03/28/2024
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By Joy Warren

The White Lake Board of Commissioners met Tuesday evening with a short agenda for the start of the new year.

Bryon Scott (pictured) with Thompson, Price, Scott & Adams Auditing Firm presented the 2017/18 Fiscal Year Audit report. There were no surprises or problems noted.

As the Commissioners were aware, the fund balance has dropped, causing correspondence from the State Auditor’s office. The drop was due to expenses incurred with the lake water clarity issues. Mayor Goldston Womble stated the town already is working to increase the fund balance through funding from the state, which should be sent this fiscal year.

The audit was accepted as presented.

In other administrative matters, Council approved a utility release ($926.10) for Edward Lawrence contingent upon removal of structure from the property by March 31; approved utility late fees ($90), utility releases ($1,177.50), and tax releases ($170.55 and $209.56) for November and December; approved Southern Software agreement for 2019/20 ($4,347) for support services for town accounting package; appointed Womble as budget officer and town commissioners as budget committee for the fiscal year; and approved the fiscal year budget calendar and activities as presented.

Womble made the commissioners aware that Dr. Diane Lauritsen, a water scientist working with the town, and John Holz, owner of HAB Aquatics, will be on hand to give updated reports of the lake water clarity. Holz will be conducting additional testing of core samples of the Lake in February at an approximate cost of $15,000. Womble also said the town plans to hold a “Show and Tell” meeting for state officials, state agencies and the public on the lake water clarity issues in February. The date and time is to be determined.

The town’s municipal complex will be closed Monday, Jan. 21 in observance of Martin Luther King Day. The on-call person will be available in case of water/sewer emergencies.

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