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Webster declines EDC request, discusses town five-year planBy Rose Hooper |
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The town of Webster will not give the Jackson County Economic Development Commission $8,000.
At the town's July 13 meeting, Mayor Steve Gray read the EDC's request to the board. Treasurer Billy Jo Bryson said she attended the EDC's April 13 meeting and, at that time, the commission's requested contribution from Webster was $500, the same amount requested from the Village of Forest Hills; Dillsboro's requested contribution was $2,000. "We had to have our budget approved by July 1, and all we budgeted was $500," said Bryson. Gray said the $8,000 was based on 487 residents in the town. "That would average $16.43 per person - around 65 per cent of our entire $12,755 budget," he said. Several members questioned why their bedroom community should contribute at all to the EDC, especially since it was no longer an arm of the county. "You and I might not see any immediate benefits," Gray replied. "But if the EDC can recruit high-tech jobs for the county, then those who are still young and want to live in the county, can have that choice. Now most of our young people have to leave the area to get a good-paying job." The board also discussed ways to improve public relations with town residents, a topic first mentioned in June by board member Raymond Ledford. Some suggestions included a letter outlining the board's goals and accomplishments, future events and budget status. A Web page was also suggested, and Gray told board members that Scott Baker was developing a site for Webster. Susan Leveille also suggested a kiosk, where community notices and information could be posted, on Joe Rhinehart's property next to the Webster Post Office. Leveille, who is chairman of Webster's planning board, asked the town board to consider a replacement for Terry Clements whose term has expired. Gray and other board members complimented the planning board's work in compiling a five-year plan to maintain and improve the residential and historical character of the town, while allowing for future growth. An initial objective is to control the nature of growth, and recommended ways of doing that included zoning - "a modest expansion of existing business district" - and increasing extra-territorial jurisdiction and annexation. A legal defense fund was suggested to ensure enforcement of zoning and other ordinances. To improve the safety of Webster, the committee proposed a Community Watch system of crime control and contracting with other government enforcement agencies for part-time traffic control. To improve the health of the community, the committee proposed that the town begin the process to obtain water and sewer for the entire town. Historic preservation is being encouraged for historic buildings, and a knowledge of Webster history was also stressed. Participating in the county Greenway project was highlighted, as was the need to search for a park site in Webster. In municipal improvement, a permanent town office space was considered, as was an historic display and a paid zoning administrator. Community spirit was also addressed, with suggestions given for community service and community activities. Leveille's board was asked to prioritize the list. On a recommendation by the planning board and approval of the full board, the mayor will assume the position of deputy zoning administrator. |
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