Bladenboro Town Council Meeting

The town council of Bladenboro met in regular session in the Municipal building on Monday night.  Mayor Lewis called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.  Following the invocation by Councilman Ezra Blanks and the Pledge of Allegiance the floor was opened for citizens to address the board on the public hearings for FY 2010-2011 Budget Proposal.  When no one appeared before the Board, the Mayor closed the hearing and proceeded with the regular business meeting.    The Board unanimously approved the consent agenda (minutes from previous meeting and departmental reports).

Under the matter of Ordinances and Resolutions, the Board approved the Fiscal Year 2010-2011 Budget Ordinance.  The total fund allocations in the budget was $1,572,337.00.  The Capital Project Budget Ordinance for Inflow and Infiltration Project  was approved.  The project authorizes the construction of inflow and infiltration improvements that will be financed by grants and the Town Utility Fund revenues.  The $780,000 appropriated for the project are anticipated to be available to complete the project include:  Department of Commerce Funds ($250,000); Local Match (Town Utility Funds) ($30,000); and Rural Center Funds ($500,000).  To meet requirements prescribed by the State, the Board affirmed that the town's combined rate for 5,000 gallons of water and sewer is in excess of 1.5% of the median household income.  The final item discussed by the Board was the purchase of new police cars.  The options were presented by the Town Manager.  He explained that with assistance from USDA, it was possible to either purchase a single police car for approximately $15,000 or possibly the purchase two for the sum of approximately $20,000 (both prices excluded the equipment.)  The type of vehicles included Ford Crown Victoria (V-6) and Dodge Charger (V-8).  The Board approved the purchase contingent upon the type of assistance received from USDA.  The expected date of purchase is September or October of this year.

In closing, the dog ordinance issue was briefly discussed.  Effective July 1, 2010, the Board's new ordinance goes into effect.  The ordinance prohibits the chaining of dogs.  It specifically calls for dog owners to provide 10 sq ft pens for each animal.  The pens also must provide adequate shelter from the weather.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 P.M.

The board meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7:30 in the Municipal Building.