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FAISON — Plans for growth and celebration dominated the Faison board meeting on Jan. 7.
Mayor Billy Ward issued a proclamation announcing Faison’s 250th anniversary celebration, set for June 27, and shared a brief history of the town. Founded on July 2, 1776—making it older than the United States itself—Faison boasts a long and proud civic history. The town plans to showcase its contributions to the region as part of the milestone celebration.
“Everything we do this year is about the 250th celebration,” Ward said. Festivities will run from 5 to 9 p.m. and include vendors, food trucks, games, rides, and fireworks. The board also approved historical marker signs to guide visitors to significant sites, as well as a billboard advertisement to run the month following the Farmer’s Market Parade.
Ward submitted a nomination for Mayor Pro-Tem, which the board approved, and Commissioner Carolyn Kenyon was sworn into the position.
Duplin County Clerk of Court Republican candidate Crystal Strickland along with Republican Sheriff candidates Eric Southerland and Tony James made presentations to the board.
Parks and Recreation Director Matthew Scott then gave updates on programs and highlighted growing needs for the afterschool program.
With basketball kicking off that weekend and sign-ups for volleyball and soccer starting, Scott said it’s wide open until April.
The Department of Transportation donated dirt to help create a practice field, reducing overuse of the main game field once funding allows construction.
Scott also noted transportation challenges for the afterschool program, reporting that the bus system could no longer bring all students to the facility. The board discussed purchasing two used school buses to address the issue, but liability concerns prompted them to defer a decision pending further research.
The board approved a social media policy for town employees and renewed the contract for Southern Software, which supports town services. Austin Eubanks of Thompson, Price, Scott and Adams of Wilmington presented the town’s audit report via Zoom. The certified public accountant confirmed the financial statements were accurate and free of errors.
“Budget funds are in the positive in every area with a steady increase of revenue providing the desired 18 months of buffer in case of emergencies,” Eubanks said.
The board also addressed staffing needs, approving an advertisement for a new cemetery maintenance contract as the current contractor plans to exit the business.
The board then went into closed session to discuss personnel. When they reopened, they approved relisting of the town clerk position in order to get applicants with more experience.
