Forest Hills' proposed budget includes $40,200 in revenues

By Rose Hooper

The village council voted unanimously to keep the tax rate at 10 cents per $100 valuation.

Expenditures total $30,000 and include $8,500 for street maintenance; $5,000 for W.K. Dickson Co. of Asheville to conduct a sewer feasibility study; $3,100 for liability insurance; $2,400 for fire protection; $2,400 for attorney fees; $2,700 for audit report; and $1,000 for election expenses.

Other expenditures under $1,000 included rent at $600; travel and workshops, $900; membership dues, $600; tax collection fees, $500; planning board support, $500; agency support, $500; and notices, $100.

Revenues totaling $40,200 will come from ad valorem taxes, $17,000; sales tax and other licenses, $8,500; intangibles tax, $500; food stamp tax, $100; inventory tax, $500; investment earnings, $2,000; miscellaneous, $100; and restricted Powell bill, $11,500.

Jim Weir, a member of the budget committee chaired by Harold Williford, suggested that Forest Hills diversify its funds to generate more income. Weir proposed that the $62,000 checking account, which is currently generating only 1 or 2 percent interest, be changed to put $50,000 in a money market account, while keeping $12,000 readily available in checking.

"Macon Bank currently pays 4.1 percent, while Wachovia is close behind at 4.07 percent," said Weir, who suggested the board go with Wachovia, which was "handy in town and would give us free services as part of the package."

The board agreed to go with Weir's suggestion.

Following the board meeting and before the budget hearing held at Cullowhee Valley School, Sharon Jacques submitted her letter of resignation. Jacques, who is moving to Candler, is selling her Forest Hills home and will no longer be a member of the community. Her resignation becomes effective June 29; the board will select someone to fill her position until the next election.

"Since most of our current members are from North Country Club Drive, I think we need to pursue a replacement from South Country Club Drive," said Larry Kolenbrander, with the board agreeing.

Mayor Irene Hooper reminded members that filing for elections opens at noon on Friday, July 6, and closes Friday, Aug. 3. Up for village re-election are Larry Kolenbrander, Jean Adams and Mayor Hooper.

Hooper said those who would like to contribute to the Jim Davis family, whose house on South Country Club was destroyed by fire on May 24, may make contributions at any Wachovia branch bank.

"The Davises were away on vacation when the fire happened, and they lost everything they own," Hooper said.

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