Approval of Minutes – October 6, 2003 Regular Session
Mayor Boyette stated that the minutes of the October 5, 2003 meeting were open for review and adoption. There being no corrections to the minutes, Councilman Hodges made the motion to approve the October 6, 2003 minutes as written. Councilman Baker seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) Alternate, Planning Board/Board of Adjustment
Mayor Boyette stated that Mrs. Rosa White, who had once served on the Planning Board/Board of Adjustment, was willing to serve in that capacity again. Mayor Boyette asked for any other nominations. There being none, Councilman Hodges made the motion to appoint Mrs. Rosa White as an alternate member of the Belhaven Planning Board/Board of Adjustment serving from the extraterritorial jurisdiction area with a term expiring March 2007. Councilman Ebron seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

Fiscal Year 2002/2003 Audit Presentation – Mr. Jeff Best, Pittard, Perry & Crone, Inc.
Mayor Boyette introduced Mr. Jeff Best, Certified Public Account, with Pittard, Perry & Crone, Inc. which performed the Town’s Fiscal Year 2002/2003 Audit. Mr. Best thanked Mayor Boyette and the Council for the opportunity to perform the audit and gave praise to the staff (particularly the finance department) for their willingness to work with him and his employees during the audit review.

Mr. Best gave an overview of the 2002/2003 Fiscal Year Audit as follows:

Fund Balance Increased from $2,094,996 Prior Year to $2,113,878 to FY 2002/2003

Fixed Assets Increased by $106,314; totaling General Fixed Assets June 30, 2003 $3,062,258;

Long Term Obligations (Debt) increased due to the addition of the new Water Plant;

General Fund Revenues over expenditures by $51,983;

Water and Sewer Revenues over expenditures $349,459;

Electric Revenues over expenditures $223,309;

Federal and State Grant Awards Combined for 2002/2003 - $4,472,284;

Tax Collection was at 85.47% for current year collection.

Mr. Best stated that the Town was in good financial condition and stated that the only area of concern was the segregation of duties in the finance department and will always be a problem due to the limited staff.

Mr. Best also emphasized that the tax collection rate should be increased and suggested that letters be sent to delinquent accounts to hopefully increase collection.

Mr. Best stated that with the Town’s infrastructure (upgrades, improvements) this will allow the Town to grow.

Town Manager Johnson explained that Beaufort County, collects and bills the Town’s taxes and together with the Town some bank accounts have been attached.

Mr. Johnson also stated that the Town entered into a debt set off program whereas any state tax refund check could be garnished for past due utility bills.

Town Manager Johnson stated that this state tax refund could also be garnished for taxes and has informed Beaufort County of this for collecting delinquent taxes.

Town Manager Johnson stated that the Fiscal year 2002/2003 Audit is open for public inspection at the Municipal Building and the Public Library.

The Mayor and Council praised Town Manager Johnson, Town Finance Director Robin Godsell and their staff for their budgeting and handling of the Town’s finances.

Mayor Boyette asked for a motion approving the Fiscal Year 2002/2003 Audit as presented by Mr. Jeff Best of Pittard, Perry & Crone. Councilman Baker made the motion to approve the audit as presented for FY 2002/2003. Councilman Hodges seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

Mayor’s Comments
Mayor Boyette commented briefly on the following issues:

Beaufort County Committee of 100 met at noon on October 15 at the Helmsman – Beaufort County Economic Director, Mr. Tom Thompson presented slides and reported that there may be sources available for funding the replacement of the breakwater;

Mr. Bob Holz attended the Transportation Planning Committee for Mid East Commission as Belhaven’s representative on October 14 – his report included the need to inform Department of Transportation (DOT) that 4-laning to Belhaven from Douglas Crossroads is a priority, keeping transportation open over Pungo Creek when bridge is replaced and the need for a bike trail on 264 By-Pass.

Public Comments
Mayor Boyette recognized the following citizens:

Mrs. Hattie Collins, resident corner of Pamlico and Pantego Streets who complained about the overgrown property beside her home; Town Manager Johnson stated that Code Enforcement would be informed;

Councilwoman Heath mentioned that property on Union Street was also overgrown;

Mr. Jay Wilkins stated that he had hoped that the opponents who were running for Council and Mayor positions with the Town were present so that he could ask how they proposed to reduce utility bills or electric rates.

Town Manager Johnson stated that he would also like to know how electric rates could be reduced, as would the governing body. Town Manager Johnson explained that anytime you have a reduction in revenue a decrease in expenditure would also be needed. Town Manager Johnson further explained that the only way to reduce electric rates would be for the town to grow (as with the waterfront study plan) so that more electricity is purchased under a lower rated tier and that our contracts for purchasing be revised. Town Manager Johnson stated that the electric contacts do not expire until 2011 and later. Town Manager Johnson stated that the Mayor and Council are doing all that they can to provide quality services at the lowest rates possible.

Town Manager Johnson also stated that in answer to another angle the opponents were claiming that citizens who received new homes, free of charge were made to have total electric appliances. To clarify this statement, Town Manager Johnson stated that the homes were bid or specified to have a 12 sear heat pump as this was the most economical way to heat and cool these homes as 12 sear was high rated for conservation and electrical efficiency.