Wadesboro council moves on $400,000 stormwater grant, budget amendment and deputy tax‑collector appointment

The Wadesboro Town Council on Monday opened new business by introducing consideration of a stormwater plan tied to a $400,000 grant and a required amendment to the FY2024–25 operating budget after tax revenue came in lower than expected.

Mayor said the town was considering a stormwater plan supported by a $400,000 grant and that "by law we have to amend it to reflect the tax row that we actually received," noting tax collection for the year was about 89.15 percent. Council members were asked to move forward with an amendment to cut budgeted items to balance the books for FY2024–25.

The budget amendment was presented as a technical requirement after receipts came in below projections; council made a motion to change the annual operating budget to reflect the lower tax collection. A separate motion was made to appoint Marion Mason as deputy tax collector so the finance officer would serve in that capacity locally. Members were asked for assent and were told to indicate their votes; the meeting transcript records the motions and a request for those "all in favor." The meeting moved on after the motions were called.

Town staff also proposed two budget‑workshop dates to finalize the updated budget: a meeting next Monday at 5 p.m. and a contingency date of March 24 so councilors would have time to review the materials before the next regular meeting. Staff said the goal is to finish the budget and distribute it to council members in advance for review.

Council members reviewed several designated funds tied to capital projects and downtown investment. Staff reported the Wadesboro park project fund was being considered for splash‑pad and restroom upgrades, the downtown revitalization fund had about $41,000 remaining, and a Greenway project fund held approximately $55,000 to support trail connectivity with regional routes.

The council also placed the stormwater plan and budget amendment on the record for action; staff said additional detail and legal review for constrained funds will follow before project work begins. The council moved to closed session later in the meeting for matters not discussed in open session.

The council did not provide a roll‑call tally in the public portion of the transcript for the motions; the meeting record shows members were asked for assent and proceeded after the motions were called.