[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6557762,"mediaKeyId","3287551-80e29f4d77966564ad0e1b9964d1d81b","parentId",3287551,"title","Blowing Rock council approves hiring parking ambassadors, sets June public hearing on enforcement changes","audioSeconds",1834,"startMs",332000,"endMs",2166000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3287551-80e29f4d77966564ad0e1b9964d1d81b&start=332&end=2166","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3287551-80e29f4d77966564ad0e1b9964d1d81b/thumbnail_332000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6557762/Blowing-Rock/Watauga-County/North-Carolina/Blowing-Rock-council-approves-hiring-parking-ambassadors-sets-June-public-hearing-on-enforcement-changes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6557762-c60edc675b1697ddd84fa35c5221db4f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775895318&Signature=alXBLRdyMkPpTp4ZHpfvX0Bl~Y2DH-tY2xCvW0LjvqNxl4UlK0PQtajfzwTBZph9TYEeeaVRqISp~jwsTMSHxulvBzoD6axOCaD4I7CEh-vIwqZ-sQGdztQBRycv8md6OEmnAyNFF~rKZL0B37WDs0xUfqRuCWVvFTDbOfLZKTyKVqIT6crvYA7YX9bBNpcbvErPtjO5wy9vXPPm7oP26aXIRRNo44xbRr2M8MyT6JgfIcVJiGN8jK5pzRoAh57vE7hVrdUFGzf0vdPG2IdGsnCen2zQ6105SDmw-ZhC5L5LdHhukMbKNmzIddRiXQfu2N3Fw4b3ivljssoTxZVT3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Blowing Rock","date","2025-05-12T18:30:51Z","article","The Blowing Rock Town Council on Tuesday authorized hiring two part‑time parking ambassadors and agreed to hold a public hearing June 10 on proposed changes to the town\u0000parking ordinance and on contracting with Passport Parking, a private vendor staff proposed to handle citation processing and electronic payments.

The council voted to hire the part‑time ambassadors after Chief Nathan Kirk of the Blowing Rock Police Department described recommendations from a consultant and staff for year‑round enforcement, updated signage and a non‑sworn enforcement model led by Cassandra Reed, the police department\u0000telecommunicator supervisor. \"She presented a couple of different things, just some things to help with parking,\" Kirk said, summarizing the consultant\u0000recommendations. \"She recommended removing the three‑hour parking and putting it down to two hours on Main Street and Sunset Drive,\" he added.

The nut of the proposal is to move enforcement out of the police department and into dedicated parking staff who would also act as ambassadors to visitors. Passport Parking would provide ticket printing, QR codes and online payment processing; staff reported a reduced initial monthly software fee of $1,000 and an estimated $2,600 one‑time charge for handheld printers and supplies. Chief Kirk said Passport would also handle delinquent‑notice mailings and collections; staff said the vendor would retain a processing fee (about 2.95% plus $0.25 on card payments) and would take up to 30% of amounts collected for delinquent accounts once legal notices are sent.

Council members pressed for details. \"It would help me if I could see a list of everything that Passport would do for us,\" Councilmember Kat said during the meeting. Staff said signage would be an additional municipal cost (roughly $1,000 estimated) and that Passport does not provide signs.

Resident Sandy Hogan raised parking as a budget issue during public comment, suggesting revenue bonds to pay for a multi‑level parking garage and offering a back‑of‑the‑envelope projection that a modest fee could generate about $1,000,000 in annual revenue. \"I would just hope that you could put that on the list somewhere and just look at it and see if it's something that the town can get done,\" Hogan said. Council and staff treated Hogan\u0000comments as part of the broader parking conversation; no motion on a garage or bond was made.

Council approved hiring the two part‑time parking ambassadors by voice vote (Kat: Aye; David Harwood: Aye; Melissa/Millicent: Aye; Doug Madsen: Aye; Pete: Aye). The council also approved a motion to schedule a public hearing June 10 to consider contracting with Passport and ordinance changes; that motion passed unanimously.

Staff described proposed citation fines that were discussed with the consultant: a first offense at $20, second offense $30, and higher fines or collections for repeat or delinquent cases. Chief Kirk said last year the town issued about 450 parking citations, and that Passport\u0000would provide digital ticketing (no kiosks) and the option of QR codes on printed citations for card payment. Councilmembers and staff discussed potential phases: begin enforcement using existing citation books and town code (updated in August 2023) immediately for the season and bring Passport and any ordinance changes through the June public hearing for formal adoption.

The council directed staff to continue hiring interviews for the ambassador positions immediately so enforcement could begin on the typical seasonal schedule (staff indicated enforcement commonly begins around Mother\u0000's Day and the department planned to start enforcement for the season). Passport contract and ordinance changes will return for public comment and formal consideration at the June 10 meeting.

Votes at a glance
- Motion to approve hiring two part‑time parking ambassadors (personnel only): passed (ayes recorded: Kat; David Harwood; Melissa/Millicent; Doug Madsen; Pete). Outcome: approved. Notes: staff said budget contains funds to cover personnel; handheld equipment ($2,600) could be covered in departmental budget.
- Motion to set public hearing June 10 on contracting with Passport Parking and changes to the parking ordinance: passed (unanimous). Outcome: public hearing scheduled June 10.

Why it matters: Parking enforcement affects resident access, visitor experience and downtown merchants, and the council is weighing upfront software and processing costs against potential higher compliance and revenue capture. The public hearing will allow formal comment before any ordinance or contract is finalized.

What comes next: Staff will continue candidate interviews for the two ambassador positions to begin enforcement for the season and will return on June 10 with ordinance language and the Passport contract for public comment and possible adoption.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town Council Meeting - Tuesday, May 13th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Blowing Rock Town Council on Tuesday authorized hiring two part‑time parking ambassadors and agreed to hold a public hearing June 10 on proposed changes to the town\u0000parking ordinance and on contracting with Passport Parking, a private vendor staff proposed to handle citation processing and electronic payments.","taxTitle","Blowing Rock, Watauga County, North Carolina","taxId",61360,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6557756,"New Blowing Rock Chamber director outlines 90‑day plan focused on operations, technology and events",0,610000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3287551-80e29f4d77966564ad0e1b9964d1d81b&start=610&end=610","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3287551-80e29f4d77966564ad0e1b9964d1d81b/thumbnail_610000.jpg","/articles/6557756/Blowing-Rock/Watauga-County/North-Carolina/New-Blowing-Rock-Chamber-director-outlines-90day-plan-focused-on-operations-technology-and-events","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6557756-0b086a623003a18cc657433b5d3f809a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775895318&Signature=PjjWQgAUk8ptbOHDxEKlneuZzl9QBYJWulAa2ZRHZ7lF2J4ERvwOaakTJk-nuA9yMbIafcQsj1hNjMnysL7m2UbJyyTu7KFR8jpKMIh0ECTsU56tBZUwNFDcggkMFuhctgxFjxSXumsn-j7--Ui1OXj65bPSyLcsVXVLjnlRYocLKI2avbecfFy2nuv~fcFII0xoYlR45w9p37JHzqhMje-lJpzwMaTvYcTgqo9P7vZh8hrUnGKqXOcjHuw5AkssnqonT39zDQVdDpZO15wiNV5bM3lRKcZ-3P-bUu80u7g6f7ZAi0OIl6IiJb5iNtASBg5TDYdO-h~Zx9ovp98rTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Robin Miller, the new director of the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, addressed the town council Tuesday to introduce herself and outline a 90‑day plan focused on organizational operations, technology upgrades and strengthening events and member services.

\"I have nearly 20 years experience running a very large chamber of commerce,\" Miller said, noting prior work on the Gulf Coast of Florida and a listening tour she had conducted since starting the job. She identified operational review, investment in technology to automate daily work, outreach to staff, volunteers and business leaders, and support for signature events (Symphony, Art in the Park, Winterfest) as immediate priorities.

Miller also introduced Chamber staff and board members in the audience and said the organization aims to be a strong partner with the town on economic development and events. She said she had been on the job about 90 days and welcomed council questions. The council thanked Miller and the Chamber volunteers for their work.","Robin Miller, Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce director, introduced herself to council and described a 90‑day plan emphasizing operations, technology upgrades, board and volunteer engagement, and enhanced programming and events.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6557759,"Blowing Rock proposes flat property tax rate for 2025-26, plans to use fund balance and raise water rates 7%",2751,2206000,4957000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3287551-80e29f4d77966564ad0e1b9964d1d81b&start=2206&end=4957","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3287551-80e29f4d77966564ad0e1b9964d1d81b/thumbnail_2206000.jpg","/articles/6557759/Blowing-Rock/Watauga-County/North-Carolina/Blowing-Rock-proposes-flat-property-tax-rate-for-2025-26-plans-to-use-fund-balance-and-raise-water-rates-7","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6557759-ff704a1efc7a5cd07b5f6097e4482de3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775895318&Signature=UVRzlLI6IaD-qBzrW~bKWCyzJtaThcXE~6N9HHVbLI4o84Pq2wfN0NRL6wZFGIPmjbZNJl7pc2oqHnn2~Dh8dP6CFeEE5nsAeWq36SbvIOL8x~g6d37Xu4jrx4E9nXlcmQ3VlgbKBxi7aOCOio7IrQeBSBrwfKoJmMjGGTZCZ6x2d3xHJr4jOk4hbgpnwH1HXcToV4PX9pHlelV6kiertlSSykyFsnrlYJyFhIpv6yLjrf4feaYn0~AMHODxV8mvzUXAJ0gHI53haRBgR-h6SFtkQaZOcAx9AhvU6Bj6aLHJRsDFmgUD6yZgJT90inoqb2xp3CfRthMd5MQnXAYXpg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Blowing Rock officials presented a proposed fiscal 2025‑26 budget on Tuesday that would keep the property tax rate unchanged, use a modest portion of the town\u0000fund balance to balance the general fund, include a 2.5% cost‑of‑living adjustment for employees and would raise water and sewer rates by 7% to cover meter debt and other capital needs.

Shane, the staff presenter, told the Town Council that the draft budget as presented proposes no property tax increase and would use roughly $194,000 of fund balance to balance the general fund. \"No proposed property tax increases for this year's budget,\" Shane said. \"We are proposing to utilize some fund balance to balance the budget.\" He described the budget as \"priority based\" and said staff aimed to preserve service levels while planning for future capital and debt trends.

The proposal assumes a 2.5% COLA for full‑time employees and continued employer benefits, including a 5% 401(k) match and existing vision/dental plans. Staff flagged two external cost pressures: an estimated 6% increase in state retirement contribution rates and changes in health insurance costs following a switch from Blue Cross to Aetna. Payroll and benefit costs were identified as the town's largest expense category; staff projected total salaries and benefits at about $7.49 million.

On revenue, staff emphasized Blowing Rock's reliance on a mix of property tax and tourism‑driven revenues. Property taxes make up about 44.7% of general fund revenues; sales tax and the town\u0000portion of the Tourism Development Authority (TDA) revenues together approach 39% of the general fund. Shane told council the town's TDA gross receipts are about $2.4 million and that the town's one‑third share is roughly $600,000 each year for tourism infrastructure, planting, decorations and projects the TDA funds.

Water and sewer: staff proposed a 7% rate increase in the enterprise (water and sewer) fund, citing new AMI meters and related debt (about $156,000 annually) and a planned USDA‑backed project (approximately $4.6 million) that will be bid later this season for plant upgrades and a new lift station. Shane said the AMI meters are already installed and have reduced water loss by alerting staff to leaks sooner. \"The new meters have done a tremendous job at instantly detecting most of the time where the leaks are,\" he said, which has reduced usage but increased the need to cover fixed costs.

Capital: the draft budget includes about $415,554 in capital outlay for fleet replacement and software payments, including a final payment on the town's new finance software and a planned police vehicle purchase. Staff also proposed phased fleet replacements (chipper, dump truck, snow plows) and small equipment replacement in parks and landscaping.

Debt and fund balance: Shane said general fund debt has fallen from about $11.0 million two years ago to $8.9 million currently and projected lower debt service in coming years as some obligations (Buxton property, a fire station) roll off. The town's unassigned fund balance was about 46% of the general fund as of June 30, 2024; the proposed use of fund balance in 2025‑26 would reduce that level modestly.

Process and next steps: staff will post the full budget and presentation online and hold a public budget workshop May 27 and a public hearing on the budget in June (the town typically must adopt a budget by June 30). No vote was taken Tuesday; council members thanked staff and asked follow‑up questions about debt, TDA revenues and planned capital work.

Why it matters: the budget outlines services, capital projects and rate decisions that affect residents, businesses and visitors: changes to water/sewer rates will affect customer bills; use of fund balance and debt trends shape near‑term fiscal flexibility. The council will consider adoption after the public workshop and hearing.","Town staff presented the proposed 2025-26 budget with no property tax increase, a planned use of about $194,000 in fund balance to balance the general fund, a proposed 2.5% COLA for staff and a 7% increase in water/sewer rates to cover meter debt and capital projects.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Blowing Rock council approves hiring parking ambassadors, sets June public hearing on enforcement changes

New Blowing Rock Chamber director outlines 90‑day plan focused on operations, technology and events

Blowing Rock proposes flat property tax rate for 2025-26, plans to use fund balance and raise water rates 7%