Published in the Courier-Tribune on May 12, 2011
by Hugh Martin
STAR — As commissioners in the Town of Star begin working on the 2011-2012 budget, Mayor Susan Eggleston wants them to consider adding a few more dollars to the salaries of the employees of the town.
“Our town employees have not had a raise in three years,” Eggleston said. “I’d like for us to consider a raise of 1 or 2 percent, which is not even a cost-of-living increase.”
Eggleston said that she would like to see the town show their appreciation to the employees for the work they do.
“We want to be able to do this without jeopardizing the fund balance,” Eggleston said.
A 1 percent raise for all employees would cost the town $1,500 while a 2 percent raise would cost around $3,000.
Commissioners Richard Hinson and Alice Clemens both said that the town should look into the possibility of raises, while Commissioner George Kivett spoke to the contrary.
“I think I’m the only Democrat in Montgomery County that acts like a Republican,” Kivett said. “We need to be the custodians of the taxpayers’ dollars. I’d like to give everybody ice cream and cake, but we can’t.”
Commissioners will hold an open budget workshop on June 6 at 5 p.m. and the public hearing on the budget will be held on June 13 at 5 p.m. prior to the regular meeting.
In other business, commissioners Clemens, Hinson, Kivett and James Parker:
• Approved a request from Dr. Nancy Gottovi, director of STARworks, for the town to apply for a Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $600,000 for roof repairs on the north end of the facility. Gottovi said that the area to be repaired was needed to house new businesses.
• Heard a report from Commissioner Parker concerning an accident involving police vehicles of the Star and Biscoe Police Departments. Parker said that during a call at the Biscoe Wal-Mart, where the Star officer was providing backup, that the Biscoe officer backed his vehicle into the Star vehicle, causing over $400 in damage. The cost for repair was split between the departments.
• Heard comments from Commissioner Kivett in reference to a fence on North Main Street that needs to be repaired or removed. Public Works Director Wesley Brown will determine who owns the fence and contact the owner.
• Were told by Commissioner Clemens that a cleanup day at the new Heritage Center had been held and updated the board on the progress being made to prepare the site for use as a farmers’ market that is scheduled to open on May 31.
• Heard from Commissioner Parker that funds are now available for the police department to buy new radios. Police Chief Tracey Phillips will be responsible for ordering the new units, which will be compatible with the new VIPER radio system that is being installed in the county.
• Heard budget requirements from Town Clerk Robin Hussey. Mayor Eggleston asked board members to consider funds for the Star Library and the Council on Aging.
• Went into closed session to consult with the town attorney. No action was taken.
No comments:
Post a Comment