BY HANNAH LEE | CityView Staff
The Hope Mills Board of Commissioners kicked off 2024 with a closed session for a portion of the Monday meeting, after which Interim Town Manager Chancer McLaughlin read a statement confirming that a Hope Mills Police Department major has been fired amid a State Bureau of Investigation probe into a Dec. 12 incident at the police department.
2023 audit presentation
- What happened: Jay Sharpe, from Sharpe Patel PLLC, presented the final report for Hope Mill’s annual audit.
- Why it matters: Sharpe noted that the town had no significant issues related to its audit. The town's revenues increased this year and continued to have a healthy cash reserve. This could be attributed to increases in property tax revenues and unrestricted intergovernmental revenues, largely from higher sales tax distributions, according to the report. Expenditures were also less than budgeted. One area of note in the report was the Public Safety and Transportation budget, which spent less because salaries and wages were lower than expected.
- Sharpe also noted that the town staff was accommodating throughout the audit process.
- The audit was approved by the Local Government Commission. The town will be submitting the report for consideration for the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
Cumberland County Community Development
- What happened: Devon Newton, community services manager for the CCCD, gave a presentation to commissioners about the office’s programs and grants available to Hope Mills residents. CCCD uses funds from the Community Development Block Grant, the HOME program and Fayetteville-Cumberland County Continuum of Care.
- The CCCD aims to benefit low- and moderate-income households, senior citizens and the homeless population.
- Why it matters: CCCD has completed 239 projects in Hope Mills. Of those projects, 97 were emergency repair or minor rehab and 72 projects were housing rehabilitation. There are also five affordable housing projects using CCCD HOME funds: Crosswinds I, Crosswinds II, Golfview, Legion Crossing and Legion Manor.
- Newton told commissioners she will be reaching out again later this year to see if Hope Mills would be interested in renewing its agreement. If Hope Mills doesn’t renew, the CCCD will not be able to work within the town’s limits and the town could not use CDBG or HOME funding.
Longevity pay & COLA costs
- What happened: The board unanimously approved the authorization of a budget amendment to increase the cost of living adjustment (COLA).
- Why it matters: The board unanimously approved increasing the COLA from 1.75% to 2.5% during its last meeting on Dec. 18. The budget for fiscal year 2023-24, which was approved in June, had previously set the COLA at 1.75%. This increase will cost the town $77,650. The town will be using funds from the Sales Tax Distribution account in the budget to accommodate the difference.
Reengaging town committees
- What happened: The board discussed temporarily removing the two-year reapplication requirement for those serving on town committees. Commissioner Elyse Craver recommended this motion as a way to eliminate another hurdle for volunteers who want to serve on town committees.
- Mayor Pro Tem Kenjuana McCray had concerns about immediately enrolling committee members to another term without discussing first.
- Mayor Jessie Bellflowers told staff to look into implementing a policy of providing a letter of intent instead of having current committee members reapply. This will be discussed at the next board of commissioners meeting on Jan. 22.
- Why it matters: According to the Rules and Procedures, individuals in all positions determined by the board of commissioners shall serve two years. However, several members of the board noted that some committees are not getting enough applicants and quorum is not being met at several committee meetings, meaning they cannot make binding decisions.
Town manager report
- What happened: McLaughlin delivered his report, which updated the board about several construction projects happening in Hope Mills. The Hope Mills Splash Pad will have its sanitary sewer and water lines installed this month. The project is estimated to be completed in early March. The Hope Mills Public Works Department has also lowered the levels of Hope Mills Lake for dam maintenance. The town has also picked a contractor for the Heritage Park project, and the contractor will be announced soon. McLaughlin said that Phase One should be finished by the fall.
- The Hope Mills Recreation Center will hold a Senior Expo on March 8. The town will be partnering with the Mid-Carolina Area Agency of Aging for the expo. They will have vendors, conduct breakout sessions, and will be providing vital information to senior residents.
Other business
The board approved an increase in notary fees to $10. Previously, it was set at $5. The maximum fee that a notary may charge for notarial acts in North Carolina is $10.
The board made two proclamations. One is for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 15, and the other is in recognition of Hope Mills School Choice Week, which takes place from Jan. 21 to Jan. 27.
The board also went into two separate closed sessions, regarding attorney-client privilege and personnel matters.
The board will next meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, in the EOC Training Room at the Public Safety Center to discuss budget priorities.
Contact Hannah Lee at hannahleenews@gmail.com.
