📘Cary's New Budget Leaves 68 Projects Unfunded

Happy Friday Cary,

I hope you’ve stayed cool the last few days! Temperatures are slowly coming down— not quite to the 80’s, but to the low 90’s. And after 4 days of 105 degrees and up, that’s fine with me.

This weekend has a lot in store in Cary and nearby. Between the farmer’s market, swing dancing, and even an art gallery, there’s plenty to do

Anyway, here’s what you can expect in Today’s issue:

• Cary’s new budget details

• Final Friday Art Loop

• Art Explorers

• Tequila library!?

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

Cary Adopts New Budget: Lowest Tax Rate in Wake, but Pauses Dozens of Projects Amid Soaring Costs

Cary, N.C. — Cary’s Town Council has signed off on a $510.9 million budget for Fiscal Year 2026, aiming to maintain the lowest property tax rate in Wake County—even as construction costs soar and tough choices abound.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Property taxes are going up—but just barely. The new rate climbs 1.5 cents, to $0.34 per $100 valuation, adding about $97 a year for the typical Cary homeowner. Still, it remains the lowest rate among Wake municipalities.

• Core services stay funded. The Town is investing $8.9 million in street maintenance, $5.8 million in public safety tech, and $2.4 million in upgraded traffic signals.

• Some fees are rising: Solid waste jumps $3 to $26/month, and water/sewer rates climb 4% (about $3/month for a family of four).

• Staffing remains tight. For the second year running, no new staff positions have been added—Cary still has one of the leanest city workforces for its size nationwide.

• Merit raises shrink. The average potential employee merit pay increase drops from 5% to 3%.

Biggest Challenge: Construction Costs
Cary’s Council took a hard look at its capital project list this year—reviewing 391 projects in all. Here’s the breakdown:

• 198 projects: finished and done.

• 125 projects: still underway and moving forward.

• 68 projects: paused and “reassessed” after rising costs left them unfunded for now.

What’s behind the slow-down? Cary, like cities nationwide, faces sky-high construction prices—think sidewalks now costing double or more what they did a few years back. Mayor Harold Weinbrecht says, “We can’t afford to do everything we hoped for, but we’re focused on what matters most.”

Have Your Say
Cary’s rolling budget process means you can weigh in any time. Share your thoughts by email ([email protected]), phone (311 or 919-469-4000), at Council meetings, or on social (DM @caryncgov or use #CaryBudget). Prefer texting? Just text your input to TXT311.

Full budget details will be available online and in print this fall. For now, the Town Manager’s recommended version is live at carync.gov/budget.

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Restaurant Spotlight: A’verde Cucina and Tequila Library

Nestled in Cary’s Centrum at Crossroads, A’Verde Cocina + Tequila Library brings Chef Katsuji Tanabe’s artful fusion of Mexican and Japanese flavors to life. The spacious, mural-filled dining room and an impressive tequila library set the stage for a vibrant, open-minded culinary experience.

It’s the kind of place where traditional tomatillo avocados meet umami-rich techniques—think Japanese sensibility, Mexican soul—and where each visit feels celebratory, thanks in part to live music and a buzzing bar scene .

Unless you’re making a day of it, midday visits are ideal: brunch runs Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 am–4 pm, and lunch is served weekdays from 11 am . Whether you’re here for casual gatherings or special occasions, the attentive service and creative cocktails—like the Hibiscus‑infused mezcal “Hot Mess” or Aloe‑You‑Long‑Time—elevate the experience.

Must-try dishes include:

• Freshly Baked Cornbread with honey‑truffle butter: A house‑baked skillet standout that’s “moist with a crispy outside” and frequently praised online.

• Ceviche Tostada (Ahi tuna): Topped with serrano chiles, truffle‑soy and sesame macha salsa—hailed as one of the “stellar small plates”.

• Adobo Shrimp (or Chicken) Fried Rice: A flavorful brunch or dinner treat with fried egg and sweet adobo sauce.

• Grandma’s Cornbread & Shrimp Aguachile: The cornbread is “sublime,” and the mango‑shrimp aguachile adds a tangy, refreshing touch.

With over 20 gluten‑free and several vegan options, A’Verde caters to a wide range of preferences and culinary curiosities. If you’re after a bold, flavor-packed night out—or brunch with flair—A’Verde delivers in both taste and atmosphere.

Community Events

Final Friday Art Loop – Cary Gallery of Artists

When: Friday, June 27, 2025, 6–9 PM
Where: Cary Gallery of Artists, 200 S Academy St, Cary

Wrap up your week with art, music, and community! Stop by the Cary Gallery of Artists during Cary’s Final Friday Art Loop for open galleries, artist meet-and-greets, and live music across downtown. Stroll, mingle, and soak up the creative energy.

More info at caryartloop.org

Art Explorers: Summer Art Camps for Creative Kids

Got a young artist at home? The Studio is running summer art camps for curious, creative kids! Choose from three fun weeks:

• 🎨 June 23–27: Mixed media for rising 3rd–6th graders

• 🎨 July 14–18: Mixed media for rising 3rd–6th graders

• 🎨 July 28–Aug 1: Weaving for rising 5th–8th graders

Spots are limited and will fill up fast. Check out all the details and register here!

Things to Do This Weekend

Friday, June 27, 2025

Lynn Newman: “Simple Gifts” Art Exhibit
Time: Friday, June 27, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Bond Park Community Center, 150 Metro Park Drive, Cary, NC 27513
Description: Explore Lynn Newman’s pastel and acrylic paintings inspired by the simple gifts of nature.
URL: https://www.carync.gov/recreation-enjoyment/events/lynn-newman-simple-gifts

Adrianne Huang: “Wandering Haven” – Artist Reception
Time: Friday, June 27, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Herbert C. Young Community Center, 101 Wilkinson Avenue, Cary, NC 27511
Description: Meet artist Adrianne Huang and see her exhibit “Wandering Haven,” a collection of watercolor and gouache works that blend rich detail with melancholic fantasy.
URL: https://www.carync.gov/recreation-enjoyment/events/adrianne-huang-wandering-haven

Final Friday Art Loop – Cary Gallery of Artists
Time: Friday, June 27, 2025, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Cary Gallery of Artists, 200 S Academy Street, Cary, NC 27511
Description: Enjoy Cary’s Final Friday Art Loop with open galleries, artist receptions, and live music throughout downtown.
URL: http://caryartloop.org

One Tribe Drum Circle with Fire Spinning
Time: Friday, June 27, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Old Library Site, 210 S. Academy Street, Cary, NC 27511
Description: Join a free community drum circle and watch fire spinners light up downtown Cary.
URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/one-tribe-drum-circle/

Discover Dance: Swing Session
Time: Friday, June 27, 2025, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park – Great Lawn Pavilion, 327 S. Academy Street, Cary, NC 27511
Description: Put on your dancing shoes for a swing dance session under the stars, led by Joel & Jackie Plys of Retro Rhythm.
URL: https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_discover-dance-swing-session

Painting with a Twist: “Lovers’ Moonlit Mountain”
Time: Friday, June 27, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Painting with a Twist, 329 N Harrison Ave, Cary, NC 27513
Description: Sip wine and get artsy with this date-night painting class—create a romantic mountain scene as a couple or solo!
URL: https://www.paintingwithatwist.com/studio/cary/event/4014750/

Pirouette Dance Company – “Feel This Moment”
Time: Friday, June 27, 2025, 7:00 PM
Location: Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave, Cary, NC 27511
Description: See talented young dancers perform in Pirouette’s annual recital, “Feel This Moment.”
URL: https://www.caryarts.org/events/pirouette-feel-this-moment

Film: “Prime Minister” (Documentary)
Time: Friday, June 27, 2025, 2:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham Street, Cary, NC 27511
Description: A revealing look at New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern, featuring home footage and exclusive interviews.
URL: https://thecarytheater.com/event/prime-minister-5/the-cary/cary/

Film: “Sinners” (Horror/Thriller)
Time: Friday, June 27, 2025, 5:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham Street, Cary, NC 27511
Description: Michael B. Jordan stars in this thriller about twin brothers confronting dark family secrets in Mississippi.
URL: https://thecarytheater.com/event/sinners/the-cary/cary/

Film: “It’s All Gonna Break” (Music Documentary)
Time: Friday, June 27, 2025, 8:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham Street, Cary, NC 27511
Description: Catch a special screening of “It’s All Gonna Break,” a 2024 music documentary on the rise of Toronto indie rockers Broken Social Scene.
URL: https://thecarytheater.com/event/its-all-gonna-break/the-cary/cary/

Saturday, June 28, 2025

Downtown Cary Farmers Market
Time: Saturday, June 28, 2025, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, 160 E Park Street, Cary, NC 27511
Description: Start your morning with fresh produce, artisan foods, and live music at Cary’s weekly outdoor farmers market.
URL: https://www.caryfarmersmarket.com/

Apex Farmers Market
Time: Saturday, June 28, 2025, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Depot Plaza, 220 N Salem Street, Apex, NC 27502
Description: Visit Apex’s open-air market for local produce, baked goods, crafts, and specialty food vendors.
URL: https://www.apexnc.org/1941/Apex-Farmers-Market

Prime Minister (Documentary Film)
Time: Saturday, June 28, 2025, 2:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham Street, Cary, NC 27511
Description: A revealing documentary on NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, featuring intimate home footage and interviews.
URL: https://thecarytheater.com/event/prime-minister-5/the-cary/cary/

Dustbowl Revival – CaryLIVE! (Outdoor Concert)
Time: Saturday, June 28, 2025, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy Street, Cary, NC 27511
Description: Enjoy a free evening roots/alt‑Americana concert featuring Dustbowl Revival (with opener Garland Mason) under the stars.
URL: https://downtowncarypark.com/event/carylive-featuring-dustbowl-revival/

UNC Health Summerfest – NC Symphony: From Classical to Broadway
Time: Saturday, June 28, 2025, 8:00 PM
Location: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, NC 27518
Description: Free outdoor symphony with beloved classical pieces and Broadway favorites like Phantom of the Opera.
URL: https://www.boothamphitheatre.com/ncsymphony-summerfest

Film: “Sinners” (Horror/Thriller)
Time: Saturday, June 28, 2025, 7:30 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham Street, Cary, NC 27511
Description: Michael B. Jordan stars in a terrifying thriller about twin brothers uncovering evil in their Mississippi hometown.
URL: https://thecarytheater.com/event/sinners-2/the-cary/cary/

Film: “It’s All Gonna Break” (Music Documentary)
Time: Saturday, June 28, 2025, 5:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham Street, Cary, NC 27511
Description: Dive into the story of Toronto’s indie-rock collective Broken Social Scene in this intimate concert documentary.
URL: https://thecarytheater.com/event/its-all-gonna-break/the-cary/cary/

Rhythm & Reels: Shrek (Outdoor Movie Night)
Time: Saturday, June 28, 2025, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Apex Nature Park Amphitheatre, 2600 Evans Road, Apex, NC 27502
Description: Catch a free family-friendly outdoor screening of Shrek under the stars—bring a blanket and snacks!
URL: https://www.apexnc.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=4326

Sunday, June 29, 2025

Pride in the Park
Time: Sunday, June 29, 2025, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy Street, Cary, NC 27511
Description: Celebrate diversity at this family-friendly picnic with live music, lawn games, and arts & crafts.
URL: https://downtowncarypark.com/event/pride-in-the-park/

The Goonies (Family Film)
Time: Sunday, June 29, 2025, 12:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham Street, Cary, NC 27511
Description: Watch the classic 1980s family adventure about a group of kids on a treasure hunt.
URL: https://thecarytheater.com/event/the-goonies/the-cary/cary/

Film: “Sinners” (Horror/Thriller)
Time: Sunday, June 29, 2025, 3:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham Street, Cary, NC 27511
Description: A chilling thriller featuring twin brothers confronting buried family secrets in Mississippi.
URL: https://thecarytheater.com/event/sinners-2/the-cary/cary/

Film: “It’s All Gonna Break” (Music Documentary)
Time: Sunday, June 29, 2025, 6:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham Street, Cary, NC 27511
Description: Experience the creative story of Broken Social Scene in this intimate music documentary.
URL: https://thecarytheater.com/event/its-all-gonna-break/the-cary/cary/

Food Truck: Roma Rican (Fusion Cuisine)
Time: Sunday, June 29, 2025, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Beer Co. Eastside, 202 E Cedar St, Cary, NC 27511
Description: Taste Puerto Rican–Italian fusion with bowls, sandwiches, and more at Roma Rican.
URL: https://www.bondbrothersbeer.com/food-trucks-happenings

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