Danbury budget hearing set for May 22

DANBURY — At their April 24 meeting, the Danbury Town Council approved a public hearing date of May 22 for the fiscal year 2024-25 proposed budget.

The hearing will be held during the town meeting scheduled for that date at 6:30 p.m. at the Danbury Public Library located at 1007 Main St.

Town Administrator Mike Barsness told the Council the budget message and proposed ordinance would be presented to them around May 10 to May 12.

In providing an update on the budget preparation, Barsness said officials could expect a similar budget to the current year.

"Revenue for the coming fiscal year appears to be very similar to what we have this year," he said.

Barsness highlighted a few expected changes in expenditures such as increases to audit prices, garbage fees and utility costs.

One expected decrease is that the town will not have to pay for election costs this year.

"But overall, there are some plusses and minuses for the coming year, but bottom line is we're going to be almost seeing almost identically the same budget from the expenditure side that we had this year when we started the year," Barsness said, noting that the current year's budget had been subsequently amended for unforeseen expenditures.

"One difference is we will not, I don't think, at this point, have to tap fund balance for anything," he said. "We will be able to cover our expenses with expected revenue. So that's a good thing."

The budget process is expected to conclude with approval on June 26.

Zoning ordinance approved

The Town Council voted 4-0 to approve updates to the zoning ordinance made to ensure compliance with state statutes. Officials were given an overview of the changes at the March 27 meeting and provided feedback at that time. The final draft of the ordinance included changes that came out of that discussion as well as those discussed previously.

Town hall roof repair

At the April 24 meeting, town officials voted 4-0 to approve a $5,500 budget amendment to replace the town hall roof.

Barsness indicated that Tip Top Roofing, Inc. is scheduled to begin the project on Monday, April 29.

More street paving underway

As of the Wednesday meeting, the North Carolina Department of Transportation had resumed street paving funded through American Rescue Plan and State Capital Infrastructure Fund grants. Those projects are expected to be concluded next week.

Sheppard Mill Road bridge update

Barsness informed the Council that he had spoken with a NC DOT engineer about the status of the Sheppard Mill Road bridge replacement.

"They are in the middle of wrapping up right of way issues," he said.

Among other business, the Danbury Town Council:

• Approved minutes for the March 27 meeting.

• Approved accounts payable for the March 28 to April 24 period.

• Heard a financial report indicating that the town is equal to where they were last year after about 10 months.