GARLAND — Town leaders are in the beginning stages of finalizing a budget to improve services and infrastructure, and several issues were broached during a recent meeting that carry costs with them.
The Garland Board of Commissioners met Tuesday to discuss budget plans for the 2019-2020 fiscal year, which begins July 1. Town Clerk Pam Cashwell asked commissioners to submit requests for the next period. As of April, financial plans have not been released.
In 2018, commissioners approved a budget of more than $888,000 for town operations. The tax rate for residents remained the same at 72 cents per $100 assessed valuation of property.
With existing and future funds, some of the current goals for commissioners include repairs for the concession stand at the ballpark and other building repairs. During a March meeting, a decision was made to reopen the community center, with turning on the water and lights as one of the first steps. It was once used as community’s Head Start building.
In 2015, commissioners voted to use the building for storage because the safety regulations and codes were not met. If the town leaders want to use the building again, it has to be handicapped accessible and fire rated doors must be added as well. The doors are designed to reduce the spread of flames and smoke between separate sections of the facility. A sprinkler system and bathroom improvements are being considered as well.
Commissioner S.J. Smith brought up concerns regarding usage and asbestos, but Mayor Winifred Murphy said county officials did not identify asbestos testing as a requirement to open the center back up.
“Y’all may want to do it, but I think it’s a waste of money myself,” Smith said about initial steps to reopen the center.
Along with Cashwell, commissioners also discussed increases for uniforms, insurance for vehicles and concerns regarding meter readings and placements.
Budget talks will continue during future meetings at town hall before a public hearing is set.
Maintenance woes
During the Tuesday meeting, town commissioners voted to spend money on replacing a dump truck, which is about two decades old. The purchase will help resume Spring Clean Up, put on hold due to the vehicle’s maintenance problems.
Mayor Pro Tem Austin Brown said the truck was in need of more work than what it was worth. With assistance from Commissioner Eddie Bronson Jr., Brown looked at several options and picked a 2019 Ford F550 with a 16-foot dump bed for more than $55,000 from Capital Ford in Raleigh.
It will be larger than the current truck, which has an 8-foot bed and lower sides. Brown said the new truck will allow for a Spring Clean Up that’s quicker and more efficient. Less trips will be made to the landfill. He added that it will benefit residents and save the town money over a long period of time.
At the town’s February meeting, dates for Spring Clean Up were set for two weeks in April, but were delayed because of the maintenance problem.
“It is something myself and the board are excited to add to our vehicle fleet,” Brown said. “As you know, we announced our Spring Clean Up, but with the current truck out of service, we were unable to pick up these items.”
Brown said residents will be notified when the truck arrives to continue the pick-up service for residents.
“We will continue to put the citizens and taxpayers first and what is in the best interest of our town,” Brown said.
