Holly Springs · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Holly Springs public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Campaign sign clutter on roadways
A resident urged the council to restrict campaign signs on town-maintained roads, calling them an annual assault on the landscape. He asked for town legislation as a first step, since state roads are largely out of the town's control.
Cemetery operations and columbarium
The cemetery's grave-opening contractor is quitting November 17, and a replacement is being negotiated. Council largely balked at spending ~$60,000 on a columbarium with only about eight years of plots left.
Panhandling ordinance
Mayor Pro Tem Drees wants the town attorney to review the panhandling ordinance for constitutional accuracy and current language. Council agreed.
Mayor's Monarch Butterfly Pledge
The committee's pollinator work continues: gardens at Sugg, monarch education and a Sept. 26 release, with seed giveaways and seed collection coming next.
Carolina Springs Greenway Game-Land Designation Change
Duke/NC Wildlife proposed changing the hunting designation near the Carolina Springs Greenway from rifle to bow hunting, similar to the American Tobacco Trail. The greenway is developer-built and not yet turned over to the town.
Salem Ridge stormwater culvert repair
A $222,215 contract with BLD Services, LLC fixes the Salem Ridge culvert, with $22,225 in contingency.
WinterFest/Tree Trail participation
The committee was scheduled to decide whether to participate in WinterFest and the Tree Trail at the North Main Athletic Complex on December 4-5.
Town Hall lighting and art display
Council OK'd rainbow lighting for Pride on September 26, but after legal warnings about creating a limited public forum, agreed staff should draft a strict policy for future lighting requests.
Nonprofit Grant Funding
The town won $1.789 million in Wake County hospitality tax funding for North Main Athletic Complex projects, but must match 50% — likely from fund balance.
First Pride Month Proclamation
Holly Springs issued its first-ever Pride Month proclamation for June 2026, celebrated by the Pride of Holly Springs Committee.
2027 Mayor & Council Retreat planning
Council picked the Rizzo Center in Chapel Hill for Feb. 4-6, 2027 — the cheapest option and easiest for staff to reach. Absent Council Member Foster had emailed other date ideas.
Bicycle Transportation Policy
Council Member Foster wants a comprehensive bike policy discussion so bike infrastructure isn't built piecemeal as the town grows. Council agreed to a future staff presentation.
Innovate Avenue maintenance acceptance
The Town now maintains the 4,861-foot road NCDOT built for the Fujifilm biotech campus — which also adds it to the map that determines the Town's state street-aid (Powell Bill) money.
Tennis court capacity
Western Wake Tennis says adult league teams jumped from 25 in 2019 to 99 in 2025 and asked the town to plan 6-8 new courts, noting USTA funding is available.
Winter Weather Preparedness
With a potential snowstorm looming, public works outlined plow routes, 24-hour shifts, and asked residents to park off the street. Trash pickup may slip if the landfill closes.
Town Financial Health and FY2025 Audit
The town's audit came back spotless with the highest possible opinion, AAA bond ratings from both agencies, and a $23.2 million rainy-day fund — good news for future borrowing on big projects.