NEWTON GROVE — The town’s Board of Commissioners have approved a budget with a tax increase for taxpayers.
Following a public hearing, commissioners approved a 2 cent property tax increase for a 2017-18 budget totaling more than $1 million. This would bring the tax rate to 37 cents per $100 for the valuation of property for residents.
It’s estimated that the increase will generate $11,000 in tax revenue for the town. That amount is based on assumptions that 97 percent of property tax and 100 percent of motor vehicle tax is collected. The total valuation is $58.19 million.Property valuations are based on estimates from the Sampson County Tax Department, which is scheduled reappraise in 2018.
In the general fund, which includes total general fund expenditures of more than $618,500. The largest chunk of money, $242,000, is going toward the police department, followed by general government at $142,825. Third was parks and recreation at $70,000. Other expenditures in the water/sewer fund totaled $405,300. These funds will be used for administration, clerical work, maintenance and wastewater infrastructure.
During the meeting, it was noted that some of the reasons for the tax increase is to help pay for infrastructure needs. Newton Grove has an outstanding loan for installing a sewer with an annual note payment of $16,000 and interest of $19,856.
Some of the other listed expenses for the 2017-18 budget include rate increases for retirement contributions to law enforcement and general employees; overall salary increases of 2 percent; renovations to town hall bathrooms; and work planning and zoning, which will no longer be handled by the Mid-Carolina Council of Governments.
The amount set for public safety is $242,000. One of the needs for the police department is $30,000 for a new car. A vehicle from the fleet is replaced every three years. The estimate mileage is about 100,000. During the meeting, Commissioner Cody Smith presented a proposal for a new tractor. Commissioner Steve Jackson made a suggestion to buy the tractor instead of a police car.
“If you do that, you’re going to start having more maintenance on these older ones,” said Mayor Gerald Darden in reference to the police cars. “With your rotation, if you keep putting if off year after year, you’re going to have to buy two at a time.”
The tractor, which costs about $25,000, was also included in the budget.
In the Newton Grove budget, the library has a budget of $16,000. That amount includes $6,000 to repair drainage issues.
Expenses for the town’s park total more than $70,000. An increase of $50,000 was included to replace equipment. Board member Teresa Wilson, leader of the department, said she’ll present ideas in the future.
“It sounds like a whole lot of money, but it’s not,” Darden said. “Much of the equipment is very old.”