SPRING LAKE — The Spring Lake Board of Aldermen endorsed an $8.1 million budget for the next fiscal year at its meeting on Monday and added a planned investment in public art on Main Street.
The budget was approved unanimously earlier Monday by the N.C. Local Government Commission, which is supervising the town’s finances after revelations of mismanagement.
The new budget does not call for an increase in property taxes, but it does include an increase in water and sewer fees, which has been a topic of discussion over the past few months.
Mayor Kia Anthony said Monday night that the town has been getting a lot of feedback on the rate increase. She said the board has not raised utility rates since 2016 and that when the town’s main water sources — Fayetteville Public Works Commission and Harnett County — raise their rates, the town has to do the same.
“The last time the rates were increased was 2022. We are a business, and we have to pay our bills. This is one of the ways that our town sustains itself, through our water service. The same way you are seeing the price of gasoline and milk and eggs go up, our cost service is going up,” said Anthony.
The town pays Harnett County a flat rate of $20 for the first 2,000 gallons for residential use and then $5.50 for an additional 1,000 gallons. The town pays PWC $0.00226 per gallon for the first 2,000 gallons and incremental increases for the next 3,000 gallons, then 5,000 gallons and then over 10,000 gallons.
The rate increase was an effort to comply with recommended rates in a study by MacConnell and Associates PC.
Alderwoman Sona Cooper said the business practices that the town had in the past involved using the water-sewer fund to balance past budgets.
“This is good government,” said Cooper. “I have sat in this seat where when Harnett County and PWC raised their rates, we voted to not pass on the cost to the citizens. We are not being responsible if we are paying more for the water than we are charging. This is an enterprise fund which is separate from our taxes.”
Alderman Raul Palacios reminded the public that the town also is in the process of a study that will help determine the status of the water distribution system, wastewater collection system and wastewater treatment plant.
Anthony advised residents to watch their water bills for evidence of a leak, which might be another reason water bills could increase. She said an increase of usage happens this time of year because children are out of school and residents water their lawns, wash their cars and fill pools.
The town offers adjustments for leaks with proper documentation if a running toilet or dripping faucet has been repaired. Water bills are due on the 10th of the month, and late fees are added on the 19th of the month. Past-due accounts could be subject to disconnection if not paid by the 26th of the month.
Several board members lauded the budget process, saying the town staff, the Local Government Commission and the finance staff, including Debra Mack and David Erwin, are trying to find cost savings.
“There was no copy-and-paste budget this year,” said Anthony. “Every department had to go through every line to find out what was necessary and cut the slack because we had to find Ground Zero if we wanted to build a solid foundation. We needed to spend conservatively. We don’t want to spend money just because it is there. If we didn’t need it, we put it back in the general fund so we can build our reserves.”
Alderwoman Cooper said that one thing she is proud of is that the board asked every department to include some sort of training in their individual budgets.
“Training is important so we don’t end up here again,” said Cooper.
The board voted to endorse the budget adopted earlier by the Local Government Commission. Residents can read the budget online at https://www.nctreasurer.com/links/state-and-local-government-finance/lgc/town-spring-lake.
Art mural for Main Street funded
The Spring Lake Appearance and Sustainability Committee presented the board with a framed copy of a mural that will be painted on Main Street.
The mural, which depicts a message of support and gratitude for the military, will showcase a large American flag as a backdrop and show soldiers marching forward and paratroopers parachuting from a plane.
Max Dowdle, who has an extensive resume of working on large-scale public art and murals across the state, is the selected artist.
Alderman Palacios, who is the board’s representative on the appearance committee, asked the board to consider approving $13,540 for the project. Grants have provided $8,000, which would leave $5,540 for the town to cover.
The framed piece will hang in the Town Hall lobby until the committee hosts a public auction for it to pay for the mural’s installation and also contribute to future art projects on the new Spring Lake Art Trail.
The committee also hopes to secure additional grants and private donations.
“In my opinion, even if the funding isn’t reimbursed, what this is going to add to our downtown Main Street is well worth it. And the effort that they are putting in to continue to beautify this town is well worth it. This is a turning point for our town. This is us really taking pride in our military heritage. It is supporting our veterans and our 82nd Airborne Division. This is good for us,” said Anthony.
Cooper agreed and said the mural will be a conversation piece not just residents but for visitors.
“People will come from far and near just to take pictures in front of it. There are so many people who have served here. It is a small price to pay and a small investment in our town,” said Cooper.
The board voted to approve a budget amount of $13,540 for the mural. Interim Town Manager Jason Williams said the board’s action will comply with financing guidelines and allow the town to contract with the artist.
The next board meeting will be at 6 p.m. July 24. The July 10 meeting was canceled.
