A spectacular spray of pinks, purples, yellows and reds pose along a roadside fence as if declaring to passers-by... “Slow your pace - remember to stop and smell the roses.” Photo by Kelly Bledsoe.
Local tax rate holds at 55¢
By Toni Covington Ayers
toniayers@triad.rr.com
The Denton Board of Commissioners voted June 15 to hold the town’s tax rate at 55¢ per $100.00 valuation for the 2009-10 fiscal year. Additionally, Commissioners opted not to increase fees for services and have no lay-offs planned in its departments.
Commissioner Andy Morris, who at an earlier meeting had expressed concern over potential revenue loss from the state, continued to question how the town would adapt its budget in the event that North Carolina legislators decided to withhold funds from municipalities. “I’m concerned that we don’t have any contingency plan in case the state pulls that money,” Commissioner Morris urged.
“We can revisit the budget if needed,” Mayor Scott Morris assured. “But we have to adopt a budget tonight.”
Town Manager F.E. Isenhour noted that adjustments could be made to the 2009-10 budget at any time, with the exception of raising taxes. “One thing you can’t go up on after the budget is adopted is the tax rate…other things can be cut if needed,” he said.
Commissioner Morris concluded that Isenhour should develop a list of “what-ifs” over the coming weeks in anticipation of revenue loss from the state.
The budget was then adopted unanimously.
In other business, the Board gave the green light on accepting water/sewer service payments via automatic bank draft and set the date for drafting payments as the tenth of each month. Those interested in having their water bill payments paid via automatic bank draft can call the Denton Town Hall at (336) 859-4231 for information on how to sign up.
Additionally, Mayor Morris announced that payments for various services could now be paid at the Town Hall. Those include Duke Power and Windstream by cash or check, as well as cash only payments plus a $1.00 service charge for Davidson Water, Time Warner Cable, Dish Network, DirectTV, Verizon/Alltel Wireless, and Sprint Wireless.
The next meeting of the Denton Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Tuesday, July 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Denton Town Hall.
