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Webster leaders discuss draft budget
By Derek Hodges
Webster Town Board members got their first look at Mayor Steve Gray’s proposed 2006-07 budget last Thursday (June 1).
The largest part of the town’s $47,117 budget would go to the Sylva Fire Department. That money funds a fire protection contract.
In addition to drawing revenue from various taxes, the town is also projected to receive more than $5,000 in rent payments for an apartment located above its town hall. Money from that agreement will be used to pay most of the town’s payments on the building, which was purchased from Evelyn Baker, widow of former Mayor Bob Baker, in May 2005.
Gray’s proposal also includes spending $6,500 on town hall improvements, including making the restrooms accessible, he said.
Webster officials will hold a work session on the budget at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 22. A public hearing will follow at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 29. Both sessions will be held at town hall.
Gray said he expects board members to approve the budget June 29. State law requires approval by June 30.
In other business June 1, officials considered changing the town’s zoning ordinance to address abandoned cars.
Webster’s zoning administrator has made several attempts to get one such car removed has had no luck, Gray said. In order to take further action on the issue, the ordinance must be amended to include specific rules and procedures on unlicensed vehicles, he said.
“I feel like we need to be proactive on this,” board clerk Jean Davenport said. “We need to change our zoning ordinance. It doesn’t really have any teeth. Maybe it’s time we put some there.”
Board members will continue consideration of the issue during their next monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 6.
In other Webster business, board member Louise Bedford recently resigned. Her seat has since been filled by Neal Morgan, who ran an unsuccessful write-in campaign in last November’s elections.
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