Tax collections up, flags down

By Rose Hooper

First, the good ­ tax collections were at a record high this year ­ 99.31 percent.

The bad news ­ someone stole one of the flags displayed in Dillsboro and damaged another one.

"If that's not bad enough," said town clerk Herb Nolan, "somebody also stole several of our display pumpkins."

Town board members agreed if people are that desperate, they should come by town hall and "we'll make sure they get a flag or a pumpkin."

At Monday night's meeting Nolan gave the board a figure of $19,500 for the proposed 30- by 24­foot pavilion at the town park. Nolan said Steve Eller with Southwestern Commission will help Dillsboro write a grant for the project cost.

Also Monday, the board adopted an ordinance to control sedimentation and storm water runoff. It's purpose is to "protect public and private property from damage caused by storm water runoff and sedimentation and erosion resulting from activities that necessitate public expenditure for street and sidewalk maintenance; the enlargement or construction of new storm drains; and protection of the public's health, safety and general welfare."

Activities that involve paving, pouring concrete, placing pipe or other structures that will result in directing storm water onto adjoining private or public property now require a storm water runoff permit from the town.

"Our intent is to stop it at its source," said Vice Mayor Reg Moody about the ordinance. "All storm water runoff should be percolated into the ground on the property of its origin. No more of this letting it run off onto your neighbor."

Before land is disturbed within the town of Dillsboro, a person must first comply with the Jackson County and state of North Carolina requirements for sedimentation and erosion control. In addition to those requirements, the town clerk may also require a vegetative ground cover and/or the placement of straw bales to prevent erosion.

Penalties are set at $25 for the first offense, $50 for the second offense within six months and $100 for each additional offense within six months.

Back to Archive: 10/11/01.