The recent Robbins Board of Commissioners meeting on May 9 addressed matters pertinent to the town’s well-being and financial stability, including a review of the town’s projected budget.
Following the approval of the consent agenda, the commissioners moved on to the first topic of the night: police officer recognitions for two officers serving in the Robbins Police Department.
Special commendations were given to Lieutenant Dunlap and Officer Prevatte for completing an intensive in-service training program they had been sent to. The training, which spanned two weeks with nine-hour days, prepared them to teach within law enforcement grounds.
This accomplishment is particularly significant for Robbins, as the town is now on its way to having in-house trainers, eliminating the need to pay for teachers from surrounding areas. The Robbins commissioners expressed their gratitude for Dunlap’s and Prevatte’s outstanding work and called for a round of applause in celebration.
After a brief celebratory applause, the meeting moved on to a presentation: the Board of Commissioners Budget Work Session. Town Manager Clint Mack led the presentation.
“This year’s budget represents a complete organizational commitment to being good stewards of the citizens’ tax dollars,” said Mack as he introduced the presentation. “Every department expertly adhered to the planning guidance issued and discussed in January.”
Mack then explained that property tax revenue projections have declined by 1.5%, amounting to a loss of approximately $1,433. Mack attributes this decline to “a chaotic housing market that is beginning to settle” and property value reassessment appeals.
Despite the revenue shortfall, the town has analyzed and prioritized its expenditures and fully supports lowering property taxes again by 1 cent to 70 cents per $100 of value for the fourth consecutive year.
“We have analyzed and prioritized our expenditures and can say we fully support the Board of Commissioners’ initiative to lower property taxes again,” Mack announced.
Further, Mack also announced what he referred to as a “significant financial accomplishment” for the town: the final reconciliation of a $1.6 million state revolving loan for FEMA relief projects. Initially, nearly $3 million in FEMA projects were started, rapidly depleting the partial funding loan.
Because of the finance department’s efforts, reimbursements replenished the account. This prevented a potential default, which would have had detrimental impacts on the entire town.
As the meeting moved forward, the presentation touched on a number of topics regarding the budget that need to be further discussed. Some of these topics included:
*The recreation budget, which was increased two years ago, continues to be maintained. Community engagement with recreational activities is strong. “Amenities relating to quality of life continue to be the most impactful factors for relocating Americans, and it’s the most concerning amongst the current residents of Robbins. We’ll continue to support our parks as much as financially possible,” stated Mack.
*The fire department’s total allocation request stands at $503,321, which includes funding for full-time firefighters.
*The debt service for the street paving project stands at $39,000, leaving a remaining balance of $2,000.
*Sanitation fees remain unchanged, which is notable given that many trash companies have increased their rates, says Mack.
*In the cemetery budget, the contractor is performing well, requiring only minimal additional funds for digging fees and chemicals, allowing for a slight budget reduction.
*For economic development, funds are allocated to subscriptions and partnerships, including the Moore County Economic Development Partnership.
*In terms of cost management, there has been a reduction in chemical costs for sewer services. Improved storage and shipping processes have also contributed to cost savings.
Mack commended the town’s competence in managing its finances, excelling in grant and loan management, and successfully handling 15 separate government financial grants. He believes that for the next year, the town will seek additional revenue streams and continue to build a healthy general fund balance.
The budget will be posted for public awareness for at least 10 days, and a vote on the budget will take place in June.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel assistant editor Abegail Murphy.
File photo by Sandhills Sentinel photographer Melissa Schaub.
