commit town funds.

Source: Newsletter

Dog owner charged in attack that left Chatham County woman dead

Wed, 20 May 2026 20:56:52 +0000

ABC11: As your local representative, I want to share an update from Chatham County involving a fatal dog attack, criminal charges and animal control actions that concern neighborhood safety and enforcement of local animal laws.

According to ABC11, “The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday that a man has been charged after a dog attack left a woman dead near Apex. Family members told ABC11 on Tuesday that 85-year-old Betty Alston was attacked by three dogs in her yard in the 200 block of Alston Road.”

ABC11 reports, “Investigators said they identified the dogs’ owner as Dennis O’Keith Faulkner, 32, of the 400 block of Alston Road. Deputies seized the dogs and took them to a veterinary facility for evaluation and evidence collection. Faulkner was charged with three counts of misdemeanor allowing animals to roam at large prohibited, and three counts of misdemeanor dog/cat/ferret vaccination violation. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed, the sheriff’s office said. Faulkner was given a $15,000 secured bond and is scheduled to appear at the Chatham County Justice Center on May 27.”

Source: ABC11

Affordable Care Act 16th Anniversary

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:35:00 +0000

Carolina Forward: According to Carolina Forward, the ACA expanded access but expiring federal subsidies and steep premium increases now threaten affordability and coverage in North Carolina. “As a result of these premium hikes and the expiring federal subsidies, [several hundred thousand North Carolinians] will miss out on health insurance.”

Source: Carolina Forward

We Don’t Have to Accept Childhood Poverty

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 10:14:00 +0000

Carolina Forward: This matters to our families and our future; we should pay attention. According to Carolina Forward, “Child poverty in North Carolina remains alarmingly high at 16.6%, with disparities across counties driven in part by policy choices like eliminating the state Earned Income Tax Credit.”

Source: Carolina Forward

The Federal Lifeline: Government Assistance In North Carolina

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Carolina Forward: This report highlights how central federal aid has become to many North Carolina communities, especially in rural counties. According to Carolina Forward, “In 2024 alone, $152 billion in total federal government assistance flowed directly to men, women and children all across North Carolina.”

Source: Carolina Forward

How to Make Property Taxes More Fair

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:45:00 +0000

Carolina Forward: This proposed amendment raises important questions about fairness and how we fund local services. According to Carolina Forward, “The proposed constitutional amendment would require lawmakers to limit local property tax increases, without setting specific caps.”

Source: Carolina Forward

Upcoming Events

• Budget Town Hall w-Apex Elected Officials , May 26th 6:00pm-8:00pm, Apex Senior Center

• Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) Monthly Meeting , May 27th 6:00pm-11:59pm

• Regular Town Council Meeting , May 28th 6:00pm-11:59pm, Town Hall

• Behavioral Health Community Workshop - FREE TO ALL, May 29th 6:00pm-8:00pm, Apex Senior Center

• Apex Farmers Market, May 30th 8:00am-12:00pm, NC

• Joint Collaboration Meeting, June 1st 5:30pm-11:59pm, Apex Senior Center

• Wednesday Night Movie, June 3rd 7:00pm-9:00pm, The Halle Cultural Arts Center

• B^4 Lunch Series with Organizational Excellence, June 4th 12:00pm-1:00pm

• Pride Stories, June 4th 6:00pm-8:00pm, Hunter Street Park, 1250 Ambergate Station, Apex, NC, 27502, United States

• Apex Farmers Market, June 6th 8:00am-12:00pm, NC

• SuperFun Saturday, June 6th 10:30am-12:30pm, The Halle Cultural Arts Center

• Sweet Dream Concert [Rhythm & Reels], June 6th 7:00pm-9:00pm, Nature Park Amphitheatre

  Did You Know?

  The Peak News Network now includes a site to view local restaurant inspection results!

  

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New Initiative Discussion

Tuesday’s work session included time for Council and staff to dig into possible future initiatives tied to Apex’s strategic plan.

This was not a final vote or a decision to add new spending to this year’s budget. It was an early planning conversation: what should Apex be thinking about next, what tradeoffs do we need to understand, and what ideas need more staff review before they come back in a more developed form?

The boards covered major goals like responsible development, environmental leadership, economic vitality, a welcoming community, and high-performing government. In plain English: growth, infrastructure, services, transparency, quality of life, costs, timing, and how we keep Apex working well as we keep changing.

This is the less flashy part of local government, but it matters. Good decisions usually start before something shows up on an agenda for a final vote.

And for what it’s worth, here are the final boards:

This now goes to staff for deduplication, “refinement”, etc then back to Council at a strategic retreat in the fall.

Christmas Parade Logistics

Key Takeaway: The downtown construction delay will likely impact the Christmas parade, so we are looking at 2 new routes and a “reverse parade” as options this year

The Apex Christmas Parade is one of those traditions people care about for good reason. It belongs downtown. It brings families, schools, churches, local businesses, nonprofits, Rotary, and half the town out together.

That is why Tuesday’s work session conversation was not a fun one.

Because of the downtown streetscape project, staff has been advised that the traditional downtown parade route will not be safe or workable this year. That does not mean the parade is leaving downtown permanently. It means we need a safe one-year plan while construction is in the way.

Staff and public safety walked Council through three possible paths:

• a shorter moving parade route from the Thales area toward Hunter Street;

• a moving parade route from Apex High School toward Hunter Street;

• or a stationary parade / festival-style option, where entries, bands, floats, food trucks, and community groups are set up in one area and residents walk through the experience. This is sometimes called a “reverse parade”.

None of the options is perfect. The moving routes still have staging, sidewalk, parking, accessibility, viewing-area, private-property, and emergency-access challenges. The stationary option would be a bigger change, but it may solve some safety issues and could give families more time to interact with participants.

My biggest concern is keeping the downtown connection. Parade night matters for downtown businesses, and the tradition matters because it feels like Apex. If we have to pivot for one year, I want us to do it in a way that still supports downtown, respects Rotary’s role, and keeps the spirit of the event intact.

Staff will continue conversations with Rotary and other stakeholders before a final direction is set. My priorities are simple: safety first, clear communication, support for downtown businesses, respect for the people who make the parade happen, and getting the parade back downtown as soon as it is safe and workable.

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Budget Town Hall Meeting

Join us next Tuesday, May 26, at 6:00 p.m. at the Apex Senior Center for a Budget Town Hall.

This is a chance to learn more about the proposed Town budget, ask questions, and share your thoughts before final decisions are made.

Budget Decisions

Key Takeaway: Council directed staff to use the 1.75 cent budget as the new draft, down from the initial 3.5 cent proposal.

At Thursday’s budget work session, Council gave staff direction to prepare the FY27 budget around a 1.75-cent property tax increase as the new baseline, with the public hearing scheduled for June 9. That approach closely matches what I had been pushing for: significant cuts to allow us to be lower than the original 3.5 cent proposal, but still responsible about funding new public safety investments, fleet replacement, and long-term infrastructure. I made the motion to move forward with the 1.75-cent baseline while also asking staff to keep looking for ways to protect the Community Investment Fund before final adoption (the 1.75 cent plan as presented included a .18 cent reduction in the CIF investment which I was uncomfortable with).

The zero-cent option was presented, but there was broad understanding in the room that it was not a viable way to maintain our commitment to public safety and core services this year. Our current plan allows most planned vehicle replacements remain funded, increased public safety staffing remains largely intact, and only a few items were deferred. I don’t like tax increases either, but my goal has been the lowest responsible increase to fund the needed service expansions — not the lowest number on paper if it creates bigger problems next year.

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DA Funding Request

Key Takeaway: A majority of Council did not seem opposed to helping fund a DA position, but wanted to study the issue more and revisit it as part of a regional approach

One budget item we discussed was whether Apex should help fund additional staffing for the Wake County District Attorney’s office. I’m not opposed to using town funds if that is what it takes to improve public safety outcomes for Apex residents, but I do think we need more information before adding it to this year’s budget. The request was about $84,000 for a half year, with a full-year cost roughly double that, and residents deserve to know what specific problem we are solving, how success would be measured, and whether it would actually reduce wasted officer time or improve outcomes for Apex cases.

My preference is for this to be part of a broader regional approach involving the state, Wake County, and municipalities across the county, rather than Apex acting alone. The DA’s office is an important part of the public safety system, but any funding structure needs to be fair, accountable, and sustainable. Council’s direction was not to include the funding in this budget given how late in the process it is, but I’m open to revisiting it with better data as a budget amendment.

That’s all for now. Next week we have a Budget Town Hall (as mentioned above) and a Town Council meeting which will not include any budget discussion or decisions.

-terry

I also want to highlight several advisory board openings, including youth seats, and preview next week’s regular Council meeting. To be clear: no budget action or discussion is expected at next week’s meeting.

Tuesday’s Work Session

Tuesday’s agenda is relatively light. The main item is “New Initiatives Development,” which is a leftover discussion from our Annual Retreat.

What is it? Well, it’s kind of what you’d guess: it’s sort of a brainstorming session for Council Members to bring forward programs, concepts, and policies. We rank them, get staff feedback, vote on them, and end up with a ranked list which rolls over year to year. There are white boards and sticky notes and circle stickers involved. Lots of fun. I’ll post some pictures.

The logistics item I believe relates to the Christmas Parade and possible impacts from the streetscape project, but I’ll know more after the work session and will update everyone then.

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Thursday’s Budget Work Session

So Thursday is where the budget starts to firm up and take shape.

In April, the Town Manager proposed a budget that included several new investments, including a new patrol group and expanded vehicle replacements, with a 3.5 cent tax rate increase.

Just like last year, I’ve been pushing for a lower-rate option that preserves core investments.

At our next budget meeting, the manager returned with an adjusted 3.0 cent option that incorporated several items I proposed.

Council then directed staff to prepare three additional options: 2 cents, 1.75 cents, and 0 cents, showing what cuts or additions would be needed at each level.

On Thursday, Council is expected to choose one of the four options, 3 cents, 2 cents, 1.75 cents, or 0 cents, as the new base budget. After that, Council may still add or remove individual items, which could change the final tax rate.

After these decisions are made, we’ll adjourn, and the resulting budget with those adjustments applied will be advertised for potential adoption on June 9th.

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Advisory Board Applications Open

Ok, it’s not budget related, but it’s still very important. Ever want to get involved but not know how? We have a bunch of advisory board positions open - and applications close at the end of the month. Here is what we’re recruiting for:

• Culture and Arts Advisory Board (CAAB) - 2 Regular Member Positions and One Youth Position

• Environmental Advisory Board (EAB) - 3 Regular Member Positions and One Youth Position

• Multimodal Transportation Advisory Board (MTAB) - One Youth Position

• Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) - 2 Regular Member Positions, One Senior (55+) Member Position, and one Youth Position

• Planning Board - One Youth Position

So that’s a total of 7 regular positions, 1 senior position, and 5 youth positions. This is the type of thing that would look awesome on a college application! These boards are one of the best ways residents can shape Town policy before issues ever reach the Council dais.

—> Apply here <—

Next Week

I’m also scheduling another Budget Town Hall, tentatively planned for Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the Friendship Room at the Senior Center. Details will be advertised shortly.

Next week’s regular Town Council meeting has been moved to Thursday the 28th because of the Monday holiday. We’ll consider several UDO amendments and hear a presentation on the potential move to even-year elections. One major takeaway: moving to even-year elections could save approximately $200,000 every other year. No budget action is expected at that meeting.

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Calendar

• Regular Town Council Work Session, May 19th 3:30pm-5:00pm, Town Hall

• May Book Club - ‘The Correspondent’ - 5/19/26, May 19th 6:30pm-8:00pm, Adventures in Bloom, 110 N Salem Street, Apex, 27502, United States

• Wednesday Morning Movie, May 20th 10:00am-12:00pm, The Halle Cultural Arts Center

• Directors Cut 2026 - May Wine Dinner, May 20th 6:30pm-8:30pm, Carrabbas Italian Grill, 1201 Haddon Hall Dr. Apex 27502, Apex, NC, 27502, United States

• Town Council Budget Work Session , May 21st 12:00pm-11:59pm, Town Hall

• AAPI Heritage Month: Mahjong Social, May 21st 5:00pm-8:00pm

• CommUniversity: Caring for Your Mental Health, May 21st 6:00pm-8:00pm, The Halle Cultural Arts Center

• Environmental Advisory Board Meeting, May 21st 6:00pm-11:59pm

• Apex Farmers Market, May 23rd 8:00am-12:00pm, NC

• Invasive Plant Removal Workday, May 24th 10:00am-12:00pm, Kelly Road Park

• AAPI Heritage Month: Sushi & Sumo, May 24th 11:30am-1:30pm

I’ll send out an update at the end of the week to let you know what was decided and what I learned at the work session.

-terry

5/12 Meeting Summary

Short meeting - but we got an audit update and communicated the timeline of the budget (5/21 Work Session is the next major decision point) - things haven’t changed much since my last update about the previous work session. We held a public hearing on the budget as well with some speakers, and the only major decision of the night was accepting the Camp Branch Lane rezoning after they came back with a series of changes after listening to our feedback in March, including adding additional EAB conditions, more affordable housing, and agreeing to conform to the UDO regarding connectivity requirements.

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Town Manager’s Update

At the meeting the Town Manager’s Report covered several practical updates residents may care about:

• Ask Apex: 92% of calls are being resolved by the Ask Apex team, with an average wait time of about 46 seconds.

• Budget: Council had another public hearing that night, with one more scheduled for June 9 — five official public hearings total for the budget process.

• Electric meters: About 16,600 electric meters have been exchanged so far, a little over 50% of the meter replacement project.

• Salem Streetscape: The contractor is back on site. The timeline has slipped toward December, but staff are working with the contractor to recover days where possible, including later work and some weekends. The goal is to improve the schedule and reduce impacts downtown, especially heading toward the holiday season.

• FY2025 audit: Staff explained why the audit is running later than targeted, including delayed federal guidance, a larger amount of federal/state funding to review, new GASB 101 accounting requirements, finance staff turnover, and the transition to a new accounting ERP. The Town is targeting a signed audit opinion and presentation at the May 28 meeting.

• Fund balance: Staff said fund balances remain generally consistent with the February retreat update, with general fund available unassigned fund balance at about $34.3 million.

• Penalties: Staff confirmed the Town is facing no penalties at this point related to the audit delay.

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Utility Billing: Late Fees and Disconnection Procedures Resuming July 2026

I want to put out another reminder: Beginning July 2026 the Town will resume standard billing procedures, including a 1% late fee applied the day after a bill’s due date and possible service disconnection for accounts with balances over $500 that are more than 90 days past due. The Town has published an anticipated notice and disconnection schedule by billing cycle so residents receive multiple notices and phone calls before any disconnection date, giving time to address balances. This matters because some households may need to set up payment arrangements or confirm account contact details to avoid late fees or interruptions. If you have concerns about a past-due balance, please review the schedule, watch for mailed notices, and contact Finance & Customer Service right away.

NC Children’s Hospital Included in State Budget Deal

Good news for Apex and for families across North Carolina: state legislative leaders have agreed to include $208 million for NC Children’s, the planned Duke/UNC children’s hospital in Apex.

I’m grateful to the state for recognizing how important this project is. A dedicated children’s hospital here would mean more families can get world-class pediatric care closer to home, while also strengthening Apex’s role in the future of health care, research, and jobs in our region.

There is still more work ahead before the full state budget is finalized, but this is a meaningful step forward. I appreciate the legislators, health care leaders, Town staff, and community partners who have kept this project moving.

Transit Improvements — GoApex Route 1 Added Sunday Service and More Frequent Weekday Trips

GoApex Route 1 added Sunday service and increased weekday (Monday–Saturday) frequency as of April 18, 2026, making it more convenient to rely on transit for errands, work, and recreation. Expanded service gives riders more options — please check updated schedules and plan trips accordingly. Increased frequency and Sunday service are intended to improve connectivity to downtown and regional transit centers; consider trying the route for errands or park-and-ride connections.

Apex Amplified Concert Thursday at Town Hall

Planning to stop by Apex Amplified?

The town’s current event listing includes Party in a Pita, Boss Burger, and Thirsty Mobile Beverage Co. as food and drink vendors.

Always a good idea to check the event page before heading out in case details change, but this should help folks plan dinner/snacks around the concert.

Terry Mahaffey Office Hours

My regular scheduled Office Hours (second Thursday every month, 9am at the Friendship Room in the Senior Center) are tomorrow. If you have any questions, concerns, want to talk budget, or just want to chat, stop by!

Upcoming Events

• Office Hours w/Mayor Pro-Tempore Terry Mahaffey, May 14th 9:00am-11:00am, Apex Senior Center

• Learning Lunch ~ National Police Week, May 14th 12:00pm-1:00pm, Apex Senior Center

• Apex Amplified Concert, May 14th 5:30pm-8:30pm

• “Suite Surrender” Spring Play, May 15th 7:30pm-9:00pm, The Halle Cultural Arts Center

• Apex Farmers Market, May 16th 8:00am-12:00pm, NC

• Ask Me Anything (with Town Manager Randy Vosburg), May 16th 9:00am-11:00am, Apex Farmers Market

• SuperFun Saturday, May 16th 10:30am-12:30pm, The Halle Cultural Arts Center

• “Suite Surrender” Spring Play, May 16th 7:30pm-9:00pm, The Halle Cultural Arts Center

• “Suite Surrender” Spring Play, May 17th 3:00pm-5:30pm, The Halle Cultural Arts Center

Thank you for taking the time to stay informed and involved. If you have questions about any item above or need help connecting with the right town department, please reply to this note or visit the linked pages. I look forward to seeing many of you at upcoming events and hearings.

-terry

I’ve dug into the budget details, asked questions, reviewed options, and looked for a responsible alternative that protects the services and investments Apex needs while reducing the burden on residents.

Tomorrow, Council will hold an important budget work session. We will not formally adopt the budget, but many of the decisions made there will shape the final version. I am prepared to present an alternative.

The following is my message to the rest of the Town Council earlier this week, outlining the proposal I am bringing forward.

Colleagues,

I wanted to put a proposal in writing before our next budget discussion.

I understand why the manager’s proposed budget includes a 3.5-cent tax increase. Apex is growing quickly, and that growth is not free. We have real needs in public safety, fleet replacement, infrastructure, parks, technology, staffing, and responsible long-term investment through the Community Investment Fund. I do not want us to pretend those needs are not real.

At the same time, I believe residents deserve to see Council take a harder look before we adopt the full increase.

My overarching goal is to get us as close as possible to a 1.75-cent tax increase while preserving the most important priorities in the proposed budget.

To help us evaluate that path, I would like us to ask the Town Manager to prepare an additional budget option for Council consideration. That option would show how close we can get to a balanced budget at the 1.75-cent level by incorporating some or all of the changes below.

I am not asking us to adopt every item Friday. I am asking that we put a serious alternative on the table, with staff analysis of the fiscal impact, service impact, and recurring versus one-time nature of each item.

Proposed savings

Reorganize government relations: $270,200

Eliminate the two unfilled positions in the Clerk’s Office and backfill the work through a cross-department Government Relations V-Team with one representative each from Administration, Clerk, and Legal.

Because these positions have remained unfilled for an extended period, I think it is reasonable to ask whether the work can be handled differently. If there are concrete service impacts from removing the positions, Council should see those clearly.

Identify 4 to 6 additional existing positions that can be eliminated/delayed: $500,000 to $800,000

Ask the Town Manager to review unfilled positions across the organization and identify which can be reprioritized or removed, especially in light of the new hiring needs included in this budget.

Cut one proposed FY2027 position: approximately $134,000

Approve 15.5 of the requested 16.5 new positions.

Increase fund balance use: $500,000

Use an additional $500,000 of fund balance. Staff has indicated this would keep Apex above our 20% policy floor and well above the 8% state minimum.

Identify approximately $500,000 in other operating reductions

Ask the Town Manager to identify cumulative line-item reductions across departments. Travel, training, meals, printing, production, professional services, and similar line items should all be reviewed. I believe the Town Manager is best positioned to identify these reductions while minimizing service impact.

Identify software licensing savings: approximately $100,000

Software License & Maintenance is now approximately $4 million across the organization, up about 30% year over year. I would like staff to identify ways to slow that increase, eliminate duplicative tools, defer lower-priority purchases, or renegotiate/replace software where appropriate.

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Additional revenue

Adjust sales tax revenue projection: $100,000

Apex has historically estimated sales tax conservatively. I believe it is reasonable to adjust this estimate modestly to recognize more of the revenue we expect to receive this year.

Recognize Parks & Recreation prime-time rental changes: $30,000

Council recently approved fee schedule changes to charge more during prime rental hours. This additional revenue was not included in the draft budget and should be recognized.

Review fee schedule adjustments: amount to be determined

Ask staff to identify developer fees that have not been adjusted in several years and recommend where inflationary or cost-recovery adjustments may be appropriate, especially for optional services or services where the town is not recovering reasonable costs.

Evaluate South Wake landfill revenue: amount to be determined

This is another conservative estimate I’d like to see revisited.

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Policy changes for review

Evaluate General Fund reimbursement from enterprise funds

Ask Finance and Legal to evaluate whether Apex is appropriately recovering General Fund administrative costs attributable to enterprise fund operations, consistent with state law and peer municipal practice.

Create an IT Innovation Task Force

Create a working group of IT professionals in Apex willing to volunteer their time and expertise to help drive down IT costs and accelerate innovation.

The task force could help create a central repository of software licensing information across the organization, identify redundant tools, and evaluate where software could be built or replaced in-house, including through appropriate use of AI.

I would not expect a major FY2027 budget impact from this alone, but it could support the software savings target above and set us up for larger savings in future years.

Support a community nonprofit approach to KidsTowne renovations

Because KidsTowne has again been delayed in the CIP, I would like us to explore a nonprofit or community fundraising model to support future renovations. This has worked in other communities and may be a good fit for a beloved park project that has struggled to move forward.

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Possible one-time capital pull-forwards

If the revised package creates capacity, I would also like us to consider whether any limited one-time capital or design pull-forwards are appropriate. These should not come at the expense of the tax-rate reduction target.

Two candidates:

Richardson / Core Banks light: $100,000

This is a critical public safety need and is not currently funded in this budget.

Depot design: $250,000

Pulling this forward would help maintain momentum on the Downtown Plan.

Requested next step

I would like Council to ask the Town Manager to prepare a 1.75-cent budget option that incorporates these items where feasible and shows:

• Total savings and revenue.

• Net impact after any proposed additions.

• Recurring versus one-time impacts.

• Service impacts.

• Staffing and retention risks.

• Ending fund balance.

• Effect on the Community Investment Fund.

• Any legal or financial concerns with the policy items.

Again, I am not saying every item above must be adopted exactly as written. I am saying residents deserve to see a serious alternative before we adopt the full 3.5-cent increase.

Apex has real needs. We should fund them responsibly. But we should also show residents that we looked hard at vacancies, fund balance, revenue assumptions, software costs, fees, and operating reductions before asking them to pay the full amount.

That is the option I would like us to put on the table.

-terry

Terry Mahaffey serves on the Apex Town Council. He is Mayor Pro Tem, chairs the town’s Finance Committee, serves on the board of the Peak City Land Trust, is a delegate to the Central Pines Regional Council, and serves on the board of Jordan Lake One Water. Professionally, he works as a principal software engineer at Microsoft. The views expressed here are his own and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Town of Apex or the Apex Town Council.

Residents are also trying to understand why bills rose even when local tax rates went down. It is easy to assume local governments must simply be collecting too much. But in fast-growing communities, the harder problem is not just how much a local government collects. It is how revaluation shifts the burden among different kinds of property owners.

The root issue is the uniformity clause in the North Carolina Constitution. Because of it, local governments cannot set one tax rate for residential property and another for commercial property. The result may sound fair in theory, but can produce unfair outcomes during a revaluation.

Much of the current debate has focused instead on property tax levy caps. A levy cap limits how much total property tax revenue a town, city, or county can collect. That may sound like direct relief, but it does nothing to address revaluation-related tax shifts.

We saw this clearly in Apex. Residential values rose dramatically during the 2024 revaluation, while commercial growth lagged behind. Successful appeals by deep-pocketed corporations pushed some commercial values down even further. The result was a noticeable shift in the tax burden from commercial properties to residential homeowners. Even though local tax rates dropped, many bills still rose because residential values increased faster than the overall tax base.

I’ve built several tools to help Wake County residents better understand their property taxes. One showed that, for the most Apex homeowners, revaluation was the largest driver of the bill increase. Another showed that most towns dramatically reduced their tax rates after revaluation. The lesson was clear: a bill can rise because the tax rate increased, because the total levy increased, or because a property’s value rose faster than the rest of the tax base. Those are different problems, and they require different solutions.

A levy cap does nothing to fix that. It may limit the total amount collected, but it does not prevent the burden from shifting within the tax base. If residential values rise faster than commercial values, homeowners can still end up paying a larger share.

Levy caps can also harm basic services. Municipal costs are rising quickly for insurance, construction, infrastructure, public safety, utilities, and employee retention. State and federal funding is also becoming less reliable. Capping one of the few major revenue sources towns actually control, just as more responsibilities are being pushed onto them, could leave communities with fewer options and weaker services.

Even setting that aside, levy caps still miss the central problem. They focus on how much a local government collects. They do not address who pays what share.

When residential values rise much faster than commercial values, a uniform tax rate locks in that shift, and residential bills rise while commercial bills fall. A town or county can lower the overall rate, but it cannot rebalance the burden between residential and commercial taxpayers.

That is the constitutional problem North Carolina should be debating.

What we actually need is a better constitutional amendment. North Carolina’s uniformity clause is unusually restrictive. Many states require uniformity within a property class, such as residential or commercial, while allowing different classes to be treated differently. North Carolina should move toward that model.

During revaluation, residential and commercial rates should be allowed to adjust separately so the overall levy on each class does not suddenly shift just because one class appreciated faster than another. Put more simply: if residential property values rise faster than commercial property values, local governments should have a way to prevent that from automatically shifting more of the tax burden onto homeowners.

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That does not mean giving local governments unlimited power to raise taxes. The state could limit this authority to revaluation years, require revenue neutrality within each class, and require public reporting on how the burden is being distributed. The goal should not be to create a blank check. The goal should be to prevent sudden and unfair shifts between residential and commercial taxpayers.

Combined with more frequent revaluations, that would do far more to reduce tax shocks than a levy cap. More frequent revaluations can smooth out market changes by keeping assessed values closer to reality over time. Long gaps allow changes to build up, making the eventual correction feel much more dramatic. A revaluation pause may sound like relief, but it risks making the next shock even worse.

The proposed constitutional amendment misses the mark. As currently described, it would authorize the General Assembly to impose limits on local property tax increases, incorrectly presuming that local revenue growth is the core problem. But the General Assembly could already set such limits by simply passing a law. The amendment would not lower anyone’s tax bill, set a specific cap, or address the tax burden shifts residents are actually feeling.

If lawmakers want to help people stay in their homes, North Carolina has better options. The state could expand circuit breaker programs, strengthen homestead protections, create better deferral options, require more frequent revaluations (not less), and most importantly consider an amendment that alters the uniformity clause. What North Carolina needs is a Property Tax Stability Amendment: a constitutional change that would prevent sudden shifts in the tax burden between residential and commercial property during revaluation.

North Carolina does not need a symbolic property tax amendment. It needs one that solves the problem residents are actually facing.

Terry Mahaffey serves on the Apex Town Council. He is Mayor Pro Tem, chairs the town’s Finance Committee, serves on the board of the Peak City Land Trust, is a delegate to the Central Pines Regional Council, and serves on the board of Jordan Lake One Water. Professionally, he works as a principal software engineer at Microsoft. The views expressed here are his own and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Town of Apex or the Apex Town Council.

A Big Meeting for Apex’s Future

Newsletter: I want to be clear about the children’s hospital: the MOU Council approved on April 28 is non‑binding and does not obligate the town to spend money today. The document references a potential town contribution of $13 million over 20 years, but any actual funding would require a separate, publicly noticed agreement and a Council vote. Also good to note: Apex Fire just earned an ISO Class 1 rating — a major public safety accomplishment that benefits the whole community.

We are preparing to return utility billing to normal operations. Late fees and possible disconnections may resume for bills issued on or after July 1; currently there are roughly 30,597 active accounts with about 4,405 over 30 days past due, totaling more than $6 million. The goal is to get accounts back on track, not to cut people off — please set up a payment plan or explore assistance options now if you have a past‑due balance.

Budget season is still underway and your input matters: public hearings are scheduled for May 12 and May 28, with adoption targeted for May 28 or possibly moved to June 9 if more time is needed. Review the proposed budget, come to a hearing, or submit feedback so Council hears your priorities before final adoption. I’ll keep you updated on next steps and welcome your questions and participation.

Secret Service places detainer on SC man accused of threatening message toward the President

ABC11: As your local representative, I want you to know that law enforcement and federal authorities responded to a reported threat at a car wash in Apex—an event that highlights how quickly officials act on potential threats and how those responses affect neighborhood safety and daily life.

According to ABC11, “The United States Secret Service was notified and responded to assist with the investigation.” “The message reads ”headed to WSH to kill the Pres.”“ “Officers found a man who police said was making threats directed toward Trump.” “Investigators also observed threatening messages written on the outside of the man’s car.”

Apex (NC) to Resume Utility Late Fees and Shutoffs as Delinquent Balances Top $6 Million

Holly Springs Update: I’m sharing this so residents with overdue utility accounts have time to bring balances current or set up payment plans before enforcement resumes. Holly Springs Update reports, “Apex is preparing to restart utility late fees and resume service disconnections this summer as more than $6 million in unpaid customer balances continues to weigh on the town’s billing system.”

25‑year‑old charged with sexual battery, indecent exposure at Wake County store

ABC11: “A warrant filed by the Apex Police Department identifies the suspect as Brian Izael Cruz of Raleigh, who faces multiple charges including felony secret peeping, sexual battery, indecent exposure and assault on a female.”

What the Flock?: An Explainer on the Controversial License Plate Reading Cameras Deployed Across the Triangle

The Line: I’m closely watching debates over license-plate reader cameras in our area; we should balance public safety and privacy before renewing contracts. According to The Line, “We worry that, essentially, it is mass surveillance,” Jay Stanley, a senior policy analyst with the ACLU Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project, told the INDY.

Apex car wash evacuated after person accused of making public threats

WRAL: I’m sharing a quick safety update — please avoid the Tidal Wave Auto Spa area on Lake Pine Drive while police investigate. According to WRAL, “Apex police evacuated a car wash on Wednesday after officers said a person made public threats.”

Apex (NC) PeakFest Returns May 2nd With New Location, 45th Anniversary Milestone

Holly Springs Update: I’m pleased to share that PeakFest returns this weekend with a new layout that will affect downtown access; according to Holly Springs Update, attendees and drivers should plan for road closures and parking changes. “Apex, NC, May 1, 2026 — PeakFest, Apex’s longest-running community festival, will mark its 45th year on Saturday, May 2nd, with a new footprint centered on Hunter Street and the Town Hall Campus.”

Upcoming Events

• Small Business Week: Access to Capital & Resources for Small Businesses, May 5th 9:00am-10:00am, The Halle Cultural Arts Center

• Small Business Strategy Session: Working “On” the Business Instead of “In” the Business, May 6th 9:00am-10:00am, The Halle Cultural Arts Center

• Small Business Week: Lunch & Learn: Building a Clear and Consistent Brand Experience, May 7th 12:00pm-1:00pm, The Halle Cultural Arts Center

• Sushi & Sumo, May 7th 5:00pm-8:00pm, Apex Community Park, 2200 Laura Duncan Road, Apex, NC, 27502, United States

• AAPI Heritage Month: Sushi & Sumo, May 7th 6:00pm-8:00pm

• Town Council Budget Work Session , May 8th 12:00pm-5:00pm, Town Hall

• “Suite Surrender” Spring Play, May 8th 7:30pm-9:00pm, The Halle Cultural Arts Center

• Apex Farmers Market, May 9th 8:00am-12:00pm, NC

• “Suite Surrender” Spring Play, May 9th 7:30pm-9:00pm, The Halle Cultural Arts Center

Did You Know?

The Peak News Network now includes a site to view local restaurant inspection results!

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NC Children’s Health MOU

Key Takeaways: Council approved a non-binding MOU that memorializes an economic development incentive framework with North Carolina Children’s Health. It does not spend money today, and any future funding agreement would still require a formal public vote.

The future children’s health campus is one of the most significant projects proposed in Apex. It will bring pediatric care, medical research, education, and thousands of jobs to our region.

There has been some confusion about whether Apex has already made a binding financial commitment, either at this meeting or prior. It has not. The MOU approved on April 28 is a framework for cooperation based on economic development incentive negotiations during the site selection process. It outlines expectations as planning continues, but it does not itself obligate the town to spend money. This is directly stated in the MOU.

The MOU references a possible future town contribution of $13 million over 20 years, but that would require a separate agreement with clear terms, eligible uses, reporting requirements, and accountability measures.

It is also important to separate new financial incentives from already-planned infrastructure. References to water and sewer capacity are largely about long-range infrastructure the town already planned to provide for this growth area, not a new hospital-only water and sewer commitment.

Apex Fire Earns ISO Class 1 Rating

Key Takeaways: Apex Fire earned an ISO Class 1 rating, the highest rating available. This now applies both inside and outside town limits

This is a major public safety achievement for Apex.

The rating reflects more than fire response. It also considers water infrastructure, 911 communications, inspections, training, equipment, and prevention work.

It shows that Apex has made strong investments in public safety and that those investments are paying off.

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Utility Billing Update

Key Takeaways: Apex is preparing to return utility billing to normal operations, including late fees and possible disconnections for bills issued on or after July 1. Residents with past-due balances should contact the town now to set up a payment plan or ask about assistance.

The town paused late fees and disconnections during the billing recovery process. That pause helped residents while the town worked through billing issues, but it cannot continue forever.

As of the presentation, Apex had 30,597 active customer accounts, with 4,405 accounts more than 30 days past due. The total amount more than 30 days past due was over $6 million. To put that in perspective, the total cash balance of the utility is currently around $12 million.

Many customers - residential and commercial - have simply stopped paying utility bills.

That matters because utility services are paid for through utility funds. If a large amount of money cannot be collected, the cost eventually has to be made up somewhere. That could mean higher rates for other customers.

The goal is not to cut people off. The goal is to get accounts back on track.

Options include payment plans, budget billing, medical consideration, Apex CARES, Neighbor Up, and other assistance programs. If you have a past-due balance, please reach out now.

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Budget Season Continues

Key Takeaways: Council is still reviewing the proposed budget, and more public hearing opportunities are coming. Residents should share feedback now, before final adoption.

The budget is one of the most important decisions Council makes each year. It determines how we fund public safety, roads, parks, utilities, staffing, maintenance, and long-term needs.

At the meeting, staff noted that Apex has already held three public hearings on the budget. The next public hearing is scheduled for May 12, followed by another on May 28. The goal is to consider adoption on May 28, but if Council is not ready, adoption could move to June 9.

There are also several budget-related work sessions and committee meetings scheduled. The Finance Committee met on April 30. Additional Council work sessions were listed for May 8, a tentative May 21, and a tentative June 2 if more budget work is needed before a June vote.

If you have questions or concerns about the proposed budget, now is the time to speak up. You can review the proposed budget on the town website, contact Council, or attend one of the upcoming public hearings. Check out my budget website for insights and visualizations of the manager’s proposed budget.

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Town Manager Updates

Key Takeaways: The Town Manager shared updates on Peakfest, electric meter replacements, Ask Apex, Salem Streetscape, Peak Plan 2055, and the town’s volunteer program. Several of these are ongoing projects residents may notice in daily life.

About 15,200 electric meters have been replaced so far.

Ask Apex is resolving about 94% of calls, with an average wait time of 49 seconds.

The Salem Streetscape project has slowed because of needed electrical plan revisions, and staff expects to share more information soon.

The town also highlighted more than 58,000 volunteer hours contributed over the past year.

Watch the full report here.

Recognitions and Proclamations

Key Takeaways: Council recognized local educators, community members, town employees, older adults, cultural heritage months, tennis, and safe drinking water. These recognitions are a reminder of how many people and groups help make Apex strong.

Council recognized the final Peak S.T.A.R. Award recipient through the Apex Public School Foundation.

The town also issued proclamations for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, National Tennis Month, Older Americans Month, Public Service Recognition Week, and Safe Drinking Water Week.

I was especially glad to help present the Public Service Recognition Week proclamation honoring Apex’s more than 700 town employees.

Think Apex Awards

Key Takeaways: Apex celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Think Apex Awards, recognizing residents, businesses, nonprofits, and youth who make a positive impact in the community. Congratulations to this year’s winners and honorable mentions.

The Think Apex Awards recognize people and organizations that go above and beyond for Apex.

This year’s honorees were:

• Individual or Group

  • Top Thinker: Pawan Mishra

  • Honorable Mention: Avana Gutierrez

• Business

  • Top Thinker: Peak of the Vine

  • Honorable Mention: Cello Design Company

• Nonprofit

  • Top Thinker: A Voice for All Foundation

  • Honorable Mention: Connecting Community

• Youth

  • Top Thinker: Nishka Ki

  • Honorable Mention: Juliana Corsetti

It was a good reminder that Apex is shaped not only by town government, but also by residents, volunteers, small businesses, nonprofits, and young people who choose to invest their time and energy here.

Land Use and Public Hearings

Key Takeaways: Council considered several annexation, rezoning, and public hearing items. Some moved forward, some were continued, and one item was sent back to the Planning Board.

The agenda included cases involving Stephenson Road, Veridea, Twin Creek Road, Castleberry Road, Olive Chapel Road, Holland Road, Old US 1, and Welch Homestead. Council also continued discussion of proposed yard waste program changes.

Closing Thoughts

The children’s hospital project could be transformational for Apex and the region, but it needs careful follow-through.

The utility billing discussion is difficult, but necessary as the town returns to normal operations.

Budget season is still underway, and I hope residents will stay engaged as Council works through those decisions.

As always, thank you to everyone who watched, attended, emailed, spoke, or followed along. Your input matters, and it helps make Apex better.

-terry

The Town Council will meet on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 6:00 PM to consider a packed agenda. On tap are several large annexation and rezoning proposals, updates to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), a public hearing on proposed changes to the Yard Waste program, and routine but impactful items such as a contract award for town wayfinding signage. Below is a short guide to the items likely to draw the most attention and where to find the staff materials.

Consent Agenda

Several routine but tangible actions are bundled on the Consent Agenda, including a recommended construction contract award for the town’s Wayfinding Signage — Phase 1 with PGA Construction, Inc. (see the coversheet) and a multi-year Master Services Agreement with Infrastructure Technology Services (ITS), Inc. to support underground electric utility installation (coversheet). The Council will also consider an MOU with North Carolina Children’s Health, Inc. (coversheet). These items generally move quickly but shape services and infrastructure work in the coming years.

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Proclamations & Presentations

The meeting includes multiple proclamations recognizing May observances and community weeks, and the Council will present community awards. Highlights include the quarterly Peak S.T.A.R. Award from the Apex Public School Foundation and the tenth annual Think Apex awards recognizing local businesses, groups, and youth (see the Think Apex coversheet). The Town Manager will also recognize the Apex Fire Department for receiving an Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating of One — the highest possible rating — which reflects strongly on public safety performance (see the coversheet).

824 Stephenson Road

The Council will hold a public hearing on a proposed annexation of approximately 0.754 acres at 824 Stephenson Road (Annexation No. 824). The staff coversheet and maps are available for review if you want details about the parcel and the annexation request (coversheet).

Veridea ETJ (119.59 acres)

A large annexation request (Annexation No. 826) would bring roughly 119.59 acres from the Veridea ETJ into town jurisdiction. This is a sizeable proposal with aerial and plat maps included in the packet; residents may want to review the coversheet and maps ahead of the hearing.

1217 Twin Creek Road

The Council will consider annexing about 5 acres at 1217 Twin Creek Road (Annexation No. 827). If you live nearby or are following growth along Twin Creek Road, consult the staff packet for lot details and the proposed annexation ordinance (coversheet).

8905 Castleberry Road (Annexation & Rezoning)

Related items propose annexing 3.35 acres at 8905 Castleberry Road and consider a rezoning (Case 26CZ01) to allow Rural Residential-Conditional Zoning for portions of the property. The staff report and planning analysis are substantial; review the rezoning coversheet and staff report to understand proposed uses and conditions (coversheet, staff report).

3100 Olive Chapel Road (Annexation & Rezoning)

The Council will consider annexation of about 4.55 acres at 3100 Olive Chapel Road and a companion rezoning (Case 25CZ22) that would split the site into Office & Institutional-Conditional Zoning and Rural Residential-Conditional Zoning. The packet includes a detailed staff report and proposed conditions; see the Rezoning coversheet and staff report for specifics.

2728 Holland Road (Rezoning)

A rezoning (Case 25CZ21) would reclassify roughly 10.35 acres at 2728 Holland Road to Medium Density Residential-Conditional Zoning. The staff report lays out the proposed density, access, and infrastructure considerations for the proposal (coversheet, staff report).

Yard Waste Program

The Council will hold a public hearing on approved changes to the Town’s Yard Waste program. No new staff presentation is planned at the meeting, but the packet includes the earlier presentation given on April 14; read the coversheet and presentation to see frequency and service-level changes and potential impacts to collection and costs going into effect starting July 1st. Containerization changes are set to occur in future years.

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Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Amendments

The council will hear two related public hearings on proposed UDO amendments — a package of zoning ordinance updates and a separate amendment addressing the powers and duties of the Environmental Advisory Board. Read the UDO amendment coversheet (A) and the Environmental Advisory Board coversheet (B) to see the proposed ordinance language and staff analyses. I anticipate the EAB changes will be pulled and referred back to the Planning Board.

Other Noteworthy Items

Two significant items that were continued from the March meeting appear on the Regular Meeting agenda for final action. First is the large Annexation No. 805 at Old US Highway 1, an 83.53-acre package tied to the Welch Homestead proposal; see the annexation coversheet and maps. Second is the related rezoning (Case 25CZ10 Welch Homestead PUD-CZ) that would establish a planned unit development with detailed PUD text and plan sheets available in the packet (rezoning coversheet and PUD text). Also under the Town Manager’s Report, staff will provide an update on Utility Billing with suggested policy enhancements; review the summary and presentation in advance if you have questions about billing changes (Utility Billing coversheet).

I’ll follow up after the meeting with a brief recap of decisions and next steps so you know what passed and what impacts the community.

-terry

APEX IMPACTS: Data Center, Yard Waste, Paperless Processes

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 22:03:09 GMT

Newsletter: I moved—and the council unanimously adopted—a one-year moratorium on new data center applications (including cryptocurrency mining), pausing consideration through April 27, 2027 so we can develop local standards and fully study impacts on neighborhoods, water, power, traffic, and quality of life.

We’re moving to a phased overhaul of yard waste collection: ordinance changes will be presented in May with some provisions effective July 1, 2026; biweekly zone collection begins October 2026; grass-clipping collection ends January 1, 2027; and containerized carts are planned for 2028. Expect clearer rules on acceptable materials, placement, volume limits, and enforcement—watch for mailers, HOA briefings, utility inserts, and Apex Collects updates so you have time to adapt.

I introduced a paperless-process resolution to make digital workflows the default where practical while preserving paper when legally or operationally necessary; staff will report back within a year on implementation and efficiencies. Council also moved forward with a Peak Resilience & Wellbeing Task Force to improve behavioral-health awareness and access through mid‑2028. The town budget is being released tomorrow—I’ll share a quick summary tomorrow night and a deeper review in the weeks after, and I welcome your feedback.

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APEX 2027 BUDGET: Manager’s Draft Released!

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 02:23:09 GMT

Newsletter: The Manager’s draft FY2027 budget (presented April 16) proposes a property tax increase and adds 18.5 new positions—about half in Public Safety. One penny of the proposed rate would fund Public Safety hires (6 patrol officers, a corporal, a Special Investigations lieutenant, and a fire inspector), another penny would fund overdue fleet replacements (roughly 25 police vehicles plus parks and fire vehicles), a half-penny would go to Parks & Recreation and IT, and another penny is devoted to a Community Investment Fund. Taken together with the utility changes below, the draft shows a modest estimated monthly impact on the average household.

The Community Investment Fund (CIF) is intended to create a predictable capital revenue stream rather than financing projects piecemeal. The CIF is currently funded at 7 cents of the tax rate and the draft raises that to 8 cents; last year about $4 million was saved and this draft would add roughly another $4 million to reserves. That’s deliberate — the goal is steadier long-term planning, preserved debt capacity, and the option to pay cash for smaller projects.

On utilities and personnel: the draft proposes about a 4% increase for water/sewer, roughly a 6% increase for electric (about 4% pass-through to Duke and 2% to rebuild cash reserves), and moving yard-waste fees to full cost recovery; garbage, recycling, and stormwater are not proposed to increase. It includes a 3% COLA/market adjustment and ~2% average merit increases, while budgeting an 8% rise in insurance costs and proposing adjustments to the health plan design. This is the Manager’s draft — Council review and public input will follow before any final adoption. I’ll continue reviewing the details and share opportunities for your feedback.

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Apex Budget Resources

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 16:00:43 GMT

Newsletter: The manager’s proposed 2026–2027 budget has been posted on the Town website and I’ve updated my Apex Budget Explorer and Projects Explorer tools so you can review department spending, CIP projects, and trends. Council will hold one-on-one meetings, Finance Committee sessions, and full-Council work sessions over the next two months before we must adopt the budget by the end of June—if you want changes or see something missing, please comment online or come to a meeting to let us know.

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Apex (NC) Moves to End Grass Collection, Shift to Biweekly Yard Waste Pickup

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 01:41:42 GMT

Holly Springs Update: Heads up — Apex is proposing a phased plan to end grass collection, move to biweekly yard waste pickup, and transition to cart-based service by 2028. “So January 1st of 2027 is where we’re proposing to eliminate the collection of grass.”

Source: Holly Springs Update

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NC 55 upgrades to be finished before Veridea residents move in, developers say

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:19:21 -0400

WRAL: As your council member, I welcome the developers’ assurance that road improvements will precede residents moving into Veridea. “Developers of the 1,100+-acre mixed-use Veridea project in Apex say improvements on NC 55 near the development will be completed before the first residents move in.”

Source: WRAL

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Apex leaders hold public hearing on proposed data center moratorium

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:32:07 +0000

ABC11: “Town officials are proposing a 12-month moratorium that would pause new data center development, including data processing facilities and cryptocurrency mining operations.”

Source: ABC11

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The Peak of the Budget Season

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 01:50:11 GMT

Newsletter: I want you to know the town is facing a tighter fiscal picture as growth slows while personnel and service costs rise, and the recommended budget draft includes about 19.5 new positions (roughly half in public safety) rather than the 57 that were requested. Please review the new Apex Budget Explorer to see where dollars are spent and plan to attend the Town Manager’s recommended budget presentation on April 16 to review the draft and share your input.

Source: Newsletter

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Celebrate Small Business Week

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:59:54 -0500

Town of Apex: I’m pleased to share that Apex is celebrating National Small Business Week, May 3-9, with events to support our local entrepreneurs. “Join the Town of Apex and other local small business leaders as we \”Love Local,\” celebrate, and support our small business community.”

Source: Town of Apex

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Upcoming Events

• Regular Town Council Work Session, April 21st 3:30pm-5:00pm, Town Hall

• Modern Calligraphy and Planter Pot Lettering for Beginners at Cloer Family Vineyards, April 21st 6:30pm-8:00pm, Cloer Family Vineyards, 8624 Castleberry Road, Apex, N, 27523, United States

• April Book Club - ‘So Far Gone’ - 4/21/26, April 21st 6:30pm-8:00pm, Adventures in Bloom, 110 N Salem Street, Apex, 27502, United States

• Learning Lunch ~ National Poetry Month, April 23rd 12:00pm-1:00pm, Apex Senior Center

• CommUniversity: Spring into Sustainability, April 23rd 6:00pm-8:00pm

• Intermediate American Mahjong Workshop - 4/23/26, April 23rd 6:00pm-8:00pm, Adventures in Bloom, 110 N Salem Street, Apex, 27502, United States

• RDU Book Crawl, April 24th, Alleyway Bookstore, 116 N Salem St, Apex, NC, 27502, United States

• Apex Farmers Market, April 25th 8:00am-12:00pm, NC

• The Eras Market: A Day for Taylor Swift Fans, April 25th 10:30am-3:30pm, the studio, 106 W Chatham St, Apex, 27502, United States

• EarthFest, April 25th 12:00pm-4:00pm, Apex Town Campus, 73 Hunter Street, Apex, NC, 27502, United States

• Carolina Roller Derby Double Header, April 25th 4:00pm-9:00pm, XL Sports, 1016 Investment Blvd., Apex, NC, 27502, United States

• Spring Florals Wine Glass Painting Workshop with Heather Eck - Sunday 4/26/26, April 26th 10:00am-12:00pm, Adventures in Bloom, 110 N Salem Street, Apex, 27502, United States

• Love Local Showcase, April 26th 11:00am-4:00pm, Downtown Apex

• Apex Natural Heritage Trail Walk, Bioblitz & Cleanup, April 27th 5:30pm-7:00pm, Apex Nature Park, 2600 Evans Road, Apex NC 27502Meet at the shelter by the restrooms at the amphitheater parking lot!

Did You Know?

The Peak News Network includes a site to browse local election results in Wake County, and has been updated with the 2026 Primary results.

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As a recap, here is the summary table from the previous email:

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Budget Documents Posted Online

The Town’s official Budget website has been updated with the 2026-2027 proposal.

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Apex Budget Explorer Updated

This is a tool I wrote - the Apex Budget Explorer has been updated to reflect the manager's proposed 2026-2027 budget. You can use the tool to dig into the budget and see expenses per department, compare area/department/line items to prior years, look at trends, group by line item, see your tax receipt, and more.

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Apex Projects Explorer Updated

Another data tool of mine, the Apex Projects Explorer has been updated with the manager's proposed 2026-2027 budget. Using this tool you can browse what made the cut, what got delayed, costs, locations, and more. Tingen and Peakway? Core Banks light? Check it out.

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What’s Next

Coming up there are a series of one on one budget meetings between Council Members and staff, several Finance Committee meetings to discuss the budget, and a couple work sessions with all of Council to discuss the budget. Council has a little over two months to make any changes we want before we are statutorily required to adopt a budget by the end of June.

Something in the budget you don’t want to see? Something missing? Send us an email, come to a meeting, or comment below.

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-terry

We just finished a work session on the Manager’s proposed draft FY2027 budget. At a high level, the proposal includes a property tax increase, several utility rate changes, and 19.5 new positions. I put together the chart below: the ‘Monthly Increase’ column estimates the effect on the average value home with average utility consumption.

The budget, in total, adds 18.5 new positions, about half of which are Public Safety funded by part of the tax increase.

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Here is how the proposal breaks down.

Draft Budget Proposes Property Tax Increase

The Manager’s presentation made the case that revenue growth is slowing, while several major costs, especially insurance, are rising faster than inflation. In other words, a ‘status quo’ budget would be roughly flat. The proposed tax increase is tied not to maintaining current services, but to funding specific expansions and investments.

One penny of the proposed increase would fund Public Safety, including 6 patrol officers, a corporal, a Special Investigations lieutenant, and a fire inspector. Another penny would go to Fleet Replacement, primarily 25 police vehicles, along with 4 Parks vehicles and 1 Fire vehicle. Those replacements were deferred last year and are now overdue.

Half a penny would support Parks and Recreation and IT improvements, including expanded programming, longer hours, and some smart-city style investments such as better visibility into facility and court usage.

That leaves the 1 penny for the Community Investment Fund. So you might be asking, what is the Community Investment Fund (aka the “CIF”), and why is it getting a penny?

Community Investment Fund

The CIF is a different model for funding major community projects. Instead of approaching each project one at a time, the Town sets aside a dedicated revenue stream each year into a dedicated fund. Over time, that creates a more stable system for paying debt service on major projects and, in some cases, paying cash for smaller ones.

The advantage of this approach is that it is predictable and transparent. Residents can see how much of the tax rate is dedicated to capital projects, and the Town can plan around a steady level of funding rather than lurching from one financing decision to the next. It is a more disciplined long-term model, and it is one I supported on the Finance Committee.

The CIF is currently funded at 7 cents of the tax rate, a level initially set to roughly match existing debt service as the Town transitioned to this model. The proposed budget would raise that to 8 cents. There is no plan to move it higher than that.

A key part of this model is that it does not simply collect money and immediately spend it. Last year, roughly $4 million of CIF revenue was saved for future projects, and this budget proposes saving roughly another $4 million. That is intentional.

If the goal is more disciplined long-term planning, fewer surprises, and less reliance on project-by-project financing decisions, this is what that looks like in practice. You build a dedicated funding stream, preserve capacity for future debt service, and where possible pay cash for smaller or mid-sized projects.

Utility Rate Changes

On utility rates, the proposal includes a 4 percent increase for water and sewer. Electric would increase by about 6 percent, with roughly 4 percent of that tied directly to Duke cost increases and another 2 percent intended to improve the fund’s cash position toward the recommended 90 days cash on hand.

The budget also proposes moving yard waste fees to full cost recovery, since that service has been operating at a loss since tipping fees began. Garbage, recycling, and stormwater would not increase under this proposal.

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Personnel Changes in the Budget

The initial departmental requests totaled 57 new positions. That was reduced to 34 in the Manager’s initial recommendation, and the current draft budget includes 18.5 new positions, about half of them in Public Safety, with the remainder spread across other departments.

For employee compensation, the draft includes a 3 percent COLA or market adjustment and an average 2 percent merit increase.

Benefits are also under pressure. The Town is budgeting for an 8 percent increase in insurance costs, on top of an 8 percent increase last year. The Manager indicated that pharmaceutical spending, especially GLP-1 related costs, is a major driver. To respond, the Town is proposing a premium-funded employee health plan while retaining a no-premium option with higher copays.

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This is just an initial overview of the Manager’s draft. I still want to spend more time with the full budget documents, especially the proposed CIP changes, and I expect to share more thoughts as I work through them.

-terry

Consent Agenda

The Consent Agenda includes a handful of items with potential long‑term effects on town operations and land holdings. Of particular note is a proposed Land Exchange Agreement with AR Custom Homes involving adjacent properties on Old US Hwy 1 that will tidy up lot configurations. The council will also consider a multi‑year services agreement with Vision NC, LLC to collect flow data for wastewater modeling, and a staff recommendation to appoint the organizing board (I am a member) for the new Peak City Land Trust. There is also a proposed Fee‑In‑Lieu of land dedication for the Estates at Old Raleigh subdivision should council approve the payment rather than on‑site parkland dedication; see the coversheet for details.

Data Center Moratorium Established

A month ago I proposed an ordinance establishing a one-year moratorium on new data center applications in Apex, and last night I formally made the motion to approve it. The council then voted unanimously to adopt the moratorium, which pauses consideration of data centers and related uses such as cryptocurrency mining through April 27, 2027, while the Town develops strong local standards.

I believed this action was necessary to ensure Apex is making decisions on our terms, with clear rules and a full understanding of the potential impacts on nearby neighborhoods, infrastructure, water, power, and quality of life. After the serious concerns raised by residents about the proposed New Hill project, this was the right step to create space for a more deliberate, transparent, and community-focused process.

Yard Waste Presentation

Key Takeaways: Apex is moving toward a phased overhaul of its yard waste program, with biweekly collection, the eventual end of grass clipping collection, and a longer-term shift to containerized service. The changes are intended to make the system more sustainable, more predictable, and easier for residents to understand as the Town rolls them out over the next two years.

For the past three years, the Council has been discussing how to make Apex’s yard waste program more sustainable and manageable over the long term. At the February 2026 retreat, staff were directed to begin communicating with residents about the planned elimination of grass collection, to evaluate containerization for other yard waste, and to move toward a biweekly collection model. This presentation builds on those retreat discussions by laying out both the policy timeline and the public communication strategy for how those changes would be implemented.

At a high level, the Town is moving toward a phased, more structured yard waste system. That includes ending grass clippings as an accepted yard waste material due to inability to any longer get a disposal contract for the material, tightening rules around placement and acceptable materials, shifting to biweekly collection, and eventually transitioning to containerized collection in 2028. Staff also emphasized that this will be a multi-phase, multi-year process supported by outreach through mailers, HOA engagement, utility bill inserts, the Apex Collects app, social media, and other educational efforts so residents have time to adapt.

In the short term, residents should expect ordinance changes to be presented in May, with initial changes taking effect July 1, 2026. The first major operational shift would be biweekly zone collection beginning in October 2026, followed by the end of grass clipping collection on January 1, 2027. The proposed ordinance revisions also signal more immediate changes to what is accepted, where yard waste can be placed, volume limits, and enforcement tools, all aimed at making the service clearer and more predictable before the later move to carts

And…

Paperless Process Resolution

I introduced a resolution encouraging the Town of Apex to keep reducing paper-based internal processes and make digital workflows the default wherever practical. The resolution builds on work the Town has already done, aligns with Apex’s adopted Sustainability Plan, and is meant to reinforce existing progress rather than create an entirely new direction.

The proposal emphasizes flexibility, not rigid mandates. Departments would still be able to use paper when needed for legal requirements, business purposes, public-facing needs, or operational effectiveness. It also directs the Town Manager to report back within a year on implementation steps, efficiencies or cost savings, and recommendations for further improvement.

Peak Resilience Task Force

Council Member Mu introduced a resolution to create the “Peak Resilience and Wellbeing Task Force,” a temporary Apex task force focused on behavioral health awareness, prevention, early intervention, and better access to mental health resources. The resolution cites rising need, including statewide data showing more than one in five adults experienced a behavioral health condition in the past year, youth suicide as the second leading cause of death for ages 10 to 18, and Wake County health assessments in 2022 and 2025 that identified behavioral and mental health as a top local priority.

Under the proposal, the task force would run through June 30, 2028 and include 18 official members plus additional volunteers representing a range of community perspectives and expertise. Its work would include hosting workshops, developing culturally responsive educational materials, partnering with schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations, identifying barriers like cost, language access, and provider shortages, encouraging youth and family engagement, and reporting recommendations back to Town Council.

Tomorrow the budget get’s revealed. I’ll have a quick summary tomorrow night and a deeper dive over the next few weeks and I try to digest it and get feedback.

-terry

Consent Agenda

Several routine but consequential items are bundled for approval. The council will consider a short-term Memorandum of Agreement to participate in the regional solid waste consortium; staff recommends a Memorandum of Agreement with Central Pines Regional Council to continue collaboration on waste services. Utilities staff seek approval of a multi‑year services agreement with Vision NC, LLC, for flow data collection to support wastewater modeling and master planning; details are in the coversheet and scope. Parks staff are proposing a Fee‑In‑Lieu for the Estates at Old Raleigh subdivision; the recommendation and site plan are in the Fee‑In‑Lieu coversheet. The council will also consider a land exchange with AR Custom Homes affecting property on Old US Hwy 1; supporting documents are available in the land exchange coversheet. Finally, the agenda includes appointments to the organizing board of the Peak City Land Trust and a proposed amendment to the Town Council’s Rules of Procedure to streamline the order of business.

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Proclamations

We will present several community proclamations recognizing moments and observances this month, including Child Abuse Prevention Month, Nepal Day, Earth Day and the Apex Earth Festival, Lineworker Appreciation, and Public Safety Telecommunicator Week. Copies of the proclamations and background are available in the respective proclamation documents.

Yard Waste Program Update

Public Works will present proposed updates to the town’s yard waste program along with a communications strategy and ask the council for direction. The coversheet for the Yard Waste Program Update outlines proposed operational changes and outreach approaches aimed at improving participation and reducing contamination.

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1209 Twin Creek Road (Annexation No. 819)

The council will hold a public hearing on annexing a roughly 2‑acre parcel at 1209 Twin Creek Road. Materials including the annexation coversheet and maps describe the petition and expected changes to municipal services and planning jurisdiction if annexation is approved.

Annual Operating Budget Public Hearing (FY 2026–2027)

Councilmember Gray will preside over a public hearing to receive resident input on the Fiscal Year 2026–2027 Annual Operating Budget. No staff presentation is planned and no formal action is expected at this meeting, but the council is seeking community priorities as they finalize the budget; background is in the budget public hearing coversheet.

Data Center Moratorium

The council will take public comment and consider a proposed 12‑month moratorium on the acceptance, processing, and approval of new development applications for data centers, cryptocurrency mining, and related uses within the town and its extraterritorial jurisdiction. The proposed ordinance and notice explaining the scope are available in the data center moratorium packet. This item is intended to give staff and council time to review standards and community impacts before new approvals move forward.

Peak Resilience and Wellbeing Task Force

Councilmember Sue Mu is sponsoring a resolution to establish a non‑standing Peak Resilience and Wellbeing Task Force. The proposal defines a membership list and example categories for representation; the task force would focus on coordinating community resilience, health, and wellbeing initiatives across town programs. Read the proposed resolution and member list for details.

As always, I’ll update everyone with the outcomes and any key decisions after the meeting.

-terry

Finance Committee Meeting

Key Takeaways: A period of slowing growth is meeting ever rising personnel costs and economic pressures, at the same time we’re confronting increasing demands for service expansion - public safety in particular.

On Thursday, the Finance Committee, myself and CM Gray, met for a high-level update on the Town’s financial picture and the broader fiscal environment we are facing. This was not a reveal, or even a discussion, of the specifics of the upcoming draft budget. That comes next Thursday.

It did, however, paint a pretty dreary picture and helped lay out the challenges we’re facing as a town. The most important slide:

Raleigh has been in the news lately as their property tax revenue YOY has actually declined. Apex is not in that position, but our growth continues to slow more quickly than previously forecast. That means less new revenue to cover naturally increasing expenses like salaries, retirement contributions, insurance, and goods and materials affected by inflation.

We also discussed the new budget process put in place this year. Overall, it was well received by staff, and every department had input into the coming draft budget. We did get one small piece of information about the proposal:

19.5 new positions are included in the recommended budget, down from the 57 requested. My understanding is that about half of those are in public safety, including new police officers. It was also shared that this year’s revenue growth from new property coming online and expected sales tax increases is roughly equal to the natural growth in personnel costs.

Peak News Network Budget Tool Released

Key Takeaways: A new budget tool summarizes past and current budgets, allowing you to see where your money is being spent

If you’ve ever wanted to know where Apex tax dollars actually go, my budget tool makes it easy to see. Apex Budget Explorer turns years of town budget data into something residents can actually explore: by fund, department, and line item.

You can:

• Browse the full budget visually

• Compare spending across fiscal years

• Drill down from major categories into departments and line items

• Search for specific services and spending areas

• See a personalized property tax receipt estimate tied to the budget

The goal is simple: make public finance easier to understand without making people dig through giant PDFs and spreadsheets. It has data from the last 9 years, and will be updated with the proposed budget for this year when it’s released.

Built to help residents better understand the Town of Apex budget and what drives the tax rate.

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Upcoming Meeting Topics

Next Tuesday we have our next regularly scheduled Town Council meeting. Some notable items include a presentation/update about Flock, an update about grass collection ending and the evaluation of containerization in two years, and the data center moratorium vote.

You can see the full agenda here.

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Pig Fest

This weekend (yesterday, today, and tomorrow) is Pig Fest! Because of the downtown construction it was moved to Town Campus this year (same for Peak Fest). Just a reminder these are actually community events put on by outside groups with town support. We were out there today in our Town Council booth meeting with residents. If you haven’t had a chance to get some BBQ, stop by tomorrow!

Water Tower Bowl Raised

The bowl of the water tower was raised on Friday! Town Council joined town staff to do the ceremonial signing before they started (I may have also snuck my kids names on there). Expect to see a cool time lapse video soon.

2026 Street Resurfacing Has Started

Construction for the 2026 resurfacing project began in March and patching work is scheduled to start the week of April 6 with a neighborhood sequence posted (Ellington Place, Seagroves Farm, Holland Farm, Olive Chapel Park, Saunders Street and Hinton Street among others). Concrete repairs already began at locations including Germaine Street and Haddon Hall-West. These are essential safety and asset-preservation activities — expect intermittent lane closures, flagging operations, and temporary parking restrictions where crews are working.

Upcoming Events

• Invasive Plant Removal Workday, April 12th 10:00am-12:00pm, Apex Community Park

• Planning Board Meeting, April 13th 4:30pm-11:59pm

• Regular Town Council Meeting, April 14th 6:00pm-11:59pm, Town Hall

• Ciao From Italy Featuring Salvatore Ferragamo April Wine Dinner, April 14th 6:30pm-8:30pm, Carrabbas Italian Grill, 1201 Haddon Hall Dr

• Wednesday Morning Movie, April 15th 10:00am-12:00pm, The Halle Cultural Arts Center

• Environmental Advisory Board Subcommittee Meeting - RE: Data Centers, April 15th 5:00pm-7:00pm, Town Hall

• On The Steps Concert Series with Shana Tucker, April 15th 7:30pm-9:00pm, The Halle Cultural Arts Center

• Town Council Meeting - Town Manager’s Recommended Budget Presentation Fiscal Year 2027, April 16th 3:00pm-5:00pm, Town Hall

• Environmental Advisory Board Meeting, April 16th 6:00pm-11:59pm

• Downtown Apex Boutique Crawl, April 17th 3:00pm-8:00pm, Downtown Apex, 220 N Salem Street, Apex, NC, 27502, United States

• SuperFun Saturday, April 18th 10:30am-12:30pm, The Halle Cultural Arts Center

• Senior Showcase, April 18th 3:00pm-4:30pm, The Halle Cultural Arts Center

That’s all for now. I’m thinking of moving the Peak News Network updates to biweekly. I’ll send out a more detailed meeting preview hopefully Monday - there are still a few things (presentations, documents, etc) being added to the agenda. Let me know in the comments (or respond to this email) if you have any thoughts.

-terry

Veridea development takes shape in Apex: ‘Truly amazing’

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 22:12:22 +0000

As your elected representative, I want to share a brief update on a large project that will shape housing, jobs, infrastructure and healthcare access in our area. Veridea’s construction will affect traffic patterns, utility work, school planning and local economic opportunities, and we will continue to track permitting, timelines and community benefits. Although this project was approved in 2011, I will continue to push for infrastructure upgrades and community amenities. Know that the Council will do whatever we can to mitigate impacts on our community as this project takes shape.

“You have to have that foundation first,” Mayor Jacques Gilbert said. “Seeing asphalt and lights going up ... it is really great to see,” Gilbert said. “Pay attention, keep the vision in front of you,” Gilbert said. “You’ll start seeing things come into shape, and it’s going to be truly amazing for the town of Apex and the region.”

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Apex notifying 22,000 residents data could be compromised in 2024 cyberattack

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:13:18 +0000

As your elected official I want to make you aware that the Town of Apex is notifying roughly 22,000 residents after a 2024 cyberattack that affected billing and prompted large-scale meter replacement; town leaders say they have rebuilt financial systems, worked with the FBI, taken legal action to recover data, and now maintain daily cybersecurity monitoring.

“We hopefully are closing out this chapter on the cyber event. This is the last piece of us notifying those residents and our employees that that breach occurred, but also finding comfort in the fact that we brought it back and it didn’t go too far into the dark web,” said Apex Town Manager Randy Vosburg.

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Apex sets public hearing on proposed data center moratorium

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 22:36:35 -0400

Please mark your calendars — the town council will hold a public hearing on a proposed data center moratorium and your input matters. “The town council will meet to discuss the idea on Tuesday, April 14, at 6 p.m. at the Apex Town Hall.”

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The Latest from Apex Town Hall

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 02:15:38 GMT

My newsletter: Topics include the Council scheduled a public hearing on April 14 to consider a possible 12‑month moratorium on data centers and the proposed 2026–2027 Town Budget will be released and presented on April 16. Please attend or submit comments so your voice is heard. Operationally, crews will begin neighborhood street patching the week of April 6, the Town is swapping 65‑gallon recycling carts for 95‑gallon carts (leave your cart at the curb through 5 PM on your scheduled collection day), and the Town Hall parking lot will be closed April 9–11 for Peak City Pig Fest.

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Salem Street is getting a makeover this year!

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:37:00 -0500

Heads-up for downtown visitors and drivers: the Salem Streetscape project is entering Phase 1 and will affect traffic patterns and parking through October 2026. “Each phase of construction will close one side of N. Salem Street at a time, restricting traffic to one-way southbound movement.”

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New 95-gallon recycling carts coming for all residents!

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 12:48:42 -0500

I’m pleased to let you know we’re upgrading curbside recycling carts to give residents more space at no additional cost. “The Town’s Public Works Department is replacing all 65-gallon recycling carts with 95-gallon recycling carts.”

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Save the Date: Apex Small Business Advisory Group

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 11:43:08 -0500

I’m pleased the town is launching an advisory group to better connect with our small businesses. “The Apex Economic Development department established Apex Small Business Advisory Group in an effort to gain increased active involvement by the small business community in the development of promotions, marketing, business initiatives, tourism and more.”

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Upcoming Events

Bookmark https://calendar.peaknewsnetwork.org to stay up to date on local events!

• SuperFun Saturday, April 4th 10:30am-12:30pm, The Halle Cultural Arts Center

• Office Hours w/Mayor Pro-Tempore Terry Mahaffey, April 9th 9:00am-11:00am, Apex Senior Center

• Peak City Pig Fest, April 10th 5:00pm-10:00pm, Town Hall

• Shred Day, April 11th 8:00am-11:00am

• Peak City Pig Fest, April 11th 11:00am-9:00pm, Town Hall

• Invasive Plant Removal Workday, April 12th 10:00am-12:00pm, Apex Community Park

• Planning Board Meeting, April 13th 4:30pm-11:59pm

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Did You Know?

The Peak News Network includes a Projects website where you can view all of the projects on the Town’s Capital Improvement Plan, their estimated cost, and timeline.

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