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The Town of Cary is closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic in conjunction with Wake County and North Carolina officials, and will adjust or extend cancelations and closures as needed. Remember, though, your Town Government is not closed! Many essential services continue including police, fire, solid waste collection, water distribution, wastewater, inspections, and 911 and 311 services. You can find up-to-date information about the Town's operations at www.townofcary.org/covid-19 or call us at 311. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate through these unprecedented times together. We look forward to seeing you again, soon. Until then, please stay safe and well, and continue to look out for one another.

This Month's Headlines:

• Making a Difference
• Paperless Payments
• Hometown Spirit Nominees Wanted!
• Conservation Corner
• Water Safety
• Have You Been Counted?
• Out & About
• Share with Us!

Making a Difference

We are all trying to find positive ways to contribute to our community, especially during these times of great need. You can make a difference by serving on one of Cary's boards, committees, or commissions. Board members volunteer their time and expertise to assist Council in making informed decisions and formulating policy. Appointments are made by Town Council and are typically for three-year terms, starting in the fall.

Interested citizens can apply now through July 31 to serve on one of the following:

• Economic Development Committee
• Environmental Advisory Board
• Historic Preservation Commission
• Information Services Advisory Board
• Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources
• Advisory Board
• Planning and Zoning Board
• Public Art Advisory Board
• Zoning Board of Adjustment

For more on each advisory board, committee, or commission and, to apply, visit www.townofcary.org/boards or call (919) 469-4941. Thank you for considering giving of your time, talents, and energy to make Cary great!

Paperless Payments

Looking for a more eco-friendly way to interact with Town of Cary? Consider paperless utility billing! It's easy. Visit www.townofcary.org/aquastar and, from your account homepage, click on the "Paperless" toggle to begin receiving your bill by email. Each month, you'll receive an email notification about your amount due and a link to our online system where you can see your bill, view your usage history, or pay online. You can choose a one-time payment option or set up recurring payments with a debit/credit card or e-check. While you’re on the website, take a minute to set a custom usage alert to help you monitor your usage and watch for leaks. As always, if you have any questions about your utility account, give us a call at 311 or (919) 469-4000.

Hometown Spirit Nominees Wanted!

Do you know a Cary resident who embodies traditional small-town community values and traits? Let us know! We are accepting nominations for our Hometown Spirit Award from August 26 through September 23. Nominees must be age 21 or older and should demonstrate qualities such as helping neighbors, showing hospitality, promoting a sense of community, and displaying patriotism. A panel will select the award winner after the nomination period ends. All nominees will be recognized at a reception and the Hometown Spirit award winner will be announced in November. See www.townofcary.org/spirit to enter your nominee online or call for information at (919) 469-4011.

Conservation Corner

Watering Wisely on Your Day

Time it right by irrigating early morning or evening to reduce water lost to evaporation. And keep it on your yard by directing sprinklers and spray heads to your landscape and not your hardscape.

Stormwater Tip

It’s hurricane season. Before a storm hits, help prevent possible flooding or drainage issues on your property by clearing downspouts so water flows freely, away from your house or downslope. And, if you have a yard inlet, clear or unclog it of debris.

A Greener Summer

At your next backyard cook out or picnic, consider using reusable dinnerware and refillable bottles when possible. If you use paper and plasticware, be sure to throw these in the trashcan, not the recycling bin. The same goes for old plastic toys like balls, buckets, shovels, and plastic pools and inflatables that can’t be donated. Learn more about what goes where with the Waste Wizard at www.townofcary.org/collects.

Water Safety

With summer in full swing, pools, lakes, and the ocean become popular destinations to cool off and have fun. Sadly, more than 3500 people in the United States each year die from unintentional drowning. Children under the age of 14 are an especially vulnerable population. Keep yourself and your family safe around water this summer by following these safety tips:

• Whenever possible, swim in pools or areas that are supervised by a lifeguard.
• Use the buddy system and try to avoid swimming alone.
• Never swim if you have consumed alcohol.
• Supervise children who are near water, regardless of their swimming abilities. Stay
• within an arm’s reach of young children.
• If you have pool toys, store them out of sight of young children and away from the
• pool.
• Always install safety fencing around your pool and hot tub.
• Have approved life saving devices such as a hook or a throw ring nearby.
• Water wings, pool noodles, and inflatable rings are not safety devices and should
• never be used instead of a life jacket.
• Consider swimming lessons for everyone in your family.
• Take a class to learn CPR and first aid. Seconds matter in an emergency and quickly starting CPR or other first aid measures can often lead to improved outcomes.

Have You Been Counted?

Cary is currently at a 72.9% self response to the 2020 Census. Help us reach our goal of 83% or higher! Cary's population matters when state and federal money is distributed to cities. Help make sure our allocation is accurate! 2020census.gov

Out & About

When you’re out and about on Cary’s greenways, remember general etiquette and rules of the trail. Along with the six-foot recommendation for social distancing, ride and walk single file when you pass others in either direction. Cyclists must yield to pedestrians and, when approaching others, provide a verbal “Passing on the left” shout-out. Thank you for your cooperation!

Share With Us!

Citizens and businesses are encouraged to share their budget priorities with the Town at any point in the year, and we’ll share what we hear with Town Council through quarterly reporting. The Town’s budget runs from July 1 through June 30. Let us hear from you! www.townofcary.org/budget. 

Email: budgetinput@townofcary.org
Phone: (919) 469-4307
Twitter: @TownofCary with #TOCbudget
Facebook: facebook.com/TownofCaryNC
Public Speaks Out: Speak out at a Town Council meeting