Landis budget to see slight increase in 2015-16

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Landis’ Board of Aldermen met briefly to discuss the town’s 2015-16 budget Tuesday.

The town received its budget revenue projections from North Carolina League of Municipalities and Rowan County. The estimated tax base is $249,100,000, up $1.1 million from last year. That increased tax base should generate an extra $5,000 for the town next year.

“We didn’t grow as much as we’d like, but at least we didn’t lose anything,” said Reed Linn, Landis town manager.

It is estimated that the town will bring in a total of $2,867,769 during the 2015-16 year.

The town’s water, wastewater, garbage and electricity rates for its citizens will remain the same for the 2015-16 fiscal year.

The commercial and residential deposit fees for power and water will increase from $275 to $350 and from $135 to $200, respectively. These fees are a deposit and are either refunded or applied to a customer’s last bill when they move from town.

Although the board didn’t discuss any of its expenditures for next year in detail, they did go over its wish list.

The police department has requested two new patrol cars, estimated at $35,000 each. It will also consider construction of a new police department, which would be funded by the United States Department of Agriculture.

The fire department has requested to replace its turnout gear at an estimated value of $15,000, as well as purchase a replacement supply hose and fire attack hose for $5,000. The fire department also requested that two additional fulltime firefighters to bring staffing to three per shift.

The parks and recreation department plans to begin work at the Lake Corriher Wilderness Area, repair the depot roof and repair the pool.

The street department has requested a front mount snowplow, and would like to install sidewalks on North Main Street and Kimball Road, as well as continue to resurface certain roads.

The sanitation department requested to replace two garbage trucks with one smaller truck through a lease option, and the administration department plans to install a new telecommunications system and replace the computers and server at City Hall.

The board will meet May 13 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss its expenditures for the upcoming year in detail.