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Cramerton adopts FY2022-23 budget, creates parks and planning funds; approves trail, message board and appointment
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Summary
The Town of Cramerton board adopted its FY2022-23 budget and fee schedule, established dedicated parks and planning funds and approved three budget amendments and two ordinances; the board also approved a trail alignment, a town-hall message board contract with Viz, Inc., and appointed Ali Bahr to the Planning and Zoning Board.
The Town of Cramerton Board of Commissioners on June 16 adopted the town’s fiscal 2022-23 budget and fee schedule, approved several budget amendments and established two new dedicated funds for parks/recreation flood mitigation and planning and zoning development.
The board voted 5-0 to adopt the Budget Ordinance for FY2022-23 and unanimously approved the fee schedule for the year. The board separately adopted three budget amendments: #2021-22 (developer fee-in-lieu funds), #2021-23 (Parks and Recreation flood mitigation), and #2021-24 (end-of-year reallocations). The Town Manager described the fee-in-lieu concept as a way to track developer funds earmarked for sidewalk and trail work; Attorney Kevin Bringewatt said it is best practice to show the intended uses so the flow in and out of those accounts is clear.
Commissioner Helms moved to adopt the three proposed budget amendments; the board then voted on them individually. The record shows budget amendment #2021-22 passed 5-0. Budget amendment #2021-23 and budget amendment #2021-24 each passed 4-1, with Commissioner Atkinson recorded as voting nay on both. The board also approved Ordinance #2022-003 (Establishment of the Parks and Recreation Fund) and Ordinance #2022-004 (Establishment of the Planning and Zoning Development Fund); both ordinances passed 4-1 with Commissioner Atkinson voting no.
During discussion on assigned funds, Commissioner Atkinson asked whether designating the money into separate funds would reduce flexibility, noting the town may want to reserve money for other priorities such as a potential library. Town Manager David Pugh and staff said separate funds make tracking and reporting clearer. Pugh also noted the town maintains a $25,000 annual “Contingency for Flood” account as a form of self-insurance because the town does not carry flood insurance for all exposures.
On parks items, Parks and Recreation Director Mr. Smallwood described two route options for the Cramer Mountain Road Trail—one direct and exposed, the other longer and largely under tree cover—both of which connect to the middle school. Deputy Police Chief Neill Jones said either route could be patrolled. The board approved the trail route with the exact alignment to be determined after easement negotiations with property owners; the motion passed 5-0.
The board approved a proposal from Viz, Inc. for a town-hall message board with landscaping and lighting (motion passed 5-0) and unanimously appointed Ali Bahr to the Planning and Zoning Board (motion passed 5-0). Town staff provided updates on the downtown project (staging materials, brick pavers, exterior decking and forthcoming window installation) and several department leads thanked Town Clerk Wilene Cunningham on her retirement.
The Town Manager stated the current property tax rate would remain at "0.475 cents" for FY2022-23 as presented to the board; the transcript does not specify the legal basis or assessment unit for that figure. Mayor Nelson Wills and Mayor Pro Tempore Neeley said they will host neighborhood drop-in meetings in Timberlake and other liaison areas; the mayor also noted ongoing discussions with Duke Energy about placing American flags on utility poles along North Main Street and Lakewood.
The board entered a closed session under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-318.11(a)(6) to discuss qualifications and performance of public employees and adjourned at 10:50 p.m.
Votes at a glance - Consent agenda (minutes, public hearing set for annexation on Armstrong Ford Road): approved 5-0. - Budget Ordinance FY2022-23: approved 5-0 (moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Neeley; second Commissioner Helms). - Fee schedule FY2022-23: approved 5-0. - Budget Amendment #2021-22 (developer fee-in-lieu funds): approved 5-0. - Budget Amendment #2021-23 (Parks & Recreation flood mitigation): approved 4-1 (Atkinson nay). - Budget Amendment #2021-24 (end-of-year reallocations): approved 4-1 (Atkinson nay). - Ordinance #2022-003 (Parks and Recreation Fund): adopted 4-1 (Atkinson nay). - Ordinance #2022-004 (Planning and Zoning Development Fund): adopted 4-1 (Atkinson nay). - Cramer Mountain Road Trail alignment (route options to be decided after easements): approved 5-0. - Viz, Inc. town-hall message board/landscaping/lighting proposal: approved 5-0. - Appointment of Ali Bahr to Planning and Zoning Board: approved 5-0.
What it means The board’s actions create clearer, dedicated accounts for developer fees and parks flood mitigation money and lock in the town’s adopted spending plan for the coming fiscal year. Several votes split 4-1 on fund-designation measures after Commissioner Atkinson urged retaining more flexibility for future priorities (including a possible library). The approved trail alignment and message-board contract are next steps in town infrastructure and downtown improvements.
Next steps The trail route will be finalized through easement negotiations with property owners; staff will implement the Viz, Inc. contract and complete downtown construction staging and paver installation. The board placed personnel matters into closed session for further consideration.