Call to Order – Budget Workshop
The Town Council of the Town of Belhaven met in Budget Workshop Session on Monday, May 10, 2004 at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Mayor Pro-Tem George R. Ebron, Jr. called the meeting to order at 7:10 P.M. with the following Council members present: Albert Baker, James B. Hodges and Linda E. Wilkerson.

Mayor, Dr. Charles O. Boyette and Councilwoman Cynthia M. Heath were not present at the beginning of the meeting, but arrived later. Town Manager Tim M. Johnson and Town Clerk Marie J. Adams were also present.

Administration 10-420
Town Manager Johnson stated there were no major increases in this department. The increases were 5% in salaries. Town Manager Johnson stated that insurance had increased so those line item had increased also.

Finance 10-440
Town Manager Johnson stated that there were no major increases in this department. The increases are 5% in salaries and employee health insurance increases. Town Manager Johnson stated that the insurance/bonds increased due to new building and insuring these buildings – Water Plant.

Legal 10-470
Town Manager Johnson stated that the legal budget would remain at $15,275 with no increases.

Economic Development 10-495
Town Manager Johnson stated no significant change except that item 495-045 Site Remediation would not be funded this month, as it was not necessary.

Public Building 10-500
Town Manager Johnson stated no increases, except employee benefits.

Garage 10-505
Town Manager Johnson stated no increases, except employee benefits.

Police 10-510
Town Manager Johnson stated that 510-002 Salaries actually decreased due to longevity employee retired and because of other new hires, starting at the bottom of pay scales, patrolmen. Decrease in 510-036 Uniforms due to the fact that they are all suited.
Town Manager Johnson stated that two new police cars were needed this year and that is the reason for the increase in 510-074.

Fire/Rescue 10-530
Town Manager Johnson stated that the proposed budget for this department is $98,452 whereas the department requested $140,000. Town Manager Johnson explained that the department was requesting a new tanker but he felt like the tanker they presently have could last another year or could be repaired. There was much discussion concerning the future need of a ladder truck which would be able to handle the elevated homes and the proposed waterfront development (3 story condominiums). Councilwoman Heath arrived at this time (8:17 P.M.). Council discussed the need for a new police/fire/rescue department by stating that one building could house both departments possibly at the property beside the Chamber office on the corner of Main and Haslin Streets.

Breakwater Replacement
There was discussion concerning the replacement of the breakwater as specified by the Army Corps of Engineers. The total project is estimated to cost $3,400,000 with the Town’s matching 25% of 2.7 million would cost $675,000. There was much discussion concerning the seeking of grant monies for the town’s portion of the cost.

Inspection 10-540
Town Manager Johnson stated that the only increase in the inspection budget was the employee benefit increase. Town Manager Johnson stated that $12,000 is proposed for demolitions.

Public Works 10-550 and Street 10-560
Town Manager Johnson stated that the basic increases in these departments included the employee benefit increase and an increase in Capital Outlay in 560 for a new truck and the tractor payment (tractor purchased last fiscal year).

Powell Bill 10-570
Town Manager Johnson stated that this fund is used for streets as specified by the Powell Bill funds. These monies are derived from the tax on gasoline for the specific use of repair on town streets.

Sanitation 10-580
Town Manager Johnson stated that land fill fees had actually decreased, so that line item 045 which show a reduction in expenditures. There was much discussion concerning the current contract with GDS. Council directed Manager to negotiate with GDS on rate for garbage collection, and upon his discretion to bid if necessary.

Recreation 10-620
Councilman Baker asked that the plan Ms. Tameka Winfield presented at a prior council meeting be reviewed. Town Manager Johnson stated that a new concession stand with bathrooms was being built with volunteer labor on the Railroad Street side of the Little League Field. Following much discussion, Town Manager Johnson was directed to bring back Ms. Winfield’s plan at the next workshop and hopefully some of the suggested improvements could be made to Northside Park.

Special Appropriation 10-690
Town Manager Johnson summarized the proposed expenditures for the following special appropriations:

Item	Recommended	Repuested
023 – July 4th	8,500
045 – Chamber	5,000	15,000
079 – Museum	3,000	-0-
080 – Library	6,000	6,000
081 – BC Arts	800	800
082 – B&G Club	7,000	-0-
083 – Senior Center	6,000	10,000
085 – Friends JAW	6,084	6,084
086 – Rotary	-0-	-0-

Item -085 –was discussed at length as Council stated that the original request was to provide arts for the community in a particular classroom, Council stated that no arts have been offered. Following additional discussion, the Council asked that someone representing Friends of JAW be present for their budget request.

Item – 082 – was discussed at length with the Council stating displeasure as to how the program is run with the local board of directors having no control. Following much discussion, Town Manager Johnson was asked to contact both Mr. Redden Leggett, Executive Director of the Beaufort County Boys and Girls Club and Mr. Mitch St. Clair who is their board of directors President and ask for their presence at the next Council meeting.

Adjournment
Due to the late hour, Mayor Boyette declared the workshop adjourned at 10:10 P.M. and stated that the remainder of the proposed budget would be reviewed on Monday, May 17 immediately following the regular session Council meeting.