When the Roseboro board met on Monday night, they came to discuss some of the major issues that it will face in the coming fiscal year, 2009-10, including possibly moving forward with purchasing a new fire truck for the department.

In the meeting, town clerk Drenda Ammons brought up the idea of taking money that was spent allowing the department to help out with fires in Coharie District to go towards the purchase of the truck.

She explained a truck, purchased this year, would cost the town approximately $357,000.

As of now, she noted, “We have $170,000 we could use to spend on it,” in funds that could be used to buy the vehicle.

She also commented that she would also look for a loan that would call as much as a 10 years of debt service to pay for the truck. She explained that she has been looking around at various banks to find lower interest rates.

In addition, she addressed the prospect of looking for a loan through USDA, in which she commented that the town could receive as much as $25,000, if the town were to act now. But, she cautioned, if the board did not act now, the funds may not be available.

Mayor Roland Hall added that area director Ed Causey, from USDA, expressed that he could prepare a package to help purchase the truck. In addition, he pointed out the manufacturer of the truck would be willing to wait to purchase the truck.

“The manufacturer of the truck is in no hurry,” stated Hall.

He also stated with hope that President Barack Obama’s stimulus plan may also bring in additional funds to help pay for the truck.

As Hall finished, commissioner Anthony Bennett questioned, “Are we in dire need of a truck.”

Hall answered that at some point the truck will be needed.

In addition, Hall also reminded the board of its commitment to building the Western District Park that will be situated in Roseboro.

“This board voted to have $25,000 a year for three years (given to the park),” said Hall who added, “(the county) is now looking for us to commit.”

Bennett asked, “Are we budgeted for it?”

Hall noted that every year, they have set aside $25,000, but the first check has not been given to the park project.

“Our clerk has good policy of, she does not write a check unless you send a bill.”

In addition, Hall discussed the town digging into its pockets to help business owners fix the facades of the buildings.

He expressed that Bob Murphrey Small Town Main Street Coordinator has recommended that the town leaders could more efficiently talk with business owners to fix the facades of buildings, the town had an incentive program available.

Hall suggested that town could pay $1,000 to a business owner who spends $2,000 on repairs to the outside of their businesses.

While this was mentioned, no vote was made on whether to follow through with any of these options.

Katie Holland can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 136, or by email at silife@intrstar.net.