Good morning neighbors,

There's been no lack of comments, questions and concerns from taxpayers on social media about Alamance County Manager Heidi York's recommended municipal budget.

York addressed some of them in The Alamance Fabric's virtual Q&A and fact-check last week. If you missed it, here's where you can rewatch. Our feature story this week is an FAQ based on the conversation, including residents’ questions about the budget and how our county government operates.

We don't know what, if any, changes county commissioners may make before approving the county budget. York’s spending plan proposes raising property taxes by 2.25 cents per $100 of assessed value. However, at last week's meeting, some did say they did not want to increase taxes on property owners.

The board's work session next Monday is at the courthouse and includes a public hearing. This is where county residents can directly address the commissioners about the budget. Here’s info on how to sign up for public comment.

By the way... Last week, I included a list of links to our individual municipalities’ websites with budget information. I’m updating that list with new links I received from some of them. Also, I want to clarify that “Alamance” is the Village of Alamance, not the county.

• Burlington (Not yet updated with 2026-2027 budget draft)

• Elon

• Gibsonville

• Graham

• Green Level

• Haw River

• Mebane

• Swepsonville (Once signed, the adopted budget will appear under “Budget Ordinances” here.)

• Village of Alamance (Not updated since 2024-2025)

Talk soon!

THIS WEEK

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WHAT'S SHAPING ALAMANCE

A round up of key local headlines (from our partners and other news organizations) that are defining life in Alamance right now. Articles with an asterisk (*) beside them are behind a paywall.

• Push to increase number of license plate readers in NC (FOX 8 WGHP)

• 'Worthy of preservation' Historic properties in Alamance County invite conversation, commemoration (Elon News Network)
  

• Building Understanding Through MyVoice (For Alamance Narrative Team)
  

LATEST FROM NC LOCAL

Here is the latest statewide reporting from the NC Local team on the big-picture issues that impact us all.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

In this segment, we spotlight one of the neighbors shaping our community's future. This summer, we are highlighting recipients of the Alamance Community Foundation's 2026 Spring Community Grant.

Studio 1, Inc. founder and executive director Tami Kress (front) with the 2026 cast and crew of 'Broadway Bound' (Courtesy: Tami Kress)

Studio 1, Inc.

• In a few words, describe your organization and its mission. 
  At Studio 1, we make it our mission to be unique, positive, and empowering as we celebrate the best in people both onstage and off. We believe that it is important to come together to achieve something bigger than we could do by ourselves individually.

• What do you wish more people knew about Studio 1?
  We provide local quality entertainment for people of all ages, interests, and communities. Producing shows ranging from family-friendly The Little Mermaid to the emotionally devastating The Father, there is something for everyone available at the Studio. We also provide classes, community outreach events, volunteer opportunities, and more. 

• How can the community stay in touch and get involved?
  Studio 1 has a thriving social media presence. We can be found on Instagram and Facebook. Our website also contains up-to-date information about upcoming shows, auditions, service projects and more. We’ve also recently added text message notifications, which you can opt in to, that let you know what’s happening at the Studio.

• Any big accomplishments or goals this year?
  Founder Tami Kress has received local recognition by being asked to be the keynote speaker at the ROAR symposium hosted by the Alamance County Chamber of Commerce. She also received a national Special Recognition Award from the American Association of Community Theatres. This award is presented yearly to 3-5 persons or organizations “whose contributions to community theatre are far-reaching and of a special nature.” Tami will travel to AACTWorldFest in Venice, Fla., in June to receive this award in person.

THINGS TO DO

Whether you’re searching for family-friendly fun, a way to support local creators, or to get civically involved, here are a few ideas.

• Saxahapaw Forward Annual Community Meeting
  Thursday, May 28 at 5:30 p.m.
  Upper School Gym - The Hawbridge School
  1820 Saxapahaw-Bethlehem Church Rd, Graham, NC 27253

• Thursdays at Seven Concert Series:
  The Holiday Band 
  Thursday, May 28 at 7 p.m.
  Downtown Graham
  118 N Main St, Graham, NC 27253

• First Responder Friday: Forks of Alamance in Graham 
  Friday, May 29 at 5 p.m.
  Forks of Alamance neighborhood
  8872970504, Graham, NC 27253

• Musical Chairs Concert with Sweet T & The Biscuits
  Friday, May 29 at 7 p.m.
  Downtown Gibsonville
  314 10th St, Gibsonville, NC 27249

• Burlington Food Truck Rodeo
  Sunday, May 31 at 12 p.m.
  Granddaddy's Antique Mall
  2316 Maple Ave, Burlington, NC 27215

• Alamance County Board of Commissioners Work Session
  Monday, June 1 at 9:30 a.m.
  Alamance County Office Building
  124 W. Elm St., Graham, NC 27253

• Burlington City Council Work Session
  Monday, June 1 at 5 p.m.
  Municipal Building
  425 S. Lexington Ave., Burlington, NC 27215

• Haw River Town Council Meeting
  Monday, June 1 at 6 p.m.
  Haw River Town Hall
  403 E. Main St., Haw River, NC 27258

• Mebane City Council Meeting
  Monday, June 1 at 6 p.m.
  Municipal Building
  106 E. Washington St., Mebane, NC 27302

• Gibsonville Board of Aldermen Meeting
  Monday, June 1 at 6:30 p.m.
  Gibsonville Town Hall
  129 W. Main St., Gibsonville, NC 27249

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