The Waxhaw Board of Commissioners met on September 8 for a relatively short meeting, but several items are worth highlighting for residents.
Among the topics discussed were the town’s financial position as the new fiscal year gets underway, and the appointment of residents to town advisory boards. The board also recognized several members of the community and Waxhaw Police Department for their service and achievements.
End-of-Year Budget Reconciliation
The Board approved the final budget amendment needed to close out fiscal year 2025-26.
Town Manager Scott Dadson explained that the approximately $447,000 amendment does not represent new spending. Instead, it moves money that is already within the town’s existing accounts into the appropriate funds and categories so that the books can be properly closed.
About $138,000 involved adjustments for expenditures that came in higher than originally budgeted, including sanitation fees and street-light electricity. Dadson explained that some of those costs were driven by having more customers and more streets in the system than had been anticipated.
Another approximately $309,000 was a cash reclassification associated with the Old Town Campus fund. The money already exists; the accounting change is necessary to place it in the correct fund for auditing purposes.
The Board approved the amendment unanimously.
A Look at the Town’s Current Finances
The Board also received its regular monthly financial report covering August 2026, the second month of the new fiscal year.
Dadson emphasized that the numbers are unreconciled and unaudited, meaning they are intended to provide the Board with an early picture of cash flow, spending and the town’s financial position rather than final financial statements.
One important point is that the town is currently in the low-revenue portion of its annual cash-flow cycle. Only about 1.7% of annual revenues had been collected at that point in the fiscal year, while expenditures were already approximately 21.6% of the annual general-fund budget.
That disparity is normal for Waxhaw because property-tax and other major revenues arrive later in the fiscal year. Dadson said November is expected to be the low point for cash flow, after which revenues begin building substantially through the winter.
The town reported approximately $33.6 million in cash and investments across all funds. However, that figure includes money committed or restricted for specific purposes and should not be interpreted as $33.6 million available for general spending.
The more relevant figure for unrestricted fund balance was approximately $18.2 million at the end of August, down from approximately $20.8 million in July. Dadson explained that the town is temporarily drawing down those reserves during the low-revenue portion of the fiscal year. (for context, the current operating budget is $26.47 million)
The financial report also accounts for the town’s longer-term obligations and upcoming capital needs. Staff are continuing to refine a 12-month cash-flow projection to help the Board evaluate major projects and their impact on available cash.
The Board also learned that the interest earned on town cash and investments was approximately $96,000 during August.
The full financial reports are made available to the public so residents can review the town’s financial position in greater detail.
New Members of Waxhaw’s Advisory Boards
The Board unanimously approved the 2026 slate of appointments and reappointments to the town’s various advisory boards and commissions.
The town received enough qualified applicants to fill 12 vacancies, including 10 full-term vacancies and two mid-term vacancies resulting from resignations and removals.
The town’s Organization Advisory Board reviewed the applicants, conducted interviews and used a ranking system to develop the recommended slate.
One encouraging aspect of the process was the number of residents who volunteered to serve. Commissioners specifically noted the quality of the applicants and the fact that some candidates were qualified to serve on multiple boards.
Applicants who were not selected remain on file with the clerk’s office for one year. If a vacancy occurs during that period, their applications and interview rankings can be reviewed.
This is a good reminder that local government depends heavily on residents who are willing to volunteer their time. If you have an interest in helping shape Waxhaw’s future, serving on an advisory board or commission is one of the most direct ways to get involved.
Recognizing Waxhaw’s Community
The meeting also included several recognitions.
The Board proclaimed September 17, 2026, as Constitution Day in Waxhaw, recognizing the importance of the Constitution and informed civic participation.
The Board also proclaimed September 11, 2026, as Patriot Day and a National Day of Service and Remembrance, marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks and honoring the victims and first responders.
Two young Waxhaw athletes, Tinley Carpenter and Jordan Carpenter, were recognized for their performances at the Junior Olympics. Tinley, age eight, placed third nationally in the long jump, while Jordan, age nine, placed fifth.
The Board also recognized several members of the Waxhaw Police Department for years of service, including Sergeant Ferguson for 10 years with Waxhaw, Sergeant Maynard for five years with the town, and Captain Zill for 25 years of service to Waxhaw.
The Public Art Committee also introduced its latest artist for the Waxhaw Little Art Gallery project. Artist Rupam Varma is proposing a series of miniature 5-by-7-inch works combining traditional Mithila art with North Carolina’s natural heritage, including endangered and threatened species such as the red-cockaded woodpecker and bog turtle.
That’s local government at its best—residents paying attention and taking part.