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Question: What was Rembrandt’s first name?
(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)
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How Your Tax Dollars Are Spent in Cary
Where do Cary’s tax dollars actually go? In the latest episode of “Cary Matters,” Town Councilmembers Carissa Kohn-Johnson and Bella Huang pull back the curtain on how the town’s annual budget works and what it funds.
About 80% of Cary’s General Fund revenue comes from property taxes and sales taxes, which help pay for essential services across the community. The largest portion of the town’s operating budget—roughly 60–65%—supports personnel, including the more than 1,300 employees who keep Cary running.
A major priority within that spending is public safety, with about one-third of the General Fund dedicated to police and fire services.
Cary organizes its finances into separate funds, including the General Fund for core services, Enterprise Funds for utilities like water and sewer that are funded through user fees, and Capital Project Funds for major investments such as parks, roads, and new facilities.
Town leaders say the goal each year is to balance community priorities with responsible spending while keeping Cary’s tax rate among the lowest in the region.
Residents can learn more and share their feedback at the Cary Budget Open House on April 7, 2026, from 3–7 p.m. at the Cary Senior Center.
Residents can also review the budget online or contact council members with questions.
✅ Key takeaway:
Cary’s budget focuses on public safety, essential services, infrastructure, and quality-of-life investments, while aiming to maintain a low tax rate and responsibly plan for the town’s growth.
What town service matters most to you?
Fallen Tree on I-40 in Cary Damages Three Cars
Wind and rain knocked down a tree across Interstate 40 in Cary on Thursday afternoon, causing a brief traffic disruption near the Harrison Avenue exit.
The tree fell around 3:30 p.m. near mile marker 286. Three vehicles struck the tree before crews could arrive to remove it, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
No injuries were reported in the incident, though traffic backed up as drivers slowed to pass the scene.
North Carolina Department of Transportation crews cleared the tree to the shoulder, allowing traffic to resume. Authorities said conditions were returning to normal, although some delays remained while congestion eased.
Just curious…
Have you ever run into storm-related road hazards like this?
Cary Seeks Volunteers for Spring Litter Sweep This Saturday
Cary’s Spruce program is encouraging residents to volunteer for the Spring Litter Sweep taking place this Saturday. The event invites community members to help remove litter from streets, trails, and public spaces throughout town.
Volunteers will be provided with cleanup tools and placed into small teams to work in different areas of Cary. Organizers say the event is a simple way for families, friends, and community members to spend time outdoors while contributing to a cleaner environment.
The town has also launched a new volunteer platform called Rosterfy to streamline event registration and help residents stay informed about future opportunities. Users can create an account, select areas of interest, and receive notifications about upcoming volunteer events.
The Spring Litter Sweep is part of Cary’s broader effort to promote waste reduction and environmental stewardship through the Spruce program.
Register and learn more at carync.gov/spruce.
Just curious…
Would you participate in a community cleanup event?
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Meme of the Day.
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🎟️ Upcoming Events (Top Picks)
Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information. Here are a few ideas for the week, so plan ahead:
• Friday: Movie Night: The Dark Knight 6PM-10PM
• Friday: Meet the Artist: Emily Wang 6PM-8PM
• Saturday: Cary Farmers Market 9AM-12PM
• Saturday: Circle and Square 10AM-12PM
• Saturday: Apex Holi 2026 11AM-3PM
• Saturday: Spring Litter Sweep: Hemlock Bluffs 10AM-12PM
• Sunday: Hurdles & Hounds: Dog Agility 2PM-3PM
• Monday: Drop-in Puzzling and Puzzle Swap Meet 10AM-5PM
But wait! There’s more. To save space in your inbox, we’ve moved the full list of events online — now you can plan ahead: See Full 2-Week Calendar
The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
A) Rembrandt
Rembrandt’s first name was Rembrandt (originally spelled Rembrant). He is famous for signing his artwork with only his first name rather than his full name, which was Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn. He was a Dutch Golden Age painter born in 1606.
He frequently used only his first name on paintings, likely to establish a distinct brand similar to Italian masters like Michelangelo or Raphael. The "Harmenszoon" indicates he was the son of Harmen, while "van Rijn" refers to his family's location near the River Rhine.
Learn more about Rembrandt