Edenton swears in two preservation commissioners and adopts FY2024–25 budget with no tax increase

The Edenton Town Council on Thursday swore in two new members of the Edenton Historic Preservation Commission and then adopted the town’s fiscal year 2024–25 budget as presented.

Mayor presided over the ceremony to seat the appointees. Catherine Smith, who said she has owned and renovated a home in Edenton for about four years, took the oath and told the council she supports restoring historic properties and, when replacement is required, matching original materials. Caroline Blackmore also took the oath and was congratulated by the mayor and council.

After the appointments the council opened the required public hearing on the proposed 2024–25 budget, described in the agenda packet released June 7, and invited comments. Resident John (Mr.) Benjamin asked whether funds for improved street lighting are easy to find in the budget and suggested the town consider expanded follow-up on a local film project (Isabelle) to promote Edenton. Town manager Corey Gooden responded that lighting needs are budgeted across maintenance, system expansion and neighborhood redevelopment accounts and that follow-up on the film could be handled within normal work hours if the council chooses to pursue it.

Another commenter, Mr. Grant, asked whether proceeds from law-enforcement asset forfeitures appear in the police-revenue line. Gooden said routine police revenue is generated by town citations and tickets; larger task-force proceeds are held in a separate restricted fund with different restrictions and typically take time to flow to the town.

Council members also debated a proposed acquisition of a parcel on Northwell Street that is budgeted for planning and redevelopment and had been suggested for additional parking or training space for the police department. Staff emphasized that, while funds are set aside in the budget, an actual purchase requires a future council vote and a purchase agreement; several council members said they prefer waiting for a fuller plan and for input from a forthcoming police chief before directing staff to proceed.

Councilman Dixon moved and councilman Costin seconded the motion to adopt the FY2024–25 budget as presented. The mayor called a voice vote and announced the motion carried. The council then approved a matching budget ordinance by voice vote.

The meeting moved on to other agenda items after adoption; council members thanked staff for preparing the budget and noted the process remains flexible for later adjustments if needed.