Cramerton commissioners approve budget priority list, rework advisory boards and OK pump‑station land swap

The Town of Cramerton Board of Commissioners on March 16 adopted a set of final project rankings that staff will use to guide next year’s budget, restructured several advisory bodies and policies, and approved a property swap with Two Rivers Utilities to relocate the Big Lakewood Pump Station out of the 100‑year floodplain.

Town Manager Zach Ollis presented the final rankings for fixed and nonfixed projects and told the board the list will be used during budget preparation; he said that staff will attempt to attach cost estimates as the budget process proceeds. Commissioner Helms said the motion was intended to give staff a clear order of priorities while allowing the board to adjust rankings later if grant opportunities or new information arise. The board voted in favor (motions and votes were recorded in the minutes as 5‑0 for the item). Individual roll‑call votes by commissioner were not specified in the meeting record.

On advisory boards, the town attorney reviewed revisions to bylaws and an appointment policy that incorporated comments from Commissioner Helms. The board voted to repeal several prior ordinances, adopt resolutions creating a Community Committee and a Park and Recreation Advisory Committee, reappoint the existing parks advisory members to the newly formed park committee for their current terms, adopt the Town of Cramerton Appointment Policy for advisory boards, and adopt a Code of Ethics for advisory board members. Each motion passed as recorded (votes recorded 5‑0).

Assistant Town Manager Josh Watkins and Kyle Butler of Two Rivers Utilities described a FEMA Hazard Mitigation grant that would fund relocating the Big Lakewood Pump Station beyond the 100‑year floodplain. Under the agreement the town will deed a parcel outside the floodplain to Two Rivers Utilities; once the pump station is relocated, the former pump station parcel will be deeded back to the town. Commissioner Helms moved to approve the exchange agreement; Commissioner Kincaid seconded and the motion passed (vote recorded 5‑0).

Other routine business included adding an audit contract to the consent agenda and approving the consent agenda, receiving standard department reports, and updates from Two Rivers Utilities on regional projects. No members of the public signed up for public comment. The meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m.

Next steps: staff will fold the prioritized project list into the town budget process and return with cost estimates and scheduling details; documentation for the pump‑station land exchange will proceed with the town attorney’s review and execution of deeds as described in the agenda packet.