Faison approves budget
By Turner Walston
Published in News on June 8, 2006 1:47 PM
FAISON -- The Faison Town Board of Commissioners adopted a budget for 2006-07 on Wednesday evening that includes no change in the current tax rate.
No residents chose to speak at a public hearing on the budget held before the board approved it.
Revenues and expenditures in the town's general fund balanced at $546,498.
Property taxes will remain at 55 cents per $100.
But to help offset the cost of a new pump station, the base rate for water and sewer will increase for the first time since 1998, from $8.95 to $15 for the first 3,000 gallons used in a month.
Mayor Elmer Flake estimated the change would result in a $29,000 increase in revenue.
According to the budget ordinance, Faison's capital improvement plan over three years is estimated at $16,300.
In other business, Robbie Johnson from RLJ & Associates spoke to the board about subdividing a 22-acre tract at Solomon and William Streets into seven smaller lots. Flake and commissioners referred the matter to the town's planning board, to come back before the town board with a recommendation next month.
On Monday, representatives from the East Carolina University Regional Development Institute will visit Faison from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. The institute assists in community development in 40 counties in eastern North Carolina. Representatives will meet with Flake to discuss opportunities for making improvements in the town.
Inga Flake of the Faison Improvement Group asked for permission to purchase and install 15 to 20 banners on Center Street. Purchased with proceeds from the town's Homes Tour, the banners would welcome visitors to the town and note the year of incorporation, 1882. Seasonal decorations would replace the banners in the month of December and between Memorial Day and Independence Day, Mrs. Flake said. A motion to install the banners was unanimously approved.