Council passes first reading of 2024-25 budget

PROSPERITY — A first reading of the Town of Prosperity’s proposed 2024-25 Budget was passed during Town Council’s regular meeting last week.

There will be no change in the tax base, however there will be increases in other areas. The operating budget saw a increase of about 5.8% while electric, water and sewer are projected to have a 5% increase. Across the board, there will also be a 3% increase in salaries.

As part of the proposed budget, building materials picked up on the roadside will now have a fee charge from the County. There will be no additional charges for limbs/junk, only building materials. Dump truck drop off will be $50 in the proposed budget.

Total operating budget is projected at $3,413,995.

Other business:

• Prosperity Fire Chief Robert Dennis spoke before council about funding for the fire department, maintenance of fire trucks and the town siren. Dennis said the town does have a noise ordinance, but it was disheartening when the siren goes off at 3 a.m. for a tree in the road. Dennis would like to formulate a letter of understanding with Councilman Chad Hawkins and Town Attorney Lisa Senn that would outline the fire department having the means necessary to dispatch fire and rescue. He added that the siren sounds for three minutes and when responding to calls it can becoming difficult to differentiate the siren and an emergency vehicle.
• Police Chief Wesley Palmore reported for the month 61 incident reports, 41 warning tickets and 60 traffic tickets, He said on July 19 they will holding a back to school-type event for the community. A time for the event was not given during the meeting.
• On July 12, the Prosperity Business Association will be holding a Movie Under the Stars night. The movie being shown has yet to be selected.

Open Session

– Robert Dennis: discussed funding for the fire department, maintenance of fire trucks, siren in town – disheartening when siren goes off at 3 a.m. and there’s a tree in the road; town does have a noise ordinance – formulate a letter of understanding that we have all the means necessary to dispatch fire and rescue – we can do it without a siren/notification system; work with Councilman Chad Hawkins and Town Attorney Lisa Senn; siren sounds for three minutes

Reach Kelly Duncan at 803-276-3122 ext. 1867 or kduncan@championcarolinas.com.