Coats board approves budget amendments for fuel system, manager search and water taps

The Town of Coats Board of Commissioners unanimously approved several budget amendments at its Jan. 9 meeting, including funds for a fuel‑system purchase, a town‑manager search and an increased allocation for water and tap materials.

Finance Director Connie Lassiter told the board the town had previously approved a quote from Link2Pump Fuel System for $5,450 to purchase equipment and that the system carries an annual software fee of $1,600. Lassiter said there was room in the current budget to absorb the software fee but that a formal budget amendment was needed to cover the equipment purchase. The board approved the amendment on a motion by Commissioner Jerry Beasley, seconded by Commissioner Shirley Allen; the vote was recorded as unanimous.

Lassiter also said the board needed a budget amendment to pay Mid‑Carolina Regional Council (MCRC) $5,000 for a town‑manager search, plus an estimated $200 for advertising, for a total of $5,200. Justin Hembree, MCRC executive director, said the position advertisement had been posted to the League of Municipalities website and shared on the NC City and County Managers listserv and that “either I or the deputy director will be at the next meeting to give an update.” The board approved the amendment on a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Marc Powell, seconded by Commissioner Kelvin Gilbert; the vote was unanimous.

On water infrastructure, Interim Public Works Director Wes Blount told the board that eight customer‑paid taps had been purchased but not yet installed and that the materials on hand were insufficient. The board first considered a $5,500 increase to the Water and Tap Materials line to match the excess in tap‑on fees, then agreed — after discussing ongoing new construction in the area — to raise the amendment to $8,000 with the additional $2,500 drawn from unappropriated surplus. Commissioner Jerry Beasley moved the increase; Mayor Pro Tem Marc Powell seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Interim Town Manager Kenneth Cole provided information about items remaining in the old Public Works building, noting that some items collected from the roadside could be discarded while town‑purchased items could be sold through GovDeals. Commissioner Beasley asked staff to check whether an A/C unit could be repurposed before sale. Commissioner Shirley Allen asked about clearing and inspecting the building and mentioned potential grant opportunities.

During the public forum, Vicki Ingersoll, who said she had taken the part‑time executive director role at the Coats Chamber of Commerce, said she would request street closures for upcoming events and urged residents to “please support small businesses in the Coats area especially in the months of January and February.” She said she looked forward to the planned downtown revitalization project.

The board approved the agenda and consent agenda at the start of the meeting; votes on the recorded motions were noted as unanimously approved. The search consultant said it would provide an update at the next meeting.