By Holly Fesperman Lee
Salisbury Post
FAITH ó Aldermen voted Tuesday to keep the current property tax rate of 41 cents per $100 of assessed value in the upcoming budget year.
However, while residents won’t see a tax increase from the town, some may still see slightly higher bills due to countywide revaluation.
The Board of Aldermen held a public hearing on the proposed budget, but no one showed up to speak.
Aldermen voted unanimously to adopt the $511,300 budget for the 2007-2008 fiscal year.
The biggest increase from this year’s budget went to public safety. Total money allocated for public safety is $198,200 up from $183,270 this year.
Mayor Bill Johnson said that increase was mostly due to Faith’s partnership with Granite Quarry to form the Granite Quarry-Faith Police Authority. Aldermen are still waiting for the General Assembly to grant final approval of the authority. Town Administrator Dan Peters told aldermen Tuesday that he’s been assured they’ll have an answer by July 1.
Also during Tuesday’s meeting, the board:
– Accepted a bid of $1,060 from Statesville Roofing Company to repair the roof on the town warehouse. The warehouse, located across from the Faith Soda Shop, was the old Fire Department.
– Learned the town will see a 2.8 percent increase for garbage collection from Waste Management in the upcoming fiscal year. The annual rate adjustment will not affect residential bills, but the town will pay an extra $3.12 per household.
– Announced a summer fan program that will be available to senior residents through the Rowan County Senior Services Department.
All town governments received a memorandum from Clyde Fahnestock, senior services director, saying the department has received an allocation from Duke Energy that will enable it to purchase fans for seniors who have health risks associated with summer heat.
To be eligible for the program, senior citizens must be:
– At least 60 years old.
– In a home situation that presents a need to the person’s health and well-being.
– A Rowan County resident.
– A lower income resident with some discernible need for the fan.
People who got a fan through the program last year are not eligible this year.
Seniors who meet the requirements may call Senior Services at 704-216-7700 to reserve a fan to pick up. Or, town staff can reserve a fan and deliver it to the senior’s home.
Contact Holly Lee at 704-797-7683 or hlee@salisburypost.com.