Oak Ridge council OKs fee updates, hires auditor and funds 9/11 memorial; budget vote delayed to June 23

At its meeting the Oak Ridge Town Council approved a package of routine administrative measures: updated fee schedules for parks and recreation and planning & zoning, a one‑time funding authorization for a 9/11 memorial, an audit contract award, and short‑term budget adjustments — while deferring final action on the town budget until a specially called meeting on June 23.

Parks and Recreation: Town staff proposed a simplified facility rental fee structure with a base rate and reduced resident/nonprofit rates. Council approved the parks and recreation facility rental fee schedule after discussion about monitoring the performance of the newly opened Redmond House community center and suggested staff return with cost/revenue data once marketing and use stabilize.

Planning & Zoning fees: Staff noted many planning fees had not been updated in 10–20 years; the new schedule adds a nominal $50 development clearance permit for a new single‑family residence and implements general increases in the 25–50% range for some categories. The council approved the proposed planning and zoning fee schedule.

9/11 memorial: The special events committee requested up to $8,000 to design and install a memorial in Veterans Honor Green for the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11. Committee members discussed location options and electrical needs; the council approved up to $8,000 for the project and asked staff to coordinate placement and any required electrical work.

Audit and budget adjustments: The finance officer presented results of an RFP for annual audit services and recommended Thompson Price, Adams & Company PA; the council approved awarding the audit engagement to that firm. Council also approved a $20,000 transfer from park operations to capital for fixed assets to be purchased before fiscal year end and granted the finance officer authority to make budget adjustments through June 30 to ensure a balanced budget, with a report back to council at its July meeting.

Budget timeline: Town manager Mr. Bruce summarized a proposed $3.35 million budget that includes roughly $1 million in capital spending and a proposed tax‑rate cut from 8¢ to 6.6¢ under current valuation assumptions. After hearing a recommendation from the volunteer finance committee to hold the rate at 8¢, the council agreed to continue decision and vote on the budget at a public special meeting on June 23 at 11:00 a.m., citing uncertainty over a proposed state property‑valuation moratorium.