Faison Board backs after-school program with bus purchases

FAISON — Much-needed changes are coming for Faison’s Park and Recreation following decisions made by the town board at their February meeting.

Exterior access doors were damaged, and the town board approved $3,654.66 to replace them with new doors accessed through a key fob access system. This new system will make it possible to allow access without hired staff — a move that is expected to save the town money. An $84 annual cost for the service operating the doors was also approved.

The after-school program at Faison’s Park and Recreation has been in jeopardy due to a change in available transportation. The school bus system had been transporting enrolled children directly to the program from school, but it can no longer do that. As a result, two town employees have been making trips back and forth in smaller vehicles to transport the children. The town board discussed purchasing retired school buses to solve the problem.

“We have to learn to take care of ourselves. This is our responsibility, and we have to find a way,” Executive Administrator Jimmy Tyndall said. “The after-school program is very needed. We started with 12 kids, and we can continue to grow. I believe the bus system will increase our visibility and help it grow organically.”

Town Clerk Sharon Lee shared data concerning the net profit that the program is making for the town. “The after-school program is really the only revenue that has exceeded the same time last year; it is making money,” Lee said.

With a net profit of $50,000 from the program, the board approved the purchase of two retired buses estimated at $7,000 and a $5,000 annual increase to the town’s insurance.

A citizen and former bus driver, B.J.Braswell, was approved to bus kids to the program using the town’s vehicles until the end of the school year. Meanwhile, the town will be purchasing and getting their own buses operational and ready for use by the start of the 2026-27 school year. Both buses will operate on a rotating schedule.

Sheridan Talton, a citizen with a CDL, offered to help be a driver as needed while town employees work to get proper bus endorsements and/or secure a permanent bus driver. The board approved a budget amendment to move funds to make the bus purchase possible.

In other business, salary ranges were adjusted for all new town employees. The new approved rates range from $12 to $27 per hour based on position and experience.

The board also approved sending a letter to the state responding to a financial performance indicators audit. Certificates of deposit due for renewal at United Bank earned $33,000 in interest. The board agreed to renew the CDs with the interest added to the principals to keep the accounts growing.

The board went into closed session to discuss personnel matters. Upon returning to open session, members approved appointing Kelly Parks of Seven Springs as town clerk.

“We have had several people apply for this position, and we feel like we have found one that we think fits what we need,” Commissioner Sandy McCarty said. Parks will start at $24 an hour. She is filling the position held by Sharon Lee, who is set to retire at the end of March. Lee will help mentor and train Parks in the role.

Lastly, Commissioner McCarty shared that the fire department responded to 40 calls in January including 21 medical calls and four structure fires. The board also discussed committee activity and said the Cemetery Committee needs additional members. Residents were invited to participate in an upcoming F.I.G. meeting to assist with future planning.The next major event for Faison is the Farmers Parade scheduled for March 14.