With no input from the residents of Garland during a public hearing Tuesday night, town officials unanimously adopted the 2009-10 budget as presented, leaving the town with no property tax increase, but with several fee hikes, including water and sewer.

During the town’s regular meeting on June 9, officials voted to approve the proposed increases because, as board member Denise Toler said, “everything else is going up.”

In order to obtain public input regarding the proposed budget, the board held a public hearing Tuesday evening at 7 p.m., however, no residents showed up to express concern.

After 15 minutes, town mayor Anthony Johnson asked that the board accept the 2009-10 budget. A motion was made by board member S.J. Smith, seconded by Toler and unanimously approved.

To clarify, the board adopted a budget that would implement no increase in property taxes; meaning, they will remain at .72 cents per $100 valuation.

“Such rates,” according to officials, “are based on an estimated valuation of $18 million, with a 95 percent rate of collection.”

In addition to this, residents of Garland can expect water rates to increase by $1, bringing them from $10.50 to $11.50.

In addition to the water rate increase, the sewer rate will also rise slightly, by $2, making the rate jump from $18.50 to $20.50.

For those wishing to reconnect their lines, the fee will be $35, which is $5 more than the past $30 fee.

Although the water, sewer and reconnection fees will experience a slight increase, of less than a few dollars each, deposits for new accounts will witness the highest rate jump, with an increase of $50, making the fee $175.

Garbage rates will remain at $11 for residential customers and $12 for commercial customers without dumpsters, and officials concluded, the new minimum water bill will be $43 for 2,000 gallons or less.

Jessica Wagner can be contacted at 910-592-8137 ext.122 or reached by e-mail at siphoto@myclintonnc.com