HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-17-05 - (7 p.m.)Minutes of the Council Work Session held May 17, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building.
There were present: Charles L. Wade, Mayor
Council: Jeffrey S. Worrell, Dan Talbert, Jr., Bettye H. Steger, Lane R. Penn,
John T. Bolen, Joel B. Burchett, Jr.
Staff: John Hawley, Town Manager
David Quesenberry, Assistant to the Town Manager
Gary Roche, Police Chief
Sherry Boyd, Finance Director
John White, Economic Development Director
Patricia Cruise, Clerk of Council
Others: Carol Wade Ronald Vaughan Bill Warden
Jacob Lawton Michele Lawton David Edney
Gale Grantham David L. Edney Janet Johnson, NRCA, Inc
Bill Hickam Bill Warden Bennie Hill, Sr
Kenneth Fleenor Jeff Stout Jack Martin, Press
Paul Dellinger, Press
The first item of business was the public hearing to consider an increase in the charges for the fixed portion of the water service.
Mayor Wade allowed Ms. Janet Johnson to address Council on a different concern before he heard the public comments on the potential increase in water service charges.
Ms. Johnson of New River Community Action, expressed thanks for the donations the Town had made previously for the NRCA. She advised that NRCA had served over 4000 people in the Town
and County of Pulaski in the last year. She expressed hope that NRCA would be considered again the Town’s budget this year.
Mayor Wade moved on to the public comments regarding the proposed increase in charges for the fixed portion of water service.
Mr. Ronald Vaughan requested that there be no increase in tax at all and suggested the Town use the money on hand.
Mr. Billy Hickam, Northwood Dr. stated that because he has a large meter he pays more for his water and suggested that everyone have the same size meter. He added that he was against
a real estate tax increase.
Mr. Grantham stated that he was against taxes and suggested that the management of the personnel in the Town could be better. He opined that the police officers don’t need to be sitting
on the side of the road and talking. He added that with the increasing cost of housing, that the older people should pay taxes on the original purchase cost of their home.
Mr. Ralph Grubb advised that he had no water usage charge on his water bill last month and inquired why? Additionally, he stated that he was against a tax increase.
There being no further comments, the public hearing closed at 7:17 p.m.
The next item on the agenda was a public hearing to consider an increase in the charges for sewer service and sewer connection fee.
Mr. Hickam asked what percent was the increase in the sewer fund?
In answer to Mr. Hickam’s question, Mr. Hawley stated that our deficit was a little over $300,000. The sewer budget was about 1.8M. He added that Town only controls about $100,000
of that amount.
There being no further comment, the public hearing closed at 7:27.
The next item on the agenda was a public hearing for notice of proposed personal property tax increase.
J.R. Schrader suggested eliminating a full time position that seems to be “part time” from what had been observed. He added that he had observed houses being built that seemed to be
in low flood areas. He asked about the status of Maple Shade. He also inquired what the income from Calfee Park was compared to the outgo. He suggested borrowing $125,000 on a short
term note and hopefully when James Hardie went on line, their revenue would cover it.
The public hearing closed and the meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. on a unanimous voice vote.