Cherryville Approves 17.8 Million Budget; Keeps Electric Rate Low
By: Rusty Wise – Wise News Network
Cherryville, NC (WNN) – The City of Cherryville held its council meeting on June 10th, 2024, to vote on the budget and other issues.
Budget
The City of Cherryville has approved the 2024-2025 budget, which will take effect July 1st, 2024. The council unanimously approved the $17,850,325 budget, an 8% increase of $1,358,600 from last year’s $16,491,725 budget. City manager Brian Dalton highlighted some areas for the increase, including a 5% cost of living increase for all city employees, a full-time recreation director, and an additional electrical lineman position. There will be no increase in the property tax rate of 48 cents per $100; water, sewer, and electric rates will also stay the same.
The rise in property values has also been advantageous for most government institutions in the area. Dalton also noted, “We’ve done every analysis we can, and as of right now, the City of Cherryville has the lowest electric rates around.” ย *See editor’s note below. Increases in one-time fees for water/sewer taps, underground electric services, and garbage containers are some examples that will offset the rising costs per Dalton. The owner will now be able to keep the garbage container even if they move by paying the one-time fee of $75 for the container. Additionally, there was a discussion about the potholes and road conditions. The city hopes to start on the roads after completing other current projects.ย
*Published Residential Base Electrical Rates 6-11-2024 Cherryville-$.1078/KWH, REMC-$.1087/KWH, Duke Energy-$.1143/KWH
Employee Recognition
Lisa Millwood, the Accounts Payable Clerk at City Hall, was honored for her ten years of service to the city. This recognition is a testament to the city’s commitment to valuing and appreciating its dedicated employees.ย
Planning and Zoning
The council unanimously voted to keep the text in the zoning ordinances about cluster developments. In contrast, the current planning and zoning board wanted to remove it. The city planning and zoning director, Richard Elam, recommended keeping the Section 6.5 Cluster Development with a few changes. Some of the changes included increasing the 5ft side yard setback to 6ft, adding 10ft of setback next to roads, allowing lot widths per approval by the zoning director in cul-de-sacs, developer to maintain open space maintenance from 50% of lots sold to 85%, and requiring all lots to have a dwelling built.
ABC Sign Vote
Another topic of interest was the vote to accept the new ABC sign with the City of Cherryville logo. Councilman Gary Freeman made a motion suggesting the ABC Board put their logo (which has yet to be designed) instead of the City logo. The motion passed unanimously.
Other Projects
In Mayor HL Beam’s opening comments, several projects were addressed.
“The new gym construction has been delayed by “bad” dirt because it will not compact properly to make a good base,” per Beam. The new parking lot has been paved at the corner of Mulberry St and Main St, which was paid for by Cherryville Main Street LLC. Tenants at the future apartment complex across the street will use the reserved parking area, and the other parking spots will be available to the public.ย
The splash pad at the city pool is coming along with new concrete poured and should be ready in the upcoming weeks. No opening date has been set for the splash pad. City workers repaired the end of East Academy Street for approximately $10,000, saving citizens between $40,000 and $50,000 in costs based on quotes from outside contractors.
Cherryville Main Street Program Nominations
David Day, the Director of the Cherryville Main Street Program, presented nominations for the Main Street Program teams, and the council unanimously approved the appointments.
Main Street Design Team:
Steve Panton – 2024/2026 (re-election)
Sherry Bingham – 2024/2026 (re-election)
Not up for re-election below names
Samantha Moss – 2023/2025
Susie Huffstetler – 2023/2025
Barbara Moss – 2023/2025
Kim Rainwater – 2023/2025
Tina Clark – 2023/2025
Main Street Economic Vitality Team:
Darrell Shepherd – 2-year term – 2024/2026
Sid Stroupe – 1-year term — Filling Janice Hovis Term
Not up for re-election below names
Seth Hartman – 2023/2025
Amanda Owensby – 2023/2 25
Vickie Spurling – 2023/2025
John Rudasill – 2023/2025
Kathy Bumgarner – 2023/2025
Main Street Promotions Team:
Angela Walker – 2024/2026 (re-election)
Pam McGinnis — 2024/2026 (re-election)
Not up for re-election below names
Madison Moss Dellinger – 2023/2025
Amanda McCorkle – 2023/2025)
Tina Feemster -2023/2025
Donna Beringer – 2023/2025
Paula Rupard – 2023/2025
Main Street Advisory Board:
John Porter (1-year term)
Al Graves (1-year term)
Mark UpChurch (1year term)
Linda Alexander (1-year term)
Reggie Walker (1-year term)
Conclusion
The City of Cherryville seems in great financial shape, focusing on in-progress projects and future growth.
Full 2024-2025 Budget can be found under Public Information Downloads here: https://wisenewsnetwork.com/public-information
Full Council Live Video Below:
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