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Council adopts budget amendment, advances zoning change and opposes state property-tax cap
Summary
The town council unanimously adopted a $6,000 budget amendment, approved a first reading of a zoning ordinance to update accessory-building setbacks and adopted a resolution urging state lawmakers not to impose a property-tax cap. Council also approved a surveillance-and-gate contract for the town park.
The town council voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 131, a budget amendment that moves about $6,000 into the town's advance/contingency account. Mayor Collins called for the second and final reading and commissioners voted yes to pass the measure.
Council then accepted the first reading of Ordinance 132, a zoning amendment prompted by recent state-recommended updates to definitions such as setback lines and accessory-building provisions. Jamie, the town planner, explained the change as an administrative update to align local code with the state's recommendations; council accepted the item to move it toward a public hearing and subsequent readings.
On a separate motion, the council adopted Resolution 214 expressing formal opposition to any state-imposed cap on property taxes that would limit local governments' ability to fund municipal services. Mayor Collins said the resolution was intended to notify the town's legislative delegation of the council's position.
All three formal measures recorded unanimous roll-call support from the members present: Mayor Collins, Commissioner Tally and Commissioner Hook.
The council also approved a contract with Blue Ridge Surveillance to install park cameras and an automatic gate, a separate action covered in the council's park upgrades discussion.
Why it matters: The budget amendment adjusts the town's internal allocations for the current fiscal year; the zoning first reading responds to state guidance that may affect local setback definitions; the resolution signals the town's policy preference to state legislators considering tax limitation proposals. The surveillance contract is intended to protect recently funded park upgrades.
Next steps: Ordinance 132 will proceed through the town's public-notice and hearing process for additional readings before final adoption. Staff will finalize the surveillance contract implementation schedule and notify the council when installation is scheduled.
