The Town of Aberdeen extended its town limits at its May 10 board meeting by annexing 31.47 acres, which will become part of the new sportsplex. The property consists of two parcels on the west side of U.S. Hwy 15-501. The town also discussed industrial growth.
A film presentation showed the availability of approximately 128 acres of industrial property, Iron Horse Industrial Park, located near Kolfcraft. Available utilities on the property include electricity with Duke Energy, Town of Aberdeen water and wastewater, Piedmont Natural Gas, and Windstream Communications. The town wants a company to see the availability for industrial use, build on the land, and hire for good-paying jobs.
During the budget discussion, the town voted to save $120,000 by refinancing the installment financing contract from 2.45% down to 2.25%. The contract loan is used to finance the expansion and renovation of the Aberdeen Police Department.
The town voted to purchase two new police vehicles and one water production truck at a total of $116,340. Financing will be contracted with Trust Bank.
The FY 2021/2022 budget was reviewed and may be reviewed by the public online beginning on page 65. A public hearing on the budget includes the use of coronavirus relief funds and is scheduled for May 24.
Consultant David Hill presented a market pay study on Aberdeen’s local government. The competitive salary position of Aberdeen is about one pay grade below average. About employees attaining certifications and leaving Aberdeen to work for other townships, Hill said greater than 90% of town employees will not relocate to work for another local government.
The town approved Hill’s recommendations to eliminate half-pay grade steps and to continue market pay studies to ensure competitiveness. The recommendations will be in the FY 21/22 budget to allow staff to make necessary adjustments to the pay plan to ensure consistency in the implementation.
The town approved a temporary road closure on Sycamore Street for a train display. Restored antique locomotives will be on display May 16 from 1 to 4 p.m. in downtown Aberdeen.
A public hearing will be held on May 24 at 6 p.m. to rezone two parcels on NC Hwy 5 totaling 60.51 acres from light industrial to conditional zoning light industrial.
Feature photo: The Town of Aberdeen views a film on Iron Horse Industrial Park on May 10 at its board meeting. Image from a snip of the film by Moore County Partners in Progress.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel Reporter Stephanie M. Sellers.
