March 2026

I hope you’re enjoying the warm weather. Over the past several weeks I’ve focused on the upcoming budget, setting priorities, and reviewing capital projects. Decisions made in prior years have left complexities we must address.

My immediate priority is to work with Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and the Council to establish clearer policies and processes that will move Cary forward.

While there is understandable frustration about past financial mismanagement, our current work must concentrate on removing ambiguity, strengthening oversight, and mitigating risk. To that end, I’ve requested an early review of the Council’s travel and training policy, amongst few other, so we can improve transparency and controls.

On a personal note, my daughter has accepted addmission in George Washington University, in DC and will be leaving for DC in Aug. Our furry babies, Bella and Lyka, are doing well after their treatment. Naresh and I are focused on giving all three kids, Aanya, Bella and Lyka, the best life that we can. We are blessed to have our home filled with love and joy with these 3.

I hosted my first open office hours on February 2 at La Farm. I was pleased by the turnout — residents came from across the Town of Cary to share their concerns, perspectives, and ideas. Hearing directly from residents is invaluable. The primary issues raised were:

• Financial oversight and accountability: A resident expressed concern about current issues. They want stronger transparency, clearer reporting, and assurances that future decisions will include robust oversight.
• Pickleball tournament feedback: Residents shared views about the town’s pickleball tournament.
• Home daycare zoning: Several residents requested reconsideration of zoning requirements that determine how many children may be cared for in small in-home daycares. They asked the Council to review whether current rules balance neighborhood character with the need for affordable, accessible childcare options.
• Project 26-REZ-01: A significant number of residents opposed the rezoning request for a mixed-use development with over 600 apartments plus retail. Concerns focused on perceived excessive density and a lack of appropriate transition between the proposed project and surrounding single-family neighborhoods.

More open office hours:
March 14th: 9:00 – 10:00 am; La farm (Arco dr)
April 11th: 9:00 – 10:00 am; La farm (Arco dr)
May 2nd: 9:00 – 10:00 am; La farm (Arco dr)

The County has recently adjusted its EMS service model to prioritize high-risk calls and triage responses by severity. Because EMS is managed at the county level, the Town of Cary’s role is advocacy and support rather than operational control. Our Fire Department is prepared to support residents as needed, and is actively monitoring response times, call volumes, and any impacts of the new model. They will report back to Council if they observe gaps or trends that warrant further action.

For residents on the Chatham side of Cary, EMS coverage has been especially challenging, at least that was the feedback that I received consistently in 2023. I have been working closely with our fire department on these concerns and recently met with Chatham County Commissioners to advocate on behalf of affected neighborhoods. Commissioner Karen Howard has indicated the County plans to open an EMS station in Fearrington — approximately 1.5 miles from Carolina Preserves — to serve as secondary support when the primary facility is unavailable for Cary residents. This will provide additional cushions for residents who currently face longer response times. I do not yet have an estimated opening date, but I will share updates as soon as they are available.

I was honored to join Mayor Weinbrecht for the State of Cary address at Town Hall. The event drew a diverse group of residents, and feedback afterward was mixed. Many attendees expressed appreciation for the town’s accomplishments, and the welcoming community Cary has become. Others raised questions about transparency and the need for clearer communication from leadership. Both perspectives matter — recognition of our strengths must coexist with honest discussion about where we can improve.

A particularly meaningful day was when monks visited the Town of Apex and offered blessings. Their message of unity, peace, and gratitude resonated deeply with many of us, and I remain grateful for their visit.

I also celebrated Dr. Gangadhar Sharma’s 100th birthday. Dr. Sharma founded the Hindu Temple in Morrisville and has been a pillar of the Indian American community. His decades of leadership and dedication have helped many in our region thrive.

I had the honor to attend so many great events with our young adults like a Tech expo, Scout Den meeting and person 1-1 time to lern about all the great things that they are doing.

1. Investment in public safety
2. New capital investments
3. High-performing staff
4. Affordability
5. Maintaining service levels and facilities
6. Fiscal responsibility
7. Environmental stewardship
8. Service excellence

These priorities align closely with prior Council goals but reflect updated perspectives from our newest members. We will continue refining our vision and translating these priorities into actionable plans as we develop the FY 2026–2027 budget.

One topic that will be discussed during this budget season is the 2019 bond projects that were paused in 2025 due to insufficient funds and to keep the taxes low. We cannot push the conversation to hold these approved projects any longer. We have several district D projects on the “paused” list and I will be working with our staff to identify the critical ask for our district.

My focus remains on collaboration with the Mayor, Council, and staff to implement improved policies, ensure fiscal responsibility, and address resident concerns. I appreciate residents who took the time to attend open office hours and share their perspectives. Please continue to reach out; your input is essential as we work together to strengthen Cary’s future.

Sincerely,
Sarika Bansal