Budget
2007-2008 BUDGET MESSAGE
The Fiscal Year 2007-2008 Snow Hill Budget continues to provide sufficient resources for the delivery of Town services. The total revenue budgeted is $2,369,263 including $554,836 in grants. A total of $145,454 is appropriated from fund balance of which 60 percent ($87,975) is from the Powell Bill fund. The Budget calls for a 3-cent reduction in the current tax rate of 38 cents to 35 cents.
This budget year emphasizes customer service/administration, public safety, economic/community development, recreation, employee/volunteer support and public works.
Customer Service/Administration:
The Department of Administration plans to complete technology system upgrades. A total of $5,000 is appropriated for office equipment. Plans are underway to repair the fading Snow Hill sign outside of the Town Hall ($1,000). The 2007 municipal election is included in the budget at estimated cost of $4,500. The planning contract remains at $23,000. After review, it is proposed to increase the planning and development services fee schedule. A reconnect fee is recommended at $25.00 to cover the cost of reconnecting services.
Public Safety:
The Town continues to increase sidewalks and make Snow Hill a safe walking community. The Town has executed an agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation as part of the pedestrian enhancement program to install sidewalks in key walking areas as identified in the second phase of our sidewalk plan. In addition, street enhancement projects are projected at West Harper and Hart Streets. The total estimated budget for this is $100,000. The budget appropriates $188,000 for contracted services with the Greene County Department of the Sheriff (no patrol vehicle included or increase from prior year). Contracted services with the Contentnea Rural Fire Department for $18,000 will remain in effect. The salary for a part-time animal control officer is included in the budget ($2,000) and mosquito spraying ($500). A total of $15,000 is appropriated to assist with the upgrade of a parking lot located behind the Town Hall; designed to help ease the need for parking in the downtown community.
Economic/Community Development:
Economic and community development initiatives remain a high priority. The Snow Hill Development Commission has initiated a long-awaited comprehensive development program. The budget allocates $16,450 for economic development activities including contracted services with the Contentnea Development Partnership, which will assist with completing a community needs assessment, grant seeking, technical assistance training, and a development sites inventory.
Community development is ongoing through the administration of a Community Development Block Grant, which $190,000 is carried over into this fiscal year. The remainder of the grant funding is aimed at providing property improvements for residents of low-to-moderate income in the Hart Street area and a local option of $105,000 designated to assist with improvements to the Community Center located on Harper Street (as approved by the Division of Community Assistance). These funds together with local contributions and the recently, announced North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust fund grant will enable an enhance to the Community Center.
A total of $5,000 is appropriated to the Neighborhood Affairs Committee in support of implementing a community academy designed at exposing residents to the functions of local government and purchasing additional street banners. A total of $13,000 is appropriated to extend the study of the historic district and assist with efforts to either establish a second historic district or expand the current district.
Recreation:
In addition to the Community Center enhancement project, further investments in our residents through strong recreation remains crucial. The Budget funds a skateboard park pending site approval by the County of Greene ($20,000). The Budget also identifies the need for an outdoor restroom at Genesis Park ($15,000). A total of $5,000 is appropriated for supporting the Greene County Museum.
Employee and Volunteer Support:
Snow Hill maintains a competitive municipality in regards to employee salaries and benefits. The Budget authorizes a four percent salary increase for town employees. There is no change in employee insurance benefits. In order to encourage health, the Budget supports that formation of an employee health and wellness program offering the enrollment into a local fitness center. The authorization of matching contributions to those enrolled in the 401(k) retirement account program remains effective.
A total of $5,000 is appropriated in support of a volunteer service recognition program for those serving on Town volunteer governing bodies. The Budget does not provide an increase in the salaries of the mayor or commissioners.
Public Works & Utilities:
The Department of Public Works & Utilities continues to provide quality services. The Department’s budgetary priorities include purchasing a work truck at $18,000, two handheld meter readers at $11,275, a $6,000 upgrade to the Chlorine feed system, and a lawn mower at $7,500. A total of $2,000 is appropriated for painting the lift and garbage trucks.
The most critical areas of interest remain the water and wastewater departments. With the decision to support the Greenville Utilities Commission as a source for providing alternative water supply, the County of Greene requested all water entities to increase monthly water rates an additional $1.00 effective July 1, 2007. With the decision of South Greene Water Corporation to terminate our contract and purchase water from the County of Greene, the water rates had to be reviewed and increased. The proposed flat rate for a ¾-line is increased from $7.00 to $9.75 and the overage rate for consumption over 4,000 gallons per month is increased from $3.00 to $5.75 (inside). The proposed flat rate for a 1-2”-line is increased from $10.00 to $12.75 (inside). Furthermore, a $31,000 appropriation for the first year of a tank maintenance contract is also included in this budget. Meanwhile, the debt service on the wastewater treatment facility has decreased from $118,020 to $115,649 or by two percent. With a healthier sewer fund as a result from a last year’s rate increase, the Budget proposes a rate reduction in the sewer fund. The proposed flat rate decrease is from $14.50 to $11.75 and the overage rate for consumption over 4,000 gallons per month is decreased from $14.50 to $13.75. The sewer fund appropriates $35,253 for contingency. It is also proposed to increase water and sewer services tap fees. There is no appropriation projected out of the water or sewer fund balances for this fiscal year.
The cemetery general rate is also proposed to increase from $600 to $800 per gravesites and from $500 to $600 for grave opening/closing services.
Waste collection appropriations remains at $90,000 to replace aging waste collection carts and tree-limb removal. A North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center grant in the amount of $40,000 is carried over into this fiscal year to assist with a water system evaluation and a stage 1 map.
Snow Hill remains committed to providing quality customer service/administration, public safety, economic/community development, recreation, employee/volunteer services and public works.