What water issues? Haven’t you noticed the rain over the past few months? Only kidding. While the rains of late have been nice, plentiful, and will eventually lead to bounties in crops hopefully, they aren’t really Franklinton’s real water issues. As you may know, we have two reservoirs to serve the water customers of the greater Franklinton area. We also have a contract with Franklin County that requires the Town to sell Franklin County Public Utilities (formerly Franklin Water and Sewer Authority) 350,000 gallons of water per day – and the contract still has 12 years to go on it. If you live in Franklinton, firstly, you should be glad that we have water to provide – some communities don’t. Secondly, we should also celebrate the fact that we’re able to partner with the County in providing a water source so that Franklin County has an additional place to go.
The flip side, however, is that droughts happen. As you may know, in 2007 we had a minor issue in Franklinton while other areas were having major challenges with the deterioration of the water source. This in turn not only prevented Franklinton from being able to provide the County with water, but also cost the Town money in the sale of that water. With this in mind, the Board of Commissioners is very interested in seeing the upper reservoir raised several feet. This would add an additional 700,000+ gallons of available raw water to be processed for citizens and businesses every day. As well, there’s an area on the south side of the current reservoir that could be used for a park once the dam is raised.
Additionally, there’s a challenge with some of the water lines around town, including several that are too small for the areas that they serve. This, of course, will cost money – everyone’s favorite topic! Yay! So what’s the next step? Well, there are a couple.
This budget year, we attempted to lower the basic utility rates, but in turn, we were hit with some higher costs from outside providers, and thus, we attempted to restructure the fees. Previously, the first 2,000 gallons of water cost $20.00, and each additional 1,000 cost $4.50; the first 2,000 gallons of sewer cost $21.00, and each additional 1,000 cost $7.20. The bill has been altered so that now, the first 1,000 gallons of water costs $15.00, the second 1,000 costs $2.50, and each additional 1,000 gallons costs $4.75. Now, your first 1,000 gallons of sewer costs $17.50, and each additional 1,000 gallons cost $7.80. Thus, 2,000 gallons of water costs $17.50, and 2,000 gallons of sewer costs $24.30. Additionally, the cost of sanitation went up, as well, to $16, due to a rate increase from Waste Industries. Folks, we tried. What does this mean for the future? Well, if we’re going to do anything with water system improvements, any number of things may have to happen, including that the debt service fee increases. For the record, the debt service fee brings in on average $72,000 per year. In reality, that isn’t much compared to debts in excess of $300,000 for water and sewer upgrades. So…we may see an increase there, though we’ll try to avoid it – and the same goes for the rates as well. However, some things are unavoidable, and if we’re forced to move on something, we’ll have to do it.
As we always do, we will continue to seek grants and no-interest loans so that we can make things as low-impact on our citizens as possible. I promise you that we do our best. That’s all anyone can do, I believe. As we see commercial citizens increase, the impact on residential citizens will decrease.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
What a Week...
...and it's only Thursday! At least we haven't had any electrical explosions this week...
On Tuesday evening, we opened the new Town Hall Annex, the Town's new meeting space. It's something we are all very proud of, as should be everyone in the Town of Franklinton! I must give credit where credit is due, though - the idea for moving our meeting space was that of our town manager Larry Carver. And a great idea it was! We've effectively tripled our meeting space, our staff (and the media) now have a place to sit, and we've got a mounted location for the projector so that presentations are a little easier now. I even got to have some input on the design of the space! Originally, the deis (where the Board sits) was going to be against the windows; in a conversation with Larry, I suggested we flip it around and put it at the back. Those conversations were the same way we ended up with a half-wall behind the right side of the deis (so no Commissioner rolls off the platform), and with a door on the left of the wall where the seal is so that we have two entrances for the Board to move into closed session. I even got to pick out the chairs! (So when you're comfortable sitting there...just smile and think of me testing out chairs.)
I also want to again thank my friends and colleagues from the Louisburg Town Council who were able to come and participate in our ribbon cutting. (We cut the ribbon in an odd place...we put it on the deis instead of the door - it's February! I wasn't about to make folks wait outside.) It was so nice of them to come! I also appreciate County Commissioner Sidney Dunston for coming to participate. As well, I want to thank each and every citizen who came out to participate and share in the event. This was for you, and I'm glad you were there!
Several folks that evening shared that they're keeping up with me by reading my blog...thank goodness somebody is! I had no idea! Now that I know someone's reading...I'll keep writing. (For those of you not interested...what are you doing here in the first place? :))
Yesterday, I attended the regular monthly CAMPO meeting. (CAMPO is the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization - they are the local group that works to plan for transportation needs in our area. Franklinton is a member, along with most of Franklin, Wake, Johnston, and Harnett Counties and most of the municipalities in those counties.) We heard about the Long Range Transportation Plan (which takes us 2035), and where hopes and priorities are placed. From it, I had questions surrounding the possiblity of bus service to Youngsville and Franklinton. (Maps showed bus service coming to Franklinton in 2035, but a small bus route to Youngsville from Capital Blvd. in 2025...but the entirety of Capital from Wake Forest to Franklinton was showing as coming in 2035, which made no sense to have a small bus route from downtown Youngsville to Capital in 2025 if there was no service to get to Wake Forest or anywhere else...you get my idea.) I got a much better explanation, and hopefully, when bus service comes to Youngsville, they'll be able to just hop, skip and jump on up the road that extra 5 miles and come to Franklinton...and after conversing with a representative from TTA, we may be able to see it sooner. (Buses are easier to relocate than trains, you know.) We shall see.
Today, I'm going to head back to town from work (very early) so that I can be present when Congressman Bob Etheridge speaks about the effect of the stimulus package on school construction in our area at Franklinton High School. He'll be there at 1:30. If I'm not mistaken, it's open to the public. (That's why I'm going!)
See you there!
On Tuesday evening, we opened the new Town Hall Annex, the Town's new meeting space. It's something we are all very proud of, as should be everyone in the Town of Franklinton! I must give credit where credit is due, though - the idea for moving our meeting space was that of our town manager Larry Carver. And a great idea it was! We've effectively tripled our meeting space, our staff (and the media) now have a place to sit, and we've got a mounted location for the projector so that presentations are a little easier now. I even got to have some input on the design of the space! Originally, the deis (where the Board sits) was going to be against the windows; in a conversation with Larry, I suggested we flip it around and put it at the back. Those conversations were the same way we ended up with a half-wall behind the right side of the deis (so no Commissioner rolls off the platform), and with a door on the left of the wall where the seal is so that we have two entrances for the Board to move into closed session. I even got to pick out the chairs! (So when you're comfortable sitting there...just smile and think of me testing out chairs.)
I also want to again thank my friends and colleagues from the Louisburg Town Council who were able to come and participate in our ribbon cutting. (We cut the ribbon in an odd place...we put it on the deis instead of the door - it's February! I wasn't about to make folks wait outside.) It was so nice of them to come! I also appreciate County Commissioner Sidney Dunston for coming to participate. As well, I want to thank each and every citizen who came out to participate and share in the event. This was for you, and I'm glad you were there!
Several folks that evening shared that they're keeping up with me by reading my blog...thank goodness somebody is! I had no idea! Now that I know someone's reading...I'll keep writing. (For those of you not interested...what are you doing here in the first place? :))
Yesterday, I attended the regular monthly CAMPO meeting. (CAMPO is the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization - they are the local group that works to plan for transportation needs in our area. Franklinton is a member, along with most of Franklin, Wake, Johnston, and Harnett Counties and most of the municipalities in those counties.) We heard about the Long Range Transportation Plan (which takes us 2035), and where hopes and priorities are placed. From it, I had questions surrounding the possiblity of bus service to Youngsville and Franklinton. (Maps showed bus service coming to Franklinton in 2035, but a small bus route to Youngsville from Capital Blvd. in 2025...but the entirety of Capital from Wake Forest to Franklinton was showing as coming in 2035, which made no sense to have a small bus route from downtown Youngsville to Capital in 2025 if there was no service to get to Wake Forest or anywhere else...you get my idea.) I got a much better explanation, and hopefully, when bus service comes to Youngsville, they'll be able to just hop, skip and jump on up the road that extra 5 miles and come to Franklinton...and after conversing with a representative from TTA, we may be able to see it sooner. (Buses are easier to relocate than trains, you know.) We shall see.
Today, I'm going to head back to town from work (very early) so that I can be present when Congressman Bob Etheridge speaks about the effect of the stimulus package on school construction in our area at Franklinton High School. He'll be there at 1:30. If I'm not mistaken, it's open to the public. (That's why I'm going!)
See you there!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Why E-mail?
When you come into Town Hall to pay your utility bills or for other reasons, you may notice that a Town staff member may ask you for your e-mail. If you have one, please consider providing it to us. We will use it to share information with you, to keep you abreast of upcoming events, and to ensure you stay informed as a citizen of Franklinton. The main reason we’re asking, however, is so that we may send you this newsletter electronically. We are looking to do this so that we may reduce the amount of paper used to produce the newsletter, as well as the cost of postage to mail it. We believe the newsletter is an important piece of communication to our citizens; however, we are also seeking to further implement conservation efforts throughout the Town. Please consider helping us! (If you pay your utility bill electronically or by mail, feel free to call Town Hall to share your e-mail, or e-mail Mayor Senter at esenter@franklintonnc.us.) Don’t have an e-mail? Don’t want to share your home or work e-mail? Get a free e-mail address from Yahoo (www.yahoo.com), Microsoft (www.hotmail.com) or Google (www.gmail.com).
Blowing Off Tires...Shoulda Been Steam...
You know it's going to be an odd day when you walk into the door and are met by your Town Manager who says, "Wanna go see the dump truck that blew up at the Water Plant?" Go see is exactly what I did. Apparently, there was a minor incident with a dump truck unloading concrete at the Water Plant, infilling a few minor holes along the perimeter of the water plant. Apparently, the dump truck struck a power line which resulted in the truck's tires being blown off the truck. As you can imagine, that was a bit of a shock. (Laugh here.) The driver managed to come out unharmed, but it of course caused everyone to step back and make sure that safety was being maintained. Progress Energy has been out, tightened up the wires to prevent such issues again, and the filling in will move forward.
So...why am I writing about this? Well, it was my first real trip to the Water Plant. I believe that I have now seen just about every Town facility that exists. The current water plant was constructed in 1968, and was refurbished with upgrades done in 2005. The pond there, commonly referred to as City Pond, really isn't that large! It's much smaller than I thought it was. If I were a dreamer, I'd love to see the Town acquire some additional land adjacent to the pond so that we could clear it out and grow the size of the pond...and then eventually include a park with the location. I think having a park near a pond is a great idea...so long as we can keep folks from trying to swim in it!
I also got to see the original water plant, that was built in the early 1900's...I think around 1902. Unfortunately, the building is in such bad shape, I think we're going to have to take it down. It's been neglected, and is literally beginning to fall in on itself. I hate destroying historic buildings, but sometimes it can't be avoided.
Once I got back to Town Hall...it started snowing! That's right...it snowed for over an hour here...light, flakes, but it was snow! I love snow...and I'm not the only one. Ask Raymond about his plow sometime.
And you thought municipal government was boring...
So...why am I writing about this? Well, it was my first real trip to the Water Plant. I believe that I have now seen just about every Town facility that exists. The current water plant was constructed in 1968, and was refurbished with upgrades done in 2005. The pond there, commonly referred to as City Pond, really isn't that large! It's much smaller than I thought it was. If I were a dreamer, I'd love to see the Town acquire some additional land adjacent to the pond so that we could clear it out and grow the size of the pond...and then eventually include a park with the location. I think having a park near a pond is a great idea...so long as we can keep folks from trying to swim in it!
I also got to see the original water plant, that was built in the early 1900's...I think around 1902. Unfortunately, the building is in such bad shape, I think we're going to have to take it down. It's been neglected, and is literally beginning to fall in on itself. I hate destroying historic buildings, but sometimes it can't be avoided.
Once I got back to Town Hall...it started snowing! That's right...it snowed for over an hour here...light, flakes, but it was snow! I love snow...and I'm not the only one. Ask Raymond about his plow sometime.
And you thought municipal government was boring...
Monday, February 9, 2009
Taxes and Budgets in Franklinton
How many of us actually take a look at the budget? Not our own personal one, but the Town’s budget – a governmental budget. We’re lucky. The budget for the Town of Franklinton fits in a 1” binder and is only about 50 pages long. If we were working with the County, or even the city of Raleigh, our budget would be several binders thick! (During the Inauguration, I went through the Museum of American History...and let me tell you, they have the 1997 US Budget...and it's over A FOOT TALL!)
When you look at the budget for the Town of Franklinton, you’ll notice it’s divided into several funds. The major two are the General and Utility funds. The Powell Bill fund is specific to streets and sidewalks. There’s also a cemetery fund, and a couple of other small funds. But let’s talk big for a minute.
Take a look at the General Fund. That’s where your tax dollars go. That’s where all major revenue goes, except for utility revenue. Your property taxes, the sales tax the town receives from the state, the utility tax proceeds we receive, as well as any other miscellaneous revenues all go into the General Fund. From this fund, we pay for the employees at Town Hall, administratively, as well as the Police Department. That fund is also how we pay for many things, such as office supplies, police cars, ammunition, other police equipment, flags, etc. It’s also how we fund smaller projects, such as the URC, the town’s donation to the Franklinton Recreational Association, as well as how we pay dues to different organizations the Town is a member of, such as the Council of Government, the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the Chambers of Commerce.
The Utility Fund is where your water and sewer bills go. (The sanitation bill, which is the third part of your utility bill, goes into a separate fund.) It’s also where the payments for the wastewater that the Town sends to the County for processing come from, as well as how we pay our employees in Public Works. We also use those revenues to fund the chemicals needed to treat water, etc.
So there you go…that’s your budget in a nutshell. So how do we make new things happen? Three ways. We can cut expenses, which, given our rather skeletal budget – you may not think it is, but trust me…I’ve spent enough time with it to know, it is – can be a challenge. We can raise taxes, which is never popular, but even more so right now. A one cent tax increase gains the town roughly $8,500. We’d need a three to five cent tax increase to fund new staff. Thus…you can see how that’s a challenge. Lastly, when property values are redone – called revaluation – we have the chance to reset the tax rate, which, when an honest look at it, is a de facto tax increase, just in a different form. So…while we don’t like to raise fees or taxes…sometimes, it’s a necessary evil. It’s a hard choice, and we honestly do look at any way we can cut expenses first.
When you look at the budget for the Town of Franklinton, you’ll notice it’s divided into several funds. The major two are the General and Utility funds. The Powell Bill fund is specific to streets and sidewalks. There’s also a cemetery fund, and a couple of other small funds. But let’s talk big for a minute.
Take a look at the General Fund. That’s where your tax dollars go. That’s where all major revenue goes, except for utility revenue. Your property taxes, the sales tax the town receives from the state, the utility tax proceeds we receive, as well as any other miscellaneous revenues all go into the General Fund. From this fund, we pay for the employees at Town Hall, administratively, as well as the Police Department. That fund is also how we pay for many things, such as office supplies, police cars, ammunition, other police equipment, flags, etc. It’s also how we fund smaller projects, such as the URC, the town’s donation to the Franklinton Recreational Association, as well as how we pay dues to different organizations the Town is a member of, such as the Council of Government, the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the Chambers of Commerce.
The Utility Fund is where your water and sewer bills go. (The sanitation bill, which is the third part of your utility bill, goes into a separate fund.) It’s also where the payments for the wastewater that the Town sends to the County for processing come from, as well as how we pay our employees in Public Works. We also use those revenues to fund the chemicals needed to treat water, etc.
So there you go…that’s your budget in a nutshell. So how do we make new things happen? Three ways. We can cut expenses, which, given our rather skeletal budget – you may not think it is, but trust me…I’ve spent enough time with it to know, it is – can be a challenge. We can raise taxes, which is never popular, but even more so right now. A one cent tax increase gains the town roughly $8,500. We’d need a three to five cent tax increase to fund new staff. Thus…you can see how that’s a challenge. Lastly, when property values are redone – called revaluation – we have the chance to reset the tax rate, which, when an honest look at it, is a de facto tax increase, just in a different form. So…while we don’t like to raise fees or taxes…sometimes, it’s a necessary evil. It’s a hard choice, and we honestly do look at any way we can cut expenses first.
High Speed Rail Issues in Franklinton
High Speed Rail Issues in Franklinton
So what’s the big deal about this High Speed Rail? I imagine that’s what a lot of folks outside of the Town of Franklinton are wondering…especially after seeing the story on WRAL that showed little or no traffic running through the Mason/Main Street intersection. Well…a couple of commissioners and I have been around that intersection several times in the evening over the past couple of months…and guess what? THERE’S A TON OF TRAFFIC! There was actually a LINE on West Mason Street turning south onto Main Street! Who knew?
Why was this such a big deal to me? Because I knew that if I was upset about it, you might be too. I’m fairly certain that none of the citizens of Franklinton want to see the east side of town several limited in their ability to get to the west side of town. I also know that closing off entire communities and neighborhoods, as would have occurred with the closure of both College and Hawkins Streets. To me, these things are simply unacceptable. I felt the need to express these thoughts – after all…I figured that’s what I was supposed to do!
In May 2008, I met with representatives from the NC DOT Rail Division, one of whom is our own Jimmy Harris. It was a GREAT meeting, and we had a wonderful time examining the possibilities of safely rerouting traffic while ensuring the safety of railroad crossings. I’m looking quite forward to speaking with Mr. David Foster of the Rail Division again regarding this. I’ll keep you posted!
So what’s the big deal about this High Speed Rail? I imagine that’s what a lot of folks outside of the Town of Franklinton are wondering…especially after seeing the story on WRAL that showed little or no traffic running through the Mason/Main Street intersection. Well…a couple of commissioners and I have been around that intersection several times in the evening over the past couple of months…and guess what? THERE’S A TON OF TRAFFIC! There was actually a LINE on West Mason Street turning south onto Main Street! Who knew?
Why was this such a big deal to me? Because I knew that if I was upset about it, you might be too. I’m fairly certain that none of the citizens of Franklinton want to see the east side of town several limited in their ability to get to the west side of town. I also know that closing off entire communities and neighborhoods, as would have occurred with the closure of both College and Hawkins Streets. To me, these things are simply unacceptable. I felt the need to express these thoughts – after all…I figured that’s what I was supposed to do!
In May 2008, I met with representatives from the NC DOT Rail Division, one of whom is our own Jimmy Harris. It was a GREAT meeting, and we had a wonderful time examining the possibilities of safely rerouting traffic while ensuring the safety of railroad crossings. I’m looking quite forward to speaking with Mr. David Foster of the Rail Division again regarding this. I’ll keep you posted!
Inaugural Ball
So, forgive me for taking so long to get this posted! I got home the night of the Inaugural Ball after 1am, and then had to hop up the next morning and head out so I could make it to my friend's house and get my car, drive back into the District, and go to the NEA's Martin Luther King service, and then drive home. Then...I came down with pneumonia. Yeah. No fun. But...the plus? I went to the Southern Inaugural Ball!
I attended with my friends and colleagues Nancy, Susan (who I still owe money to) and Dawn. We had a great time, but it was kinda boring. It became fastly apparent that such events are really for the politically connected and those who worked on the campaign. And here I thought it was a big party for those folks in town who could afford the ticket. The dancing wasn't great (you know I'm a dancer) because they alternated between a band and a DJ...neither of which were particularly jamming. (I wish we'd done the Mid-Atlantic Ball instead...because I could have met WAY more celebrities! Oh well.)
We did get to say hi to Speaker of the House (NC) Joe Hackney and his wife. They were very nice. Then we took our official Inaugural Ball portrait, which, to be honest...not worth the money. Then...the big ticket came. The band cleared out, and the Army Band came in...and soon, they were playing the Vice President's song. Then came in Joe Biden and his wife, Jill! YAY! He was eloquent, powerful, and most importantly...succinct. He danced with his wife, and they sashayed offstage. A few moments later, the band broke into Hail to the Chief, and in walked President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Wow! Michelle looked wonderful, she was so beautiful, and her dress was wonderful. Barack wore a tux. (He gave me pneumonia, so I'm not that thrilled with him in hindsight. ;)) He spoke to the crowd, everyone cheered him, and then he said, "And now, I wanna dance with the one who brung me." He walked over to Michelle, and they danced to their song - which, oddly enough, is MY song! (It's 'At Last,' which is also the first song Ed and I ever danced to.) It was lovely.
The next morning, I got up, took the Metro into Silver Spring, and then walked a couple of miles up to my friend Jennifer's house and drove back into DC to attend the NEA event, which was phenomenal. Then...I drove home. Now that was a drive. It took about two hours to get to Fredericksburg where I spent Saturday night - which normally is a 45 minute drive. Once I got there, it was easy peasy, and I slid on down the road. I got home around 8:30, and man...everybody at my house was happy to see me. LOL The dogs barked, the cats wound around my feet, and everybody slept in the bedroom that night. Even Sprite - who doesn't like people and feels that she's polite by letting me stay in her house!
So...that's my Inaugural adventure...and thank goodness I had it at 31...because I don't know that I'll be having another one!
I attended with my friends and colleagues Nancy, Susan (who I still owe money to) and Dawn. We had a great time, but it was kinda boring. It became fastly apparent that such events are really for the politically connected and those who worked on the campaign. And here I thought it was a big party for those folks in town who could afford the ticket. The dancing wasn't great (you know I'm a dancer) because they alternated between a band and a DJ...neither of which were particularly jamming. (I wish we'd done the Mid-Atlantic Ball instead...because I could have met WAY more celebrities! Oh well.)
We did get to say hi to Speaker of the House (NC) Joe Hackney and his wife. They were very nice. Then we took our official Inaugural Ball portrait, which, to be honest...not worth the money. Then...the big ticket came. The band cleared out, and the Army Band came in...and soon, they were playing the Vice President's song. Then came in Joe Biden and his wife, Jill! YAY! He was eloquent, powerful, and most importantly...succinct. He danced with his wife, and they sashayed offstage. A few moments later, the band broke into Hail to the Chief, and in walked President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Wow! Michelle looked wonderful, she was so beautiful, and her dress was wonderful. Barack wore a tux. (He gave me pneumonia, so I'm not that thrilled with him in hindsight. ;)) He spoke to the crowd, everyone cheered him, and then he said, "And now, I wanna dance with the one who brung me." He walked over to Michelle, and they danced to their song - which, oddly enough, is MY song! (It's 'At Last,' which is also the first song Ed and I ever danced to.) It was lovely.
The next morning, I got up, took the Metro into Silver Spring, and then walked a couple of miles up to my friend Jennifer's house and drove back into DC to attend the NEA event, which was phenomenal. Then...I drove home. Now that was a drive. It took about two hours to get to Fredericksburg where I spent Saturday night - which normally is a 45 minute drive. Once I got there, it was easy peasy, and I slid on down the road. I got home around 8:30, and man...everybody at my house was happy to see me. LOL The dogs barked, the cats wound around my feet, and everybody slept in the bedroom that night. Even Sprite - who doesn't like people and feels that she's polite by letting me stay in her house!
So...that's my Inaugural adventure...and thank goodness I had it at 31...because I don't know that I'll be having another one!
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