Kenansville officials prepare for budget season ahead of June deadline

KENANSVILLE — It’s that time of year when the Town of Kenansville needs to compile its budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Town Manager Anna West told the Board of Commissioners at its meeting on April 7 that a budget workshop needs to be scheduled soon. Since the new budget needs to be approved by June 30 and preceded by a public hearing, West recommended the workshop be held within the next few weeks so all deadlines can be met.

In order to approve the new budget by June 30, the board plans to meet soon for the workshop and then have time to advertise the public hearing on the budget for the May board meeting. State law requires the notice for the public hearing be released at least 10 days prior to the hearing.

June 30 is another deadline for the board. That date is also when all new board members must complete ethics training. West advised the new board members that they can complete the required training online.

A few immediate budget matters were covered in the meeting, including the news that there was approximately $100,000 left in a Community Development Block Grant the town received to help with sewer line repairs in the town. The town is waiting on approval to use the remaining funds to add some additional slip lining to sewer lines and to add a manhole.

The board tabled a decision on how to handle a public works vehicle that was recently damaged in a fire until more information could be obtained on whether it would be more cost-effective to repair the truck or purchase a new one.

The board voted to accept Kenansville Police Chief Jackie Benton’s request to sell a Dodge Charger as surplus since the department recently acquired a Dodge Wrangler. Benton said he will advertise the Charger in hopes of getting the best price possible for the sale.

During department reports, Benton said the police department has recently been dealing with a new type of intruder in town.

“We have a cat problem,” Benton said, adding they have trapped as many as 20 feral cats within the past few weeks to be delivered to animal control.

Kenansville Parks and Recreation Director Courtney Brown reported the new playground at Kenan Park is almost completed, and there are plans to hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the handicap-accessible and inclusive playground, which was built with grants.

Brown also said that thanks to a $10,000 grant from Monarch, a new basketball court will soon be built at Kenan Park. She also reported that the spring and summer sports programs are underway.

In other business, the board voted to select Commissioner Michael Maddox as its voting delegate to the North Carolina League of Municipalities.