“Viewpoints” is a place on Chapelboro where local people are encouraged to share their unique perspectives on issues affecting our community. All thoughts, ideas, opinions and expressions in this series are those of the author, and do not reflect the work, reporting or approval of 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com. If you’d like to contribute a column on an issue you’re concerned about, interesting happenings around town, reflections on local life — or anything else — send a submission to viewpoints@wchl.com.
Chapel Hill’s Quiet Shift — Where Is the Transparency?
A perspective from Francesca Eischen
As 2025 winds down, many long-time Chapel Hill residents are left wondering: what happened to the town we knew—one that valued transparency, community input, and thoughtful stewardship?
This year’s property tax increase was steep, justified by Town leadership as a necessary response to external pressures. But what followed raised more questions than answers. Without public discussion, the Town quietly amended its code and discontinued residential leaf collection—a service many relied on, especially in the fall. Residents were told to purchase Town-approved bins for yard waste, and during major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, yard waste pickup was eliminated entirely.
These changes were framed as cost-saving measures. Yet, in the same period, the Town Council approved a 5% raise for itself and Town employees—an increase that far exceeds what most North Carolina state employees received. The Town also relocated the police station to a new facility. These decisions, while perhaps justifiable, seem at odds with the narrative of austerity.
Residents are asking reasonable questions:
- Where is the additional revenue from property taxes going?
- Why such a significant raise for Town officials?
- What savings have been realized from ending leaf collection?
- What became of the leaf collection trucks and equipment?
- Why was the police station moved, and was it cost-effective?
If there are sound answers to these questions, then perhaps the issue is not the decisions themselves—but the lack of communication surrounding them. Chapel Hill deserves leadership that not only makes responsible choices but also explains them clearly and invites public dialogue.
We are not just taxpayers—we are neighbors, stewards, and stakeholders in this town’s future. Transparency isn’t optional. It’s the foundation of trust.
Francesca is a long-time resident of Chapel Hill’s The Oaks neighborhood. She is passionate about community transparency, thoughtful governance, and preserving the quality of life for all residents.
“Viewpoints” on Chapelboro is a recurring series of community-submitted opinion columns. All thoughts, ideas, opinions and expressions in this series are those of the author, and do not reflect the work or reporting of 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com.
