NEWTON GROVE — During a Monday meeting with his colleagues, Commissioner Cody Smith emphasized the importance of maintenance work on streets.

He proposed to create a paving schedule for the town’s streets, to avoid problems in the future or having to do it all at once in 10 years. Each year, the idea is to work on two or three streets, that needs the most attention. A few of the ones mentioned included Giddens Street, Irwin Drive, and Church Street. Smith said those are due for paving in 2018.

Smith mentioned that it’s going to expensive, but continued to stress that it’s a necessity for the town. One source of funding is the state’s Powell Bill Program, which is used for resurfacing streets or other maintenance repairs.

“We can do this and do this in small increments, so it won’t turn up and bite us later,” he said.

Newton Grove receives about $20,000 per year for Powell Bill funding. Smith added that surplus money is also available.

“If something else major comes in, it keeps getting pushed to the wayside,” Smith said. “I think we need to address it.”

With the assistance of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the town recently completed work on Weeksdale Street to address flooding problems. FEMA assisted by adding a slope extension for a tunnel to move water under or next to a road.

Water tower work set

Following final approval, Commissioner Steve Jackson reported that improvements for the town’s water tank will start in the fall.

“The game plan is to start in the month of October to do the inside first,” Jackson said. “Depending on time, weather, et cetera, they may be able to complete everything while they’re here. That’s going to be determined by timing and their manpower.”

The first part of the project includes interior painting work and pressure washing and cleaning rusted services on the outside. Some of the work includes installing a new frost-free vent and replacement of an interior ladder.

In August, the Newton Grove Board of Commissioners picked Southern Corrosion after a presentation was presented by Jackson. The matter has been discussed for several years before the approval.

Southern Corrosion was founded in the early 1980s and is based out of Roanoke Rapids. The business specializes in water tank maintenance. The town is expected to pay more than $87,500 for their services.

Commissioners approve N.C. council agreement

Newton Grove Commissioners approved a new agreement to use the Mid-Carolina Council of Governments (MCCOG) for assistance with zoning and subdivision planning.

The town did not receive contract information before a budget of more than $1 million was approved for the 2017-18 fiscal year. After a presentation from Town Clerk Amanda Turner, commissioners made a decision to amend the budget to pay MCCOG $16,000 for help, if needed. Another agreement was approved to pay MCCOG representative for travel and $50 per hour.

The regional organization provides assistance to Cumberland, Harnett and Sampson counties. It’s one of 17 councils in North Carolina. In addition to zoning and administration help, the organization assist with water and sewer studies, annexation reviews and workshops for community development.

Newton Grove Commissioners discuss town matters during a meeting.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/web1_Newton-Grove-2-.jpgNewton Grove Commissioners discuss town matters during a meeting.
Plans include streets, water tower upgrades

By Chase Jordan

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Reach Chase Jordan at 910-249-4617. Follow us on Twitter at @SampsonInd and like us on Facebook.