Ena Sellers

MOUNT OLIVE — Last week, Mayor Jerome Newton opened the Mount Olive town council meeting by establishing rules for acceptable behavior among attendees. He cautioned that commissioners who attack one another would receive warnings, and their speaking time would be limited.

Following public comments, the board reappointed Julie Beck, Sondra Russell, Steve Martin, and Nydia Lopez to the Planning Board for another two-year term, expiring on Jan. 1, 2027. The board also approved an upset bid of $3,200 for selling two lots at the intersection of Gordon and Oliver streets, directly across from the town’s water plant. The highest bidder was Bobby Denning Properties, LLC. Additionally, the board designated Police Chief Jason Hughes as a secondary check signer.

Interim Town Manager Glenn Holland reported that new street signs have been ordered for Breazeale Avenue and Church Street. The town will evaluate its remaining budget to select a couple of additional streets, likely to include Main Street and another extending toward the southern end of town. Holland explained that the idea is to establish a grid throughout the entire town and use it to identify streets.

The town is considering whether to set up a sign-making machine for in-house production or to outsource the task. “I’m trying to get a couple of different sign companies to give me a quote for them to come in and help us look at what it’s going to take,” said Holland, adding that this will help them decide whether to proceed with the machine or if it should be surplus. “I can order signs for $45 a piece.”

Quotes are being collected for paving projects across several locations, including the 200 Block of Hillsboro, Dora Lane, Jefferson Street, Patton Street, SW Center Street (from West Kornegay to West Kelly Street), the 100 Block of East College Street, Robert Street, Michael Martin Road, and Meredith/Hillcrest. The actual work will depend on available funding. “We’re going to work on them based on the money that we have available and how it’s going to serve the community,” said Holland.

Holland also reported that a comprehensive list of street lighting needs has been compiled, with priority areas identified. A quote is being prepared for upgrades at the 400 Block of South Church Street, Connor Street, Kornegay Street, Elmore Street (between James and Main Streets), Gordon Street at the Water Plant, and Pollock Street (between Elmore and Beems Street). He noted that attempting to improve South Church Street may not be feasible as it’s a Department of Transportation street, and much paperwork is needed.

“We may bump that one and bring in another that’s actually in the town,” he said.

Some residents in Mount Olive have experienced discolored water due to the cleaning and flushing of the Boling Water Tank. Holland stated that this issue should be resolved within a few days and encouraged affected residents to call the office.

He reported that the water tower at the Boling Plant was taken offline for maintenance, but some rust entered the system, which caused the discoloration. Holland urged residents to notify the water department about any issues to create a work order.

“If you don’t get an answer at the water department, call the town hall number, and we will get you to the right place where we can get the information and get a work order created,” said Holland, explaining that they are trying to implement a work order program.

He stressed the importance of obtaining the name of the person who takes the call when reporting an issue.

The town is reviewing its water billing practices, including meter readings, billing adjustments, and cutoff procedures. Changes are expected to be implemented within 30 to 60 days.

Holland provided an update on the materials needed for upgrading the water plant, stating they should arrive by the end of March, with the project expected to commence in late April or early May.

He reported that the town is working to reduce wastewater flows to under 800,000 gallons per day at the wastewater treatment plant to address the moratorium. “This past month, our flows have gotten down to 900,000 gallons a day. If we can get down to 800,000 gallons a day to maintain that, that’s going to go a long way,” said Holland.

Additionally, Holland reported that two security cameras are currently operational, with plans to add six total. He explained that progress was delayed due to inclement weather, but Spectrum is working on internet connections for the poles.

Various commissioners praised Holland for his expertise and leadership in addressing the town’s issues, urging patience as progress unfolds.

Commissioner Delreese Simmons spoke about the town’s financial mismanagement, holding up a newspaper for everyone to see. “People say I’m just blowing smoke. But when the representative that we keep begging money for said it, is it a joke now? It’s not a joke,” said Simmons, adding that when he said it, some people dismissed it, but when Rep. John Bell criticized the town’s management, it’s no longer taken as an exaggeration.

Simmons raised concerns about the local airport, stating that it has not turned a profit in over a decade. He criticized the town for continuing to allocate resources to the airport without seeing a return on investment, noting that this situation is affecting the town’s ability to fund other essential services.

“That airport hasn’t made any money, not one penny. But we’re constantly pushing money out there — money that can be spent in this town… That airport is draining this town,” Simmons said, visibly frustrated. He questioned whether the town intends to operate in this manner for another decade.

“Things got to get better. So what are we going to do? Continue for another 10 years? A decade with the airport not making money? We have the lowest prices of fuel around here. The CPA guy said it. He said, ‘y’all need to up the rates,'” Simmons added.

The meeting concluded with remarks from Newton, who expressed support and optimism regarding Holland’s leadership.

“In spite of all the things that have happened in this town prior, I think the one thing so far that’s been good is bringing him in as the interim town manager. I often say to him, ‘You may be the interim town manager, but don’t think like an interim town manager. Think like a town manager. Make decisions as a town manager.’ And I think he’s doing that,” said Newton.

“We are, to some degree, on the right track. Be patient and see what happens. And as far as funds are concerned, we do plan to ensure that these funds are monitored the way they should be monitored.”