The annual audit of Grifton’s bookkeeping shows the town’s finances are in good shape.
Jay Parris and Carli Jernigan with Barrow, Parris and Davenport P.A. gave their audit presentation of town revenue and spending for the 2022-23 year at the Jan. 16 town Board of Commissioners meeting.
Parris said the town’s fund balance on June 30 was 78% of annual revenues, which is very good compared to state averages. The town has built its savings from 37% up to 78% over the last five years; the state Local Government recommends municipalities keep a balance of 24%.
The audit also showed Grifton’s storm water fund balance increased in 2022 because a staff position was unfilled for of the year producing savings in salary. The position was filled later in 2023 so the fund operated at its normal level, Parris said.
Town Manager Oryan Lowry reported the Neuse Regional Water and Sewer Authority will switch from chloramines to chlorine to disinfect tap water for four weeks in in the spring to follow U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards.
“From March 18-April 22 of 2024, we will be switching back for those four weeks with chlorine in the water systems, and we drafted a press release that will be sent out to all the customers prior to this four week change from chloramine to chlorine,” said Lowry.
Lowry also reported that Pitt County is seeking input for its Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan. A monthly survey will be promoted on the town website and on town’s Facebook page for members of the community to participate.
During public comments, Joseph Scott with Arts in the Park informed the board that the group is going into its third year, that their insurance policy has just been renewed and paid for by St. John’s Episcopal Church, and that they have most of the same sponsors this year as last year.
Scott said events are planned for the first Sunday March-June and September-December. Several musical performers are already lined up, he said.
Casey Drive residents Alan Denomme and Roy Capps both raised concerns with the current development of homes in their neighborhood and how it will affect water pressure and water drainage. Capps said that the drainage is already poor in the area. Mayor Billy Ray Jackson said that he will have to town manager reach out to them for further discussion.
Denomme also mentioned the irregular trash pick over the last two months. Jackson told the Denomme he shared the concern and that he would have the town manager contact the company the town employs for garbage service.
The board tabled a request from Glandon Forest Equity seeking a public hearing to rezone a large parcel on N.C. 188 just east of Dawson Road from R-10 Residential to B-1 Highway Commercial.
Board members unanimously approved request to authorize a public hearing on Feb. 13 to rezone property at 453 Queen St. from Central Business District to R-10 residential.
It also awarded a contract to PMP Excavation and Demolition to raze a structure at 587 Wall St. The cost includes insurance, labor and equipment, asbestos abatement, dumping fees and hauling in field material to seed and sow lot.
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