WHITMIRE — Recapping the 2015-2016 fiscal year, Mayor Billy Hollingsworth reported Whitmire took in 17 percent above what it budgeted while spending 6.9 percent above budget.
“Overall that’s an excellent year in my opinion,” Hollingsworth said.
On the public works side, he reported the town received six percent above budget while spending 4.3 percent under budget with no increases in water and sewer rates for the current fiscal year.
Hollingsworth also expressed the need for Whitmire to introduce an annual employee evaluation program based on job descriptions the town is currently formalizing.
“It’s something we need to do — one, to try to reduce turnover — two, to make sure we’re hiring the right person,” he said.
Once the job descriptions have been compiled, Hollingsworth said a special meeting will be called and the employee handbook will be officially updated.
Maria Mcmurtury, director of Whitmire economic development, said the recent 121 Yard Sale was a success with roughly 600 people passing through to shop and an increase in sellers over last year.
This year two billboards were purchased to advertise the yard sale and, pending a grant approval, Mcmurtury plans to up that number next year.
Council voted unanimously to approve the potential sale of a small parcel of town property on Spring Street to the owner of the adjacent property for $800.
“All we’re doing now is keeping the grass cut on it,” Hollingsworth said.
The motion was made by Councilwoman Debbie Harris and seconded by Councilman Michael Thomas.
Mayor Hollingsworth announced the need for several dead trees around town to be cut down as they pose a potential hazard.
The council voted unanimously to award the contract to the low bidder, Union County’s T.J’s Tree Service, following a motion and second by Councilwomen Harris and Cassie Fowler, respectively.
T.J’s bid of $1,600 includes all cleanup and stump grinding.
The police department reported a total of 86 incidents for June including larceny, possession of marijuana, DUI, vandalism, harassing phone calls and liquor law violations. Additionally the department investigated three traffic collisions.
Hollingsworth also reminded council that three seats will be up for election this year as well as the mayorship, the sign up for which begins Aug. 1 and ends Aug. 15.