by Joy Warren
An application to USDA for the Rural Business Development Grant was submitted by the Town of White Lake for the Muli-Use Path project in the amount of $250,000. Rossie Bullock, Area Director with USDA made a presentation to the Board for the for the Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions for the grant. The Board accepted the conditions of the grant award. This brings the total to approximately $558,000 in grant funding for the Multi-Use Path, which will bring the Town close to the goal of $610,000 for the total project. Mayor Womble stated several grant applications are still in the works, but the Town is closer to being able to start the project.
A public hearing was conducted with no comments from the public regarding the proposed 2017-2018 Fiscal Year Budget. Mayor Womble gave a brief summary of the budget. There will not be a tax increase this year (.24 per $100). A 1% ATB increase for all employees and up to a 1.5% performance increase based on employee evaluation and salary grade compensation adjustments based on pay classification studies was proposed. There are proposed increases in residential sanitation (from $8.99 to $9.24) and recycling ($3.85 to $3.96). Later in the meeting the Board adopted the budget as presented.
Dennis and Polly Winzeler petitioned the Town for voluntary contiguous annexation into the city limits. A public hearing was held to gather comments from the public. After hearing no comments, the Board adopted the ordinance as presented.
In administrative matters, the Board approved Utility Releases ($5,031.90), Tax Releases ($479.41) and released delinquent utility accounts and 2006 uncollected ad valorem taxes as presented.
Police Chief Bruce Smith provided a recruitment and retention recommendation for the Board’s consideration. Chief Smith asked the Board to consider extending the distance an officer may drive their police vehicle to and from work to a 35 mile radius of the White Lake Town limits with the route approved by Chief Smith. The current radius is 20 miles one way. The Board amended the drive to/from work policy as presented.
Multi-Use Path Grant Manager Eddie Madden advised Mayor Womble of the requirement of completing an Environmental Review in accordance with Federal Highway Administration and NC Division of Parks and Recreation for submission of a full application to the RTP Program to construct the Multi-Use Path. The Board approved the proposal for The Wooten Company to provide professional technical assistance services for completing the environmental review.
In other business, the Board approved a resolution to recognize Mrs. Patsy Teachey as she will retire from the Town as of June 28th. She will be presented with the resolution at her retirement luncheon on June 27th.
Mayor Womble shared with the Board his letter written to Senator Wesley Meredith regarding HB 389 – School Calendar Flexibility Pilot Program. Mayor Womble strongly urged Senator Meredith “to vote against the bill to protect tourism in Bladen County, White Lake and the entire state of North Carolina”. According to Mayor Womble’s correspondence, “Tourism provides economic support for the Town of White Lake, Town of Elizabethtown and the County of Bladen and is directly attributable to the more than 190 jobs for young adults and teachers in Bladen County”. Mayor Womble expressed his concerns about the financial burden our Tier 1 County would face due to the loss of business and industry and the fear of loss of tourism being added to that list if the school start date is changed. Copies of the letter were sent to Senator Bill Rabon, Representative William Brisson, Representative Brenden Jones, Representative Charles Graham, Bladen County School Superintendent Robert Taylor and the Bladen County Board of Education members.
Mayor Womble updated the Board on his conference call with several state officials regarding the lake water matter. Officials assured him that their latest tests are still showing no problems with safety or water quality of the lake. They will be conducting further tests to help determine the cause of the water discoloration and increase in ph levels. They should have a report in 2 months.
The municipal complex will be closed Tuesday, July 4th in observance of the Independence Day Holiday. A public works employee will be on call to respond to any water/sewer emergency.
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