City of Hickory e-Newsletter

City of Hickory Monthly e-Newsletter | June 2026

FY2026-2027 Recommended Budget

City Manager Warren Wood presented the Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 to the City Council on May 19, proposing a $162,760,671 spending plan. The balanced budget covers all City operations, capital improvements, and debt services, representing a 2.3% increase over the current fiscal year. The proposed budget keeps the property tax rate flat while prioritizing long-term infrastructure, street resurfacing, and the launch of the City’s strategic "Hickory 2050" initiative. The Hickory City Council invites the community to provide feedback during a public hearing on Tuesday, June 2, at 6 p.m. during the regular City Council meeting at City Hall.

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Stage 2 Drought Continues

Recent rainfall has provided some welcome relief, but it has not been enough to lift the City of Hickory out of drought conditions. The City of Hickory remains in Stage 2 of the Low Inflow Protocol (LIP), which includes mandatory water use restrictions for all customers. Stage 2 is the third of five drought stages and requires a 5-10% reduction in overall water use. At this level, coordinated conservation across the community is essential to protect the region’s shared water resources until conditions improve.

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Steve Miller Receives Local Government Service Award

City of Hickory Assistant City Manager Steve Miller has been honored with the Samuel A. Greeley Local Government Service Award by the North Carolina Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA-NC). The award was presented during the Hickory City Council meeting on May 19. The Samuel A. Greeley Award recognizes long-serving public works professionals who have made significant contributions to their local government and to the advancement of public works practice through the American Public Works Association. Miller began his career with the City of Hickory in August 1993 and has dedicated more than 32 years to serving the community.

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Fall Sports Registration

Registration is underway for the City of Hickory's Youth Fall Soccer, Youth Fall Tackle Football, and Youth Girls Flag Football programs. Participation is free to all City of Hickory residents. Nonresidents can also participate by paying a $40 nonresident fee.

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June 2026

City Snippets

Want more news and information about what's happening in Hickory? Check out the City Snippets, our monthly printed newsletter that gets mailed with your utility bill. If you’re signed up for e-billing or not a City of Hickory customer within city limits, the City Snippets is available digitally on our website. Browse the latest edition (and past issues!) anytime.

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Calendar of Events

HICKORY CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, June 2 & 16
6 p.m.
Hickory City Hall Council Chambers

UNEARTH A STORY SUMMER LEARNING KICKOFF

Monday, June 1

2-4 p.m.

Taft Broome Park

BIG BANG BOOM!

Wednesday, June 3

10 a.m.

Limited to first 75 people in attendance.

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

UKULELE GROUP JAM

Wednesday, June 3

6-7:30 p.m.

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

SUMMER TBR BOOKSHELF

Wednesday, June 3

6-7:30 p.m.