Mocksville board adopts FY 2024–25 budget after vote to pause full‑time pay increases

The Mocksville Town Board of Commissioners adopted its FY 2024–25 budget Tuesday after a heated discussion over staff pay and utility rates.

Ken, a town staff presenter, told the board the proposed balanced budget prioritizes equipment replacement, sidewalk connectivity and water‑system projects, and depends heavily on property and sales tax growth and development fees. He said the town is pursuing more than $13 million in grant funding, including roughly $10 million focused on infrastructure, and has budgeted $333,000 from the general fund for intersection, road and sidewalk improvements (not including grants). Ken also outlined planned capital purchases and projects including a new fire apparatus (three‑year delivery), a leaf truck and dump truck, and water‑system work related to a Davy County interconnection.

The budget included personnel proposals: a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment for full‑time staff, a 2.5% increase for part‑time staff and a 2% retention bonus for employees who remain through the fiscal year. Ken said the town’s turnover rate is about 22% and estimated hiring a sewer‑plant technician in‑house could save roughly $250,000 compared with contract costs.

During discussion several commissioners voiced concern about the immediate impact of rate and salary increases on residents. Commissioner Carl moved to amend the budget to eliminate salary increases for full‑time staff while retaining the part‑time pay adjustments; his original motion also proposed lowering water and sewer increases, but he later narrowed the amendment to address salaries only after board members asked for more data on the financial impacts of cutting utility rate increases. Ken warned cuts to water and sewer revenues would require spending reductions or shifts in capital plans.

The board approved the amendment (eliminating full‑time salary increases while keeping part‑time increases) on a 4–1 vote. The board then adopted the FY 2024–25 budget, the capital improvement plan and the fee schedule as presented.

Key budget allocations noted in the presentation include $333,000 in general‑fund spending for intersection and sidewalk improvements; capital projects in the Enterprise fund, including a 12‑inch water‑main extension and a 500,000‑gallon elevated tank; and investments in public‑safety staffing and equipment. Staff reiterated a preference to use grants to avoid tax or fee increases when possible.

The board did not finalize additional changes to water and sewer rates at the meeting; the approved budget reflects the town’s presented rate path used for planning. Ken said the town expects multi‑year rate adjustments as it transitions to regional water and sewer arrangements.

Votes at a glance (motions recorded in the meeting): - Adopt FY 2024–25 budget, capital improvement plan and fee schedule: approved (majority vote). - Adopt amendment eliminating full‑time salary increases while preserving part‑time raises: approved 4–1. - Award Contract 16.0 (North elevated storage tank) to Phoenix Fabricators: approved. - Award Contract 15.0 (South Point pump station/force main) to BRS Incorporated: approved. - Approve year‑end budget amendments to the Enterprise and General funds: approved.

The board will carry forward capital planning items such as sidewalk design and prioritization, and staff said they will return with engineered estimates and an RFP process for design work in the coming months. The board adjourned after routine communications and appointments.