• C-Tran fares could increase. Since the Town of Cary began providing door-to-door transit services for seniors and persons with disabilities in 2001, the passenger fare structure of $2 per one-way passenger trip and an off-peak (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) rate of $1 per one-way trip have not changed. Over this time period, fuel and contract costs (maintenance, operations, staffing, technology, vehicle needs and facility lease) have increased. In order to offset some of the rising costs associated with the door-to-door transit services, a newly structured fare system and service delivery program has been developed by staff for Council’s consideration and approval effective July 1, 2008. A public hearing will be conducted May 29. For more information on the new proposed fares visit www.townofcary.org/op/pl08-025a.htm.

• There was also a public hearing on the approximately $306 million proposed town budget for fiscal year 2009. The proposed budget would lower property tax rates from 42 cents to 33 cents. No citizens commented on the proposed budget during the public hearing. Citizens are invited to share their thoughts at either of two budget public hearings to be held as part of the regular Town Council meetings on May 29 and June 12. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 316 N. Academy St., in downtown Cary. Fiscal Year 2009 runs from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009.

• Council adopted a policy authorizing the creation of the Citizen Issue Review Commission (CIRC) and the citizen issue advisory group concept. For further explanantion of the new policy visit www.townofcary.org/agenda/taskforcereport.htm.