Lowell City Council approves budget amendments, accepts sponsorship funds and renews school facility-use agreement; staff outlines community-center repairs

The Lowell City Council approved several routine items on its agenda, including a fund reorganization tied to an accounting software migration, receipt of a police-department sponsorship, and a renewal of an interlocal community-use agreement with Gaston County Schools. Council also heard details about planned repairs to the community center funded by a regional economic grant.

Finance staff presented Budget Amendment No. 7, which moves power-bill funds from the general fund into a separate fund (fund 20) to match the chart of accounts required for a planned migration to Black Mountain Software. "This attached budget amendment is to move power bill funds actually from the general fund and into a separate fund for power bill," staff said, noting that municipalities using Black Mountain adopt a uniform chart of accounts. Council members asked whether the change would affect their single general-fund approach; staff said the funds are currently in a separate bank account and will be moved into the operating account and shown as fund 20 once the change is complete. A motion to consider and approve Budget Amendment No. 7 was made, seconded and carried by voice vote.

Council also approved Budget Amendment No. 8 to record receipt of a $1,500 check and 200 calendars from a private sponsor, identified in staff remarks as "Back the Blue," which had organized a calendar program for the police department. Finance staff said the calendars were already being distributed and that the amendment was recorded after receipt of the check. The council passed the amendment by voice vote.

In separate action, the council approved an updated community-use agreement with the Gaston County School Board that renews a 2019 arrangement allowing reciprocal use of recreational athletic facilities in emergencies or when schedules permit; staff emphasized the agreement covers recreational use only and that existing city events will take precedence.

Staff described planned community-center interior repairs focused on the heavily used downstairs area — replacing roughly 4,540 square feet of flooring, painting and other finish work — using funds from a North Carolina regional economic grant. Staff reported contractor quotes are included in the council packet, said they plan to use low bids for painting and flooring, and noted two HVAC bids are received with a third pending. No contracts were executed at tonight's meeting; staff will return with contract paperwork when ready.

All motions were approved by voice vote; the meeting adjourned after brief council remarks.