City Manager Dr. Douglas J. Hewett submitted to the Fayetteville City Council his recommended $312.5 million Fiscal Year 2026 operating budget, outlining priorities to keep the city fiscally sound while investing in public safety, infrastructure and employee compensation. This recommended budget was presented by Assistant City Manager Jeffrey Yates.
Key proposals in the FY 2026 Recommended Budget include:
“This proposed budget stays true to our core principles of focusing on employees, maintaining services, and investing in high-value, high-impact additions,” Hewett shared in a press release. “It’s a balanced budget that responds to our community’s evolving needs.”
City Council will review the recommended budget during budget work sessions on May 15 and May 22, followed by a public hearing on May 27. One additional budget work session will take place on May 29 with a Regular Work Session on June 2 to resolve any outstanding issues.
The budget documents and all questions filed by Council will be collected and displayed for public viewing on the Budget Chronicles Page on the City of Fayetteville website. Final adoption is required by June 30.
The full budget presentation can be viewed on the City of Fayetteville’s YouTube page here.
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Brian and Staci Graybill opened their third business together, Market Square Pantry, in December 2025. Photo provided by Faith Hatton. For Fayetteville entrepreneurs Brian and Staci Graybill, building a business has often started when they were
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Brad and Kelley McLawhorn became business partners in 2001 when they first opened a restaurant on Reilly Road. Now, their highly praised catering company continues to impress community members with flexibility, quality and personalized service. Photo
