Rep. Garland Pierce says he and Sen. Danny Britt earmarked up to $3 million for Raeford sewer work, asks city to act as fiduciary

Representative Garland Pierce told the Raeford City Council on May 19 that he and Senator Danny Britt had “teamed to earmark up to three million dollars in appropriation” that could include funding for sewer work in the Silver City and Cameron Heights areas and asked whether the City of Raeford would serve as the fiduciary or pass-through if the money became available.

City Manager Dennis Baxley described the project as limited to connecting some houses to existing county sewer lines rather than an extension. “It really was not an extension of the sewer, but that some houses needed connection,” Baxley said, and estimated the work would cost approximately $500,000. He added there were no plans available and that the project had not been pursued for outside funding because of its small scale.

Councilwoman Mary Neil King asked whether any excess funds could be used for other city projects if the city received the appropriation. Manager Baxley noted the city has needs for new facilities for the police department and public works and cited a proposal to purchase and demolish the Raeford Manor building to create an additional 60–70 parking spaces. Representative Pierce clarified to the council that the funds were “not a grant” and that his purpose in attending the called meeting was to learn whether Raeford would act as the “pass thru” for the appropriation.

No motions or formal actions were taken at the meeting. The council thanked Representative Pierce for the information and adjourned at 8:30 a.m. The city council did not vote, direct staff to accept funds, or make any commitment during the session.