[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6564623,"mediaKeyId","3276499-d8e31ab1dddfd04288efcdf8e8aef49e","parentId",3276499,"title","Pittsboro commissioners approve downtown study, adopt resolutions and other measures in May 12 meeting","audioSeconds",1184,"startMs",5552000,"endMs",6736000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3276499-d8e31ab1dddfd04288efcdf8e8aef49e&start=5552&end=6736","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3276499-d8e31ab1dddfd04288efcdf8e8aef49e/thumbnail_5552000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6564623/North-Carolina/Pittsboro-commissioners-approve-downtown-study-adopt-resolutions-and-other-measures-in-May-12-meeting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6564623-cbdef85bb9220549ec3782bbf811f5e4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440355&Signature=CUOjg5c8Fm-C4UvaTlua78gpT6s5-CwQh4H54lzQEG6~xUHb7SEJI2GgKl~OWL4ZpqteNS31uVJBk5LjOP2OkzoqMrBDJ6koSZV269UnyUZ1djESwqtpxGLRgRdSpvzUyD9ci6r3jOOcBG25qoilmc67sQrq-1FKRKdO7tDazP66fWvc82gEKHQWyuV9Prxvqdl~7YGC71N6snw8xMbaMN8GfVIW65Fk~xCUsYRnid4-KngMF7UT5vjFOjM7Z503Sax~9tnHBfc6Mv3tNDoNlELgcMQmdi1pw~ARwAELr~ZdDK3KP4KicwDXPY-UibXm55kY92AouFAunI5yBWii~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pittsboro","date","2025-05-12T21:56:36Z","article","PITTSBORO, N.C. — The Town of Pittsboro Board of Commissioners on May 12 approved a set of resolutions and administrative actions, authorized a joint downtown predevelopment study with Chatham County, allowed the ABC board to retain a portion of excess working capital, and received a presentation on the manager's proposed fiscal year 2025-26 budget.

The board also opened and closed a public hearing on the manager's proposed budget and later approved a climate action plan vision and framework (with a requested addition of land-use language) and appointed two board liaisons to an internal staff task force.

The most consequential administrative approvals were a) an interlocal agreement with Chatham County for joint predevelopment work on multiple publicly owned downtown parcels, b) a contract with the consultant team Bolton & Mank (with subcontract partners) to perform the redevelopment analysis, and c) a budget amendment to reflect county participation in that predevelopment study. The board adopted the agreements and the related budget amendment after motions and recorded aye votes.

Other items approved by the board included ceremonial proclamations recognizing National Police Week and Public Works Week; a resolution naming Tiana Thurber Pittsboro's 2024 Main Street champion; a resolution congratulating Doherty's Irish Pub and Restaurant for receiving the 2025 North Carolina Main Street Award for best infill building project; and a town resolution opposing state bills that the resolution said would preempt municipal land-use authority (the resolution specifically cited House Bill 765 and other bills by number).

The board also approved a request by the Pittsboro ABC Board to retain 40% of its excess working capital for restricted capital improvements for a planned second store, as allowed by statute.

The board took the following formal actions during the May 12 meeting: approve the interlocal agreement and consultant contract for downtown predevelopment; adopt a corresponding budget amendment; authorize the Pittsboro ABC Board to retain 40% of excess working capital for capital improvements; adopt multiple ceremonial proclamations and recognitions; and adopt the climate action plan vision and framework with the addition of land use and appointment of two liaisons.

The manager's proposed budget was presented and discussed (see separate article). A number of residents spoke during the public-comments period urging stronger tree protections, opposing a single large small-area plan for Chatham Park South Village and urging the town to prioritize higher-density development and other climate-related measures; those comments were heard but did not alter the formal votes taken that evening.

Votes at a glance:
- Authorized town manager to execute an interlocal agreement (ILA) with Chatham County for downtown predevelopment work; motion moved by Commissioner Bonitz; outcome: approved.
- Adopted the Town of Pittsboro ILA resolution; outcome: approved.
- Authorized town manager to execute a predevelopment contract with Bolton & Mank for downtown analysis; outcome: approved.
- Approved a budget amendment to cover the redevelopment analysis (reflecting county participation); outcome: approved.
- Authorized the Pittsboro ABC Board to retain 40% of excess working capital for the restricted capital improvements fund (fiscal year reference in packet); outcome: approved (motion made and seconded).
- Adopted resolutions and proclamations (National Police Week; Public Works Week; Main Street champion for Tiana Thurber; recognition of Doherty's Irish Pub award); outcome: approved.
- Adopted a resolution opposing House Bill 765 and similar legislation that would limit municipal land-use authority; outcome: approved.
- Approved the Downtown Pittsboro work plan for fiscal year 2025-26 as presented; outcome: approved.
- Approved the climate action plan vision statement and framework with the addition of land use to the first element, and appointed the mayor and Commissioner Bonitz as board liaisons to the climate action plan task force; outcome: approved.
- Entered closed session under N.C. Gen. Stat. \u0000\u0000 143-318.11 (a)(3),(a)(5),(a)(6); outcome: approved to enter closed session.

Notes: where the transcript records only a voice vote (\"All those in favor say aye\") and does not list individual tallies, the meeting record shows motions passed by voice vote as approved; the transcript does not provide full roll-call tallies for those items.

Ending: The board adjourned after returning from closed session; the manager and staff will follow up on implementation steps for the approved downtown predevelopment study and the climate action plan process.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","May 12th, 2025 - Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","PITTSBORO, N.C. — The Town of Pittsboro Board of Commissioners on May 12 approved a downtown predevelopment study with Chatham County, several ceremonial resolutions and other administrative measures while opening a public hearing on the manager's proposed budget.","taxTitle","Town of Pittsboro, Chatham County, North Carolina","taxId",73859,"location","North Carolina","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6564608,"Pittsboro staff presents proposed FY 2025-26 budget; board opens public hearing and hears concerns about revenue neutrality and growth",1287,3790000,5077000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3276499-d8e31ab1dddfd04288efcdf8e8aef49e&start=3790&end=5077","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3276499-d8e31ab1dddfd04288efcdf8e8aef49e/thumbnail_3790000.jpg","/articles/6564608/North-Carolina/Pittsboro-staff-presents-proposed-FY-2025-26-budget-board-opens-public-hearing-and-hears-concerns-about-revenue-neutrality-and-growth","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6564608-070a181c034801ac55874e7ded7a5357/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440355&Signature=XJV2y~sSofnoFNPTqQE-Odrhtd7f-Ftkq3q8~0ABC~fTpMMxnJ3PAbMeaScIkvOS6BT0DyYVdDMWrpNDwalySVCpGGUEliLsHvIVTEsLQ0JfDfHgMQmGItsofFQy3FjfLQ2~H4fJnZ0SCJvFxLugbwD~8v12P-T3DzPDgjFiow6OMjgEC3sY0HqN2UZ3kKHqgqGRDXkIGCRZI4~x7D2QwEhkyp9M~pc2eeB9J2rd2KSNNOoGJ1DaNA2thpQLKe2lrZVHIX-zrZEK4hz4NCnT4QmGMJOMi50a4oGM7I2zoFrP-n5jL~drvTWyUV0mZ931Be1V3vCYETcWOUD~qlJi5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","PITTSBORO, N.C. — Finance staff presented the manager's recommended fiscal year 2025-26 budget at the May 12 Board of Commissioners meeting. The board opened a public hearing on the proposal and, after no one signed up to speak during the hearing, closed the hearing and discussed revenue and growth implications.

Key points from the finance presentation (as stated in the meeting): the proposed general fund budget totals $14,096,379 and anticipates using $1,194,379 of fund balance. Staff said they expect to seek loan proceeds to cover planned capital expenditures and that the budget includes wage and benefit adjustments: a 3.2% cost-of-living adjustment, a 2% market adjustment, an estimated 7.7% rise in major medical costs (negotiated down from an earlier proposed 15% increase), and an increase in retirement contributions as set by the Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System.

The proposed budget includes adding two police officers, a public works maintenance position and an IT manager (all scheduled to start in January 2026) and expanding the downtown events/admin coordinator from part time to full time. Staff also noted the year was a tax reevaluation year and presented a revenue-neutral tax-rate calculation; staff reported the revenue-neutral rate as substantially lower than the proposed rate and said the difference equates to roughly a 9.5-cent change in the tax rate compared with the rate in the proposed budget.

During discussion commissioners raised residents' concerns about valuation increases from the county reappraisal, the burden of growth-driven service needs, and the fairness of staying at the proposed rate versus moving to a revenue-neutral rate. Staff noted the town has already reduced the budget from department requests (citing roughly $3 million in cuts from initial requests) and that drawing more deeply on fund balance or cutting further would require eliminating positions or projects and materially reduce the town's capacity to respond to growth.

Commissioners also asked about fund-balance levels and the possible audit flag that appears when a municipality appropriates fund balance; staff said the town is projecting to be in strong fiscal shape and expected to remain near or above current fund-balance targets by fiscal-year end. The presentation also included a discussion about fleet purchases and whether to buy hybrid F-150 trucks, gas models with upfits or pursue battery-electric alternatives; staff noted upfit costs increase vehicle prices and commissioners asked staff to compare total prices (truck plus upfits) and practical charging/resiliency policies used by peer municipalities.

Ending: The public hearing was opened and closed on May 12; the board heard questions and directed staff to return with budget adoption steps at a later meeting.","Finance staff presented a proposed $14.1 million general fund budget that uses fund balance and includes staffing additions; the board opened and closed a public hearing with no registered speakers and discussed concerns about revenue neutrality, fund balance and growth-driven service needs.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6564613,"Pittsboro adopts climate-action vision, residents press town to protect trees and demand smaller Chatham Park plans",1098,5663000,6761000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3276499-d8e31ab1dddfd04288efcdf8e8aef49e&start=5663&end=6761","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3276499-d8e31ab1dddfd04288efcdf8e8aef49e/thumbnail_5663000.jpg","/articles/6564613/North-Carolina/Pittsboro-adopts-climate-action-vision-residents-press-town-to-protect-trees-and-demand-smaller-Chatham-Park-plans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6564613-ad61f2dec7bb76f0fad4ad2ba79ae1c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440355&Signature=WrHJBKAoF4GNVNhusrT20aiiDYauynLzDTuBobbbW23NvrvBzvsxlu9Xjip-90RkLDbB1mI5Ge6kmFDm8WLSLc~BJzR1OHCvsRr6IhX30rScbLONaElirvYzDwMTe2qUxKslOhGxdJrqpR2zmaYTpXyaQ84G5uvkOAuTBXfZs1CAranxuX5RS4InX-fDWy8TA8-4rpkzO-0qV7bUBedWOjXV3Brp6Jo6tNneHS4ieAJnAnr3diZjZDuG3dqNHKiv6dZqFi06ggrCBaebQk6CpZo7IzHRlkkRln5KT1BGMXAPBBJfxi4uMiZ3~khTf~e8Fn24Z5YL4V1xO~Vv32~c9Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","PITTSBORO, N.C. — The Town of Pittsboro Board of Commissioners on May 12 adopted a climate action plan vision statement and framework and directed staff to proceed with community outreach, adding explicit land-use language at the board's request.

The board approved the vision and framework by voice vote and appointed two board liaisons — the mayor and Commissioner Bonitz — to an internal staff task force that will shepherd plan development. Staff said they plan two public community meetings in late June, will collect survey responses and present a draft plan to the board in August or September with a target final adoption in September or October.

Public comments preceding the vote were extensive and focused on climate, tree canopy protection and the proposed Chatham Park South Village small-area plan (SAP). More than a dozen residents from Pittsboro and Chatham County urged the board to require multiple, smaller SAPs for Chatham Park rather than a single large plan covering roughly 5,000 acres; they said smaller, phased plans would preserve oversight, protect existing tree canopy and allow the town to respond to changing conditions.

Speakers also urged the board to prioritize higher-density development inside town limits, protect mature trees and expand green space and multimodal transport options to reduce vehicle miles traveled. Some speakers asked the town to strengthen the unified development ordinance (UDO) with a robust tree ordinance and to align the climate action plan with concrete land-use protections.

Staff presented a draft vision statement that reads in part: \"Pittsboro will embrace smart, sustainable growth that protects our natural resources, preserves green space, and reduce costs while enhancing community resilience.\" At the board's request, staff agreed to add explicit land-use language to ensure the plan addresses how growth and density policies tie to resilience goals.

Board members discussed how the plan should be updated or reassessed over time; staff indicated the operationalization section will recommend how to measure progress, identify funding strategies and set review intervals. The staff team will include planning and sustainability staff and the mayor and Commissioner Bonitz will serve as the board liaisons on the task force.

Ending: Staff will schedule two public meetings, continue stakeholder outreach and return a draft plan to the board in the summer for review.","The board approved a climate-action plan vision and framework with added land-use language and appointed two liaisons; dozens of public commenters urged stronger tree protection, opposed a single large small-area plan for Chatham Park South Village, and called for denser, transit-friendly development.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6564618,"Pittsboro and Chatham County sign on for joint downtown predevelopment study; Bolton & Mank hired",591,5568000,6159000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3276499-d8e31ab1dddfd04288efcdf8e8aef49e&start=5568&end=6159","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3276499-d8e31ab1dddfd04288efcdf8e8aef49e/thumbnail_5568000.jpg","/articles/6564618/North-Carolina/Pittsboro-and-Chatham-County-sign-on-for-joint-downtown-predevelopment-study-Bolton-Mank-hired","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6564618-39a436a2a6cb4826419bb607afd37508/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440355&Signature=SF~6PRL7Yvf8qCL4IhmfdvIZ~aj6S~ecrGvKKutymul~I4wV3ciMFXDwYNu9by6gVsyxOkOf0WXk0n28a0DEhMwjFaFVBbLWRHLVrobCNiUkRIOXSepn-vs~g3oaURzY0dFWC1WRZO93GwL3t8yKkoiRi7F-gUT63v5xzqTx8rmjNJZlR1IS9q5JjsKAwV5oTHLNmG-sEw0PxDDnpB1JoJuWvf9W8JEiohHQ2DfIA0OozSUi8g5EEW6O18GCIx5Yw8oEA-ct65r4robyAfN-OjrbxfIizZq0AB9~pgZaYGn5rLFafSitoG8mkQPYTcrfPh71TdlGoAt~~SkR~Vj~nQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","PITTSBORO, N.C. — The Town of Pittsboro on May 12 authorized an interlocal agreement with Chatham County and awarded a contract to Bolton & Mank (with subconsultants) to complete a three-phase predevelopment analysis of multiple publicly owned parcels in downtown Pittsboro.

Town staff described the parcels as \"transformative\" downtown sites equivalent to several city blocks and said the study will address market demand, site due diligence (including zoning and environmental constraints), and a delivery strategy for potential public-private development or ground-lease scenarios. The study scope presented to the board includes market analysis, site capacity assessments and a strategy to solicit and evaluate development partners.

The board approved three connected actions: authorization of the interlocal agreement with Chatham County to pursue joint predevelopment work; execution of the contract with Bolton & Mank to carry out the study; and a budget amendment reflecting county participation in the project. Meeting discussion indicated the total predevelopment budget discussed was approximately $150,000, with a reported 50/50 cost share (town $75,000, county $75,000). Staff said the town would initially pay invoices and be reimbursed by the county.

Grama Yaggi, principal with Bolton & Mank (presenting for the consultant team), said the team includes a market analyst and an architect and that the work plan assumes an eight-month schedule but can be accelerated or slowed depending on the town and county's desired pace. The study will include outreach to downtown stakeholders, property owners and business owners and produce deliverables intended to support an eventual request-for-development (RFD) or other delivery approach aimed at matching the town's goals with appropriate private partners.

Commissioners asked how ownership strategies might influence outcomes. Consultant and project advisers said there is no single predetermined ownership approach: options include long-term public ownership with ground leases to private developers, partial public ownership for public uses (affordable housing, public realm), or full disposition where appropriate. Staff emphasized that different parcels could carry different ownership strategies depending on town objectives such as affordable-housing preservation, public realm improvements or economic development.

The board voted to proceed with the ILA, contract and budget amendment by voice vote. Staff will begin Phase 1 (market analysis) and return regular updates to the board and county; a municipal staff lead was identified and the town's finance office will record county reimbursements.

Ending: Bolton & Mank will begin the market analysis and staff expect public engagement as part of the process; a timeline presented by the consultant estimated roughly eight months for the full predevelopment analysis.","The Town of Pittsboro will lead a jointly funded predevelopment analysis of multiple publicly owned downtown parcels with Bolton & Mank as consultant; county will reimburse half of the study cost and the board approved a contract and a related budget amendment.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Pittsboro commissioners approve downtown study, adopt resolutions and other measures in May 12 meeting

Pittsboro staff presents proposed FY 2025-26 budget; board opens public hearing and hears concerns about revenue neutrality and growth

Pittsboro adopts climate-action vision, residents press town to protect trees and demand smaller Chatham Park plans

Pittsboro and Chatham County sign on for joint downtown predevelopment study; Bolton & Mank hired