|
|
Webster can't afford $10,000 for fire protection, mayor saysBy Rose HooperAlthough the town of Sylva requested a $10,000 contribution for volunteer fire protection, Webster Mayor Steve Gray said the figure is not feasible for his bed and breakfast town."Our entire budget is just $14,075," Gray said. "Allocating $10,000 of that for fire protection wouldn't leave us much to operate on." To meet the $10,000 request, Webster would have to raise taxes substantially, Gray said. Currently, the tax rate is 4 cents per $100 valuation. That means that a person pays $40 annually on a $100,000 home. Webster is expected to raise its annual contribution to the Sylva Fire Department from $3,000 to $3,500 in its 2002-03 proposed budget, Gray said. Other expenses listed in Webster's proposed budget include the cost of an audit, $2,800; street lights, $1,275; Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority, $1,500; office equipment, $1,000; N.C. League of Municipalities membership, $620; election fees, $500; Economic Development Commission, $500; attorney fees, $500; bonding, $400; supplies, $400; rescue squad, $300; Greenway Task Force, $200; travel, $200; workshops, $100; Institute of Government membership, $100; stamps, $50; miscellaneous, $80. Revenues listed are ad valorem taxes, $9,450; sales and use tax, $3,475; cable television franchise, $1,135; food tax, $15; for a total of $14,075. Not knowing how the state budget shortfall will affect Webster in the upcoming fiscal year, no line items are included in the budget for intangible taxes, N.C. Franchise tax and manufacturer's, retailers and wholesaler's taxes were listed. A copy of the proposed budget is on display at the kiosk next to the Webster Post Office. A public hearing on the document will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 27, at the late Bob Baker's shop.
|
Back to Archive: 06/20/02. |