2010 BUDGET UPDATE--in the Holly Springs Sun on Thursday, June 25th, a headline on the front page stated "Budget approved in 3-2 vote".   In that column, it reported that Councilmen DeBenedetto and Womble voted against it.  At first glance, that may have sent the wrong message to some of you.  In fact, this is a very good but lean budget and as stated earlier, the 10.1% tax base increase for 2010 puts us #1 in the county and perhaps in the state.  Further facts include that it is a $32,702,500 budget that keeps the service levels to our citizens in place, that we have NOT had a tax increase in 8-9 years, and that after the reassessment by the county, we went from 53 cents per $100 in value to 41.5 cents per $100 in value-revenue neutral.  Councilman Debenedetto, as reported, asked if we could reduce the tax rate and fees.  Answer, not unless we reduce the service levels.  There were no specific areas pointed out by the Councilman.  Councilman Womble had problems with the county operated EMC (ambulance) service and his concern was the response time for our citizens when our ambulance is, for example, at WakeMed.  The county is responsible, under the plan, to have an alternate nearby.  While I have personal empathy for that position, the numbers and personnel necessary that would maintain a 2nd and/or 3rd ambulance in our town were not achievable.  A reminder that on June 1st, WRAL reported that "Holly Springs Booms While Others Struggle" and the News and Observer reported on June 15th, "Holly Springs Fortunes Rise".  If any of you have questions or comments, and we only had about 4 citizens expressing concerns during the various budget hearings, feel free to email me or call me or the Town Manager and we will either have an answer or will get an answer (s) to your questions or concerns.  In a recent meeting with the Mayor's Association, I know they all would like to be in our shoes as it relates to the budget.  Another reminder, this is an election year.  To steal a line from Fox News, "I report, you decide".

PAST EVENTS--on June 23rd, our Town Manager, Carl Dean, along with David Cooke, talked about the State of the Town/County.  The presentations to the  Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce Governmental and Business Relations Community at this meeting were well received.  Carl covered the budget in detail and David did the same with the County.  While our budget is up about 6%, the county is down 3.1%.  David said we need to buy more new cars for just one comment with a smile on his face.  Perhaps "nuff said"...On June 24th, our Rotary Club conducted the annual installation of officers at Devils Ridge.  President (now former) Keith Davis, who did a great job, spoke and covered the past productive year.  The new President is Charles Galt.  Other highlights included the "Service Above Self" award that went to Randy Waller and the Rotarian of the Year award went to Angel Myers.  Kudos to both and well deserved...On June 25th, I had the pleasure of meeting with Brian Pittman, Principal of the Holly Ridge Middle School, and our new Principal of the Holly Springs High School, Tim Locklair.  He comes from Apex Middle with strong credentials.  It was the first time I met Tim Locklair and as reported previously by "those in the know", I am convinced that he will be a welcome addition to our Town.  Brian Pittman continues to keep in touch and we also discussed the many challenges and opportunities each School and the Town face.  By the way, the Holly Ridge Middle's end-of-year results "have gone up about 10 percentage points and now exceeds the county average" as reported by the Principal.   

FUTURE EVENTS--another reminder that you should not miss the July 5th Celebration at Womble Park.  Bring lawn chairs and certainly the kids or grandkids.  There will be something going on for all and it starts at 5 PM and goes until around 9 PM.  As usual, our fireworks display is exceptional.  Kudos to our Parks and Recreation Department under the direction of Len Bradley and Johnny Dickinson.  Also, don't forget the Farmer's Market every Saturday from 8-12 in the parking lot by Town Hall, and all the "good stuff" going on at the Library and the Cultural Arts Center.

OTHER ITEMS--our Town Manager reports that our new fire insurance rating went from protection class 6 to 4.  While this doesn't effect residential insurance rates, it will "allow for lower commercial insurance rates on non-sprinklered buildings".   As Chuck Simmons, Assistant Town Manager points out, "this official ISO rating assessment reflects a continued commitment by Holly Springs Fire and Rescue as well as several other departments"...Kudos of the week go to Animal Control Officer, Eddie Holland for his assistance in taking care of a "feral cat", using a live trap, to helped the neighborhood get some sleep as citizen Lorrie Wong reports...It is with regret that I report that Luther Johnson, the first and former Principal of our Holly Springs High School passed away on Friday, June 26th.  Our sympathy goes out to his family...Remember to drive safely, within the speed limits, watch for kids and cross walks, DON'T tail gait,and a new one, DON'T litter.   Have another great week in a great town.  

 

 

Dick Sears

Mayor of Holly Springs

(919) 557-3901

dick.sears@hollyspringsnc.us