Aberdeen board schedules May 27 public hearing on FY2025-26 budget; library funding and mural discussed

At the May 12 work session the Aberdeen Town Board scheduled a public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2025-26 budget for Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.

Town Manager Paul Sabiston distributed an updated budget packet that incorporated department heads’ and the manager’s recommendations and said the numbers match what appeared in the meeting agenda. Commissioner Teressa Beavers raised a request from the Appearance and Beautification Commission for a new mural; Assistant Planning Director Chad Hall said the commission has discussed likely locations but did not provide a specific site at the meeting.

Manager Sabiston told the board that Moore County had offered to pay for half of a full-time librarian position. He said staff will continue work to secure full county funding; if the county does not cover the remainder the Town’s 50% share was estimated in the discussion as approximately $35,000 per year, though Sabiston said that amount might reflect closer to a half-year of funding for a 50% position. Commissioner Elease Goodwin said several residents have contacted county commissioners advocating for county funding of the position. The board agreed to convene a public hearing to present the budget and receive public comment on those and other items.

Other business at the work session included an update from Assistant Manager Phillip Richardson that the library project is ahead of schedule and a remark from Mayor Farrell that the town needs pickleball courts. Commissioner Wilma Laney noted Planner Lindy Lamielle had been a recent guest speaker at the Postmaster’s House.