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Board approves safety purchases and funds walking-trail repairs; votes 4–1 on $430,000 transfer
Summary
At the May 4 meeting, the Hope Mills board approved a $13,550 asset-forfeiture purchase for police mobile data terminals and approved a $430,000 stormwater-funded transfer (engineer estimate) to repair a failing walking trail; the latter passed after debate on bidding and obligation timing, with one commissioner opposed.
The Hope Mills Board of Commissioners approved multiple budget items during its May 4 meeting, including purchases for police technology and a stormwater-funded construction allocation to repair a failing walking trail.
Budget amendment 28: The board approved the purchase of four mobile data terminals for the police department at a cost of $13,550, to be paid from asset-forfeiture funds. Chief Dallinger told the board two of the existing MDTs were too old to receive software upgrades and needed replacement. The finance director said asset-forfeiture funds (approximately $84,000 at the time) would cover the purchase; the amendment passed without recorded opposition.
Budget amendment 29: The board approved a budget amendment to transfer $430,000 from the stormwater fund to cover construction and bid documents for walking-trail repairs. Staff said the request was based on an engineer’s estimate and emphasized the project’s priority because of an "impending failure" that could threaten a cemetery and adjacent field. Commissioner Hamilton expressed concern about obligating funds before bids are received, arguing she was not comfortable committing money without three competitive bids. Supporters said encumbering funds on an engineer’s estimate is a common municipal practice to allow timely contractor solicitation and to address a public-safety risk; Mayor Pro Tim Hope Page and others said funds exist in the stormwater account and that the general fund would not be impacted. The board approved the amendment; Commissioner Hamilton recorded opposition and the vote was reported as 4–1.
Procedural notes: The board also moved item 9 (liaison updates) to the May 18 meeting and added a governor’s proclamation on Military Appreciation Month to the presentations list. The consent agenda (items A and B) was approved earlier in the meeting.
