Boiling Spring Lakes says fund balance rose to over 46%; budget moves toward final approval as manager transition begins

City Manager Gordon Hargrove told the Boiling Spring Lakes Board of Commissioners on June 18 that the city’s fund balance rose from 6.75% to more than 46% over the past year and that the current fiscal year’s budget is balanced without the need to draw from reserves.

Hargrove said the improvement reflects staff work to implement board directives and noted a transition plan: the incoming city manager, Mr. Kirkland, is onboarding and will work with Hargrove over the next four weeks to ensure a smooth handoff.

Mayor Jeff Winecoff said the budget is moving forward for final approval and described planned meeting-room improvements to eliminate audio echo, including upgraded microphones and additional speakers. Clerk Tanya Shannon confirmed that updated drone images of city projects have been uploaded to the municipal website and showed commissioners where to find them.

Officials said the city is pursuing several grants, including a stormwater grant for Holly Redwood projects and a FEMA grant to upgrade the emergency broadcast system for better compatibility with the county sheriff’s office. The city also said it is collaborating with Brunswick County on sewer and water projects to address failing systems and high water tables; the joint sewer committee is set to meet Wednesday, June 24 at 10:00 a.m. at the Brunswick County complex.

During public comment, Guy Mastroianni proposed adopting a new city vision statement to guide decisions; the board said it is open to exploring the concept. Resident Joan Kinney asked about replacing the burned Boiling Spring Lakes entrance sign; Mayor Winecoff said the city is looking into fixing or replacing it.

The meeting ended after a motion to adjourn, which passed on a recorded 3-0 vote.