Moody’s Investors Service Upgrades Town of Fuquay-Varina
In July, Moody’s Investors Service upgraded the Town of Fuquay-Varina’s general obligation unlimited tax credit rating to Aaa (previously Aa). The upgrade reflects the Town’s strong financial standing, fiscal stewardship, and economic growth.
“We are working hard to make meaningful investments while maintaining fiscal strength, and this rating clearly demonstrates our community is moving in the right direction,” stated Mayor Blake Massengill. “We are attracting new commercial investment, enhancing economic vitality, and strengthening our financial position.”
The Town of Fuquay-Varina is now one of very few North Carolina communities to hold the highest-quality bond ratings given by both Standard and Poor’s and Moody’s Investors Service.
Tim Smith Is the New Fuquay-Varina Police Chief
The Town of Fuquay-Varina has made it official.
Acting Chief Tim Smith has been named the town’s new police chief. He took the official oath of office on August 5, surrounded by his wife, Brittany, and three children. With over 24 years of dedicated service to the town’s police department, Smith has built a reputation for his unwavering commitment to serving and protecting the community.
Smith has held various leadership roles throughout his tenure, including those in the Patrol Services Division, Criminal Investigations Division, Special Response Team, and Professional Standards Investigations. His impressive educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Ashworth College, as well as numerous certificates and programs from prominent institutions, including NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill.
Town Manager Adam Mitchell praised Smith, saying, “Tim Smith is an exceptional leader with a proven track record of excellence in law enforcement. His unwavering dedication to public service and commitment to keeping Fuquay-Varina safe makes him the perfect choice to be our next police chief.”
Mayor Blake Massengill also expressed his confidence in Smith, stating, “Chief Smith is widely regarded as a true leader who inspires confidence and respect among his colleagues, staff, and our community. I believe he will be very successful as our next police chief, and I have no doubt that he will continue to earn the trust and admiration of everyone in Fuquay-Varina.”
Smith’s appointment has been met with enthusiasm from the community, with more than 75 residents gathering at a meet-and-greet in mid-August at the Fuquay-Varina Arts Center to meet him personally. “I am honored to be appointed police chief of the Town of Fuquay-Varina,” said Smith. I look forward to building on the department’s successes and working with the community to ensure public safety and trust.
With Smith at the helm, the Fuquay-Varina Police Department is poised for continued success and community-driven leadership.
Fall Fun in Fuquay-Varina
Celebrate Fuquay-Varina, the town’s annual festival, celebrates everything Fuquay-Varina on October 5. There will be live entertainment, craft beer, food, arts & crafts, and much more! The opening concert on October 3 will feature “The Dickens.” For more, visit CelebrateFV.com.
The Haunted Trail (October 19) has become a beloved fall tradition in Fuquay-Varina, with two options to choose from: Family Trail, a light-hearted walk suitable for all ages; or Full Fright, a more intense and frightening experience not recommended for children under 10.
Learn more about fire safety and have family fun at the annual Fire Department’s Open House on October 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Station 1, 301 S. Fuquay Avenue)
Bring the little ones for Trick or Treating Downtown on October 25 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
BBQ Blues and Brews — The festival name says it all! Join us on November 9 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Varina District. For details, visit Fuquay-Varinadowntown.com.
For more information on these and all Town of Fuquay-Varina events, visit Fuquay-Varina.org.
Wake County Public Libraries Bond Referendum
On November 5, Wake County voters will be asked to decide on a bond referendum that would provide $142 million for new libraries and renovations and expansions of existing ones.
One of the proposed projects under consideration as part of the bond is the expansion of the Fuquay-Varina Community Library. In fiscal year 2024, this library had the highest circulation of all community libraries in Wake County, even more than several regional libraries. The proposed expansion would make the Fuquay-Varina facility a regional library. Regional libraries are bigger and have more staff, so they can offer more programming and services.
If voters approve this bond, the estimated property tax liability increase for each $100,000 of property tax value would be $2.50 per year. For example, a home valued at $462,000 would see an annual tax increase of $11.50.
To find more information on the Wake County Public Libraries Bond Referendum and a full list of potential library projects, visit www.wake.gov/LibraryBond24.
