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Votes at a glance: Benson commissioners approve utilities items, right-of-way and settlements; police pay proposal fails
Summary
On Oct. 8 the Benson board approved multiple routine and utility items (including an ElectriCities Rider true-up, fee schedule updates, a stormwater MOU, right-of-way encroachment, ElectriCities P4 relief funds, and a $5,000 deductible for a $400,000 settlement) and scheduled a public hearing on refuse service. A proposed police salary package failed 2-4 but was later tabled for further consideration.
Action highlights from the Benson Board of Commissioners' Oct. 8 meeting:
- Consent agenda: Approved (includes Proclamations 184–186 and Sept. 10 minutes). Motion to approve carried 6-0.
- ElectriCities Rider 1-23 and fee schedule: Staff said a 2023 "true-up" will add $9,174 per month to the town's electric wholesale bill for 24 months; staff presented that change as translating to roughly a $4.00 increase per month for each customer. The Board approved implementing the Rider and updating the fee schedule, 6-0.
- Right of Way Encroachment Agreement: Approved with DOT and Black Creek Ready Mix Concrete for S. Market St.; board required any acceptance of dedicated infrastructure to follow a valid infrastructure dedication application and separate Board approval. Vote 6-0.
- Resolution 254-2024 (Local Water Supply Plan): Approved to maintain compliance with Division of Water Resources review, 6-0.
- Johnston County Stormwater MOU: Board approved an updated Memorandum of Understanding for county-permitted stormwater services, 6-0.
- ElectriCities Public Power Promotional (P4) funds: Approved $1,500 to purchase electrical supplies for relief efforts in Western North Carolina, 6-0.
- Refuse services: Staff reported three bids and an addendum; the Board scheduled a public hearing (Oct. 24) to collect public input on refuse collection services and cart options.
- Appointment: Paul Boucher appointed as community member to serve on the Alliance board (4-2 vote).
- Police salary proposal: Assistant Town Manager Calla Godwin presented a multi-tiered pay proposal (25% for recruits/COPS officers; 15% for sergeants/lieutenants/captains; 10% for the chief and records specialist) with an estimated annual cost including benefits of $228,042. An initial motion to adopt the proposal failed 2-4; later the board voted to table the proposal until Oct. 24 (table motion 6-0).
- Settlement: The board approved paying the $5,000 deductible for a $400,000 settlement in Jones v. Town of Benson (6-0).
- Adjourned at 1:01 a.m.
Where possible, the article lists board vote tallies as recorded in the meeting minutes and leaves specific implementation steps (permits, infrastructure dedication) to staff follow-up.
