Beulaville board discusses construction policy, tax collection measures

BEULAVILLE — A proposed construction standard, drainage responsibilities and major infrastructure planning were among key topics discussed during the Beulaville town board meeting on April 6.

Public Works Director Ricky Raynor explained the need for a standardized policy for new construction to ensure plumbing compatibility.

“If I don’t have something standardized and a line breaks, I have to cut everyone off,” Raynor explained. Town Manager Lori Williams said the need for a standardized policy comes as a result of several construction requests coming in. The board welcomed the idea.

“It will probably increase our response time overall,” said Mayor Hutch Jones. The new construction policy will be submitted to the board for approval at the May meeting. Thereafter, it will be available on the town’s website.

Raynor and Williams also presented complaints from residents concerning the maintenance of ditches within the town right of way. The board discussed whether or not it is the responsibility of the town or the homeowner to maintain the areas.

“We ask permission of the homeowner as a common courtesy, but we have the right to do what is necessary for the common good,” Jones clarified.

Public Works reported that 2.7 inches of rainfall were recorded, and 174,000 gallons of water were used per day in the month of March.

Police Chief Karl Mobley shared that the police department made a large fentanyl trafficking arrest. Code Enforcement Officer Jamie Rogers shared that spring cleaning has begun, and they are addressing overgrowth.

“If a bush or tree is blocking the view of traffic or hitting cars in the road, it is a code violation,” Rogers explained.

Town Manager Lori Williams shared that three bids were submitted for engineering on the upcoming USDA project. Williams recommended splitting the overall project into two parts, and then allowing Stroud to do the stormwater project and Adams the water-sewer project. The board requested clarification about how separation would affect the overall cost. Williams affirmed that each part of the project requires different engineering; therefore, no additional costs would be incurred. The board approved splitting the engineering services. It will be over two years before the project moves to the construction phase.

The board reviewed and approved a 2025 Local Water Supply Plan, scheduled meetings to discuss the next fiscal budget, and scheduled a public hearing concerning the next fiscal budget to occur during the board’s May meeting.

Town Manager Lori Williams discussed the need to explore further tax collection measures, including garnishments and foreclosures on $50,000 in delinquent taxes currently outstanding. The board approved moving forward with stricter collection tactics.

The meeting ended in a closed session to discuss contracts.