03/28/2024
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By Joy Warren

The Town of White Lake Board of Commissioners met Tuesday evening for their rescheduled monthly meeting.  Mayor Womble gave the Board an update on the Multi-use Path.  Eddie Madden, consultant for the project has​ indicated that several applications for additional funding are in the works through USDA, NC Recreation Trail Grant and NCDOT.

In administrative matters, the Board approved Tax Releases ($537.78), Utility Releases ($8605.63) approved the advertisement for 2016 tax liens; appointed Mayor Womble as the 2017-18 budget officer and the Board as budget committee; approved the 2017-18 fiscal year budget calendar; approved Aciara Premier Maintenance Agreement; and appointed Ginger Stevens as deputy tax collector. Several budget ordinance amendments were presented and approved.

Fire Chief Dale Brennan informed the Board that the 2017 Volunteer Fire Department Fund Grant application process is now open for the 50-50 matching grant.  The highest priority will be given to firefighter safety equipment.  Brennan asked the Board to authorize participation in the grant process in hopes of applying for personal protective equipment and safety equipment in the amount of $15,885 ($7,943 OSFM Grant/$7,943 local funds).  If approved, the grant will be budgeted in the 2017-18 fiscal year budget.  The Board authorized participation in the grant process.

Donnie Williamson, Vice-President of the Bladen County Law Enforcement Officers Association asked the Town to contribute a minimum of $1,000 to erect a monument dedicated to law enforcement personnel who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our safety and well-being.  The monument will be erected at the new Bladen County Law Enforcement Center at White Lake.   The Board approved a contribution of $1,000 for the Fallen Officer Memorial.

Mayor Womble announced that per Cynthia Shaw, Director of Bladen County Elections, candidates seeking to file for the November 7th municipal election need to file their notice of candidacy at the Bladen County Board of Elections beginning at noon on Friday, July 7th.  Filing period ends July 21st.  Voter registration deadline is October 13th at 5:00 p.m.  Board member seats up for election are Suggs, Evans, and Blount.

Revenue Collection Specialist Patsy Teachey announced her retirement date of June 30, 2017.  In anticipation of her retirement, Mayor Womble informed the Board that the staff has started the hiring process for her position.  They anticipate bringing the new employee on board around the middle of March to allow as much training as possible before Mrs. Teachey retires.

The staff asked the Board to adjourn tonight’s meeting to March 7th for meeting with Mr. David Hill, HR Essentials Consulting.  Mr. Hill has completed the Salary Study and has reviewed the Town’s current personnel policy for State and Federal compliance, Town specific compliance, organizational appropriateness, redundancy, inconsistencies and overlap, along with updating the FMLA, USERRA and EEOC sections.  The Board approved adjourning until March 7th at 6:00 p.m.

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