West Jefferson board approves $307,371 local match for wastewater grant, funds police cameras and fire truck

The West Jefferson Board of Aldermen on Oct. 6 voted to pursue a federal Economic Development Agency (EDA) grant to upgrade the wastewater treatment headworks, add a new well at the industrial park and increase capacity at the Beaver Creek Pump Station, approving a local match of $307,371 to move the application forward.

Town Manager Brantley Price told the board the EDA program could cover about 80% of the project costs, while the Industrial Development Fund indicated its program would require a 25% local match; the board voted 5-0 to proceed with the application under the staff-recommended local match figure. Alderman Calvin Green moved to proceed with the grant opportunity; Alderwoman Beth Shelton seconded the motion.

In the same meeting the board approved a multi-year payment plan to purchase body-worn cameras for the police department. Police Chief Brad Jordan reported the town did not receive the NC Governor's Crime Prevention Grant this year; the cameras cost $35,028 total and the board approved paying $7,000 this fiscal year and budgeting $7,000 for each of the next four years to cover the balance. Alderman John Reeves moved the body-camera purchase plan; Alderman Stephen Shoemaker seconded and the motion carried 5-0.

The board also adopted a capital budget ordinance to fund a new fire truck. Alderman Rusty Barr moved to approve the ordinance and Alderman John Reeves seconded; the motion passed by a unanimous vote.

Budget Amendment #1, presented to cover extra paving costs and the first-year installment for the body cameras, was approved 5-0. Separately, the board voted to continue pursuing a Small Business Infrastructure (SMBiz) grant for multiple possible projects — including paving sections of Third Avenue, Market Street and Hice Street, completing sidewalk sections, lining terracotta sewer lines, replacing water-plant pumps, and replacing a two-inch galvanized line on Graybeal Avenue — and authorized staff to continue the application process.

Why it matters: the EDA grant and SMBiz opportunities would fund infrastructure projects that affect commercial and industrial capacity in and around the town, while the equipment purchases and capital ordinance address public-safety readiness.

Votes at a glance

- Approve agenda: motion by Alderman Rusty Barr, seconded by Alderwoman Beth Shelton; vote 5-0 (approved). - Approve minutes: motion by Alderman Rusty Barr, seconded by Alderwoman Beth Shelton; vote 5-0 (approved). - Resolution of intent to close proposed road and alley: motion by Alderman Stephen Shoemaker, seconded by Alderwoman Beth Shelton; vote 5-0 (approved). - Approve proceeding with EDA grant opportunity with $307,371 local match: motion by Alderman Calvin Green, seconded by Alderwoman Beth Shelton; vote 5-0 (approved). - Purchase police body cameras (five-year split; $7,000/year): motion by Alderman John Reeves, seconded by Alderman Stephen Shoemaker; vote 5-0 (approved). - Budget Amendment #1 (cover paving and first-year body-camera installment): motion by Alderman Rusty Barr, seconded by Alderwoman Beth Shelton; vote 5-0 (approved). - Capital budget ordinance for fire truck: motion by Alderman Rusty Barr, seconded by Alderman John Reeves; vote 5-0 (approved). - Continue with SMBiz grant application for discussed projects: motion by Alderman Rusty Barr, seconded by Alderwoman Beth Shelton; vote 5-0 (approved). - Cemetery plot buyback and resale to private buyer (see separate item): motion by Alderman Rusty Barr, seconded by Alderman Calvin Green; vote 5-0 (approved).

Next steps noted in the meeting record: staff will proceed with grant application work and budget adjustments; the Ridge Avenue sewer-line extension was reported as scheduled to begin next week, and related capital projects will be coordinated with grant timing. The board adjourned the meeting after routine business.