Benson approves mural, reviews event revenues and quarterly financials

The Benson Board of Commissioners approved a mural contract and reviewed recent event finances and quarterly financial statements at its Oct. 24 meeting.

Tyler Douglas, the town's public information officer, said the mural for Small World Travel will be painted by the same artist who created the gym mural and will depict a large hummingbird on half of the building. Douglas said the mural is funded by the Johnston County Tourism bed tax. Commissioner Will Chandler moved to approve the mural contract; the motion passed 6-0.

Town Manager Kim Pickett reported event finances: the softball tournament grossed $11,317.21 after expenses and Mule Days 2024 produced $60,018.22 in revenue but resulted in a $10,060.77 loss compared with last year's results. "After all expenses the Town grossed $11,317.21 from the softball tournament," Pickett said. On Mule Days, Pickett said the town incurred a loss of $10,060.77; total revenue for the event was $60,018.22.

The board also approved the July, August, and September financial statements after Pickett summarized year-to-date revenue and expenditure percentages for each month. At the end of July revenues were 6% and expenditures 7%; at the end of August revenues were 14% and expenditures 15%; and at the end of September revenues were 25% and expenditures 23%. Commissioner Dean McLamb moved to approve the financials; the board voted 6-0 to accept them.

Loretta Byrd of the Benson Chamber of Commerce told the board the Benson Foundation of Arts Board will not make plans for 2025 until the town resolves building issues; $15,000 is set aside to repair the auditorium "shop" room.