WALNUT COVE — In a 3-1 vote on June 13, the Town of Walnut Cove Board of Commissioners passed a budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year that will not increase property tax rates or water/sewer fees.
“It’s a very good budget,” Town Manager Kim Greenwood told the Board during the meeting, noting that programs were funded normally at or above the levels requested.
The $2,613,525 total budget included paying off remaining wastewater treatment plant debt a year early.
“You can tell the town you are debt free,” as of July, Greenwood said.
The budget total includes $1,375,948 for the general fund, $1,047,325 for the water and sewer fund and $190,252 for the license plate agency.
The property tax rate was set at $.40 per $100 of valuation.
No one spoke at a public hearing opened for the budget at the beginning of the meeting.
Commissioners Johnnie Hairston, Chad Jarvis and Elwood Mabe voted to approve the budget. Commissioner Thomas Mitchell, mayor pro tem, opposed.
“I’ve still got issues with the sheriff’s department,” Mitchell said during the meeting.
The budget includes $195,890 for the town’s contract with the Stokes County Sheriff’s Office to provide dedicated law enforcement services within town limits.
“...When they’re not doing what’s stated in the contract, then I’ve got a problem with it,” Mitchell said. “Until they meet that contract, then I’m against giving them $195,000.”
Speaking during the meeting, Commissioner Jarvis said he understood Mitchell’s concerns but expressed concern about the town going without the dedicated services provided by the sheriff’s office should either party withdraw from the agreement.
Zoning changes approved
The Board approved two zoning changes at the June 13 meeting. One excludes mobile homes from the “London” housing area in rezoning the area from R-6MH to R-6. Zoning Administrator Cory Willoughby found the rezoning to be comply with the 2035 Comprehensive Plan for development, according to the staff report document on the matter. “The property will remain residential and will have no effect of the value of neighboring properties,” the document states.
The second change amends the permitted use table to allow the addition of accessory dwelling units in R-20 and R-A (residential and agricultural zones). The accessory dwelling unit, defined as a smaller, independent residential dwelling unit located on the same lot as a stand-alone (i.e. detached) single-family home, must meet development standards.
No one spoke at public hearings held on both matters earlier in the meeting.
Land use policy change voted down
The Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 against updating the subdivision ordinance to require sidewalks and streetlights be installed by developers.
The current text of the ordinance allows developers to install sidewalk and streetlights but does not require it.
Jarvis and Mabe voted to approve the revision; Mitchell and Hairston voted against; Mayor Nellie Brown cast the tie-breaking vote against the revision.
No one spoke at a public hearing on the matter held earlier in the meeting.
RiverStreet to provide downtown Wi-Fi
The Board voted 4-0 to approve a bid from RiverStreet Networks to provide public Wi-Fi for downtown Walnut Cove. The Wi-Fi will be available about a block wide along Main Street from just below Second Street to just above Sixth Street. It is expected to be operational by the end of July.
Jarvis said during the meeting that the RiverStreet lease will only cost the town a few hundred dollars more per month than what the town pays for the service in the town offices.
The equipment will be installed on poles instead of on privately owned buildings and will utilize a “mesh” network that will maintain service even if one of the units goes down.
Library launches summer program
Walnut Cove Public Library Branch Librarian Christine Boles presented a report to the Board that included information on the library’s summer programs, which kick off Monday, June 17.
All under the umbrella of the statewide theme of “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” the Walnut Cove branch’s programs are scheduled for Mondays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The June 17 kickoff features the 2023 movie “Migration” (PG) and a pizza party.
June 24 — Farmer Minor and Daisy
July 1 — “Under the Boardwalk” (PG) and popcorn
July 8 — Captain Jim: Champions of Magic
July 15 — Bubble Brigade
July 22 — Mad Science
July 29 — Taco Party and Prize Pickup
The library will be showing the Jurassic Park franchise (PG-13) on the following Thursdays at 6 p.m.: June 20, June 27, July 11, July 18, July 25 and Aug. 1. Popcorn and water will be provided.
Among other business, the Board of Commissioners:
• Approved the reappointment of Brian Booe as Director of the ABC Board of Walnut Cove.
• Approved a quote for a grant-funded lead pipe assessment.
• Approved a closed session policy.
• Heard information regarding the Plant Street Tank Policy from Public Services Director Mark Bowman.
• Reached consensus regarding a proposal by Vogue Towers II, LLC to place a wireless communication tower on town property at the Parkdale Water Tower. The proposal requests an 80-year easement for a one-time payment of $80,000 with a bonus $10,000 at the completion of the tower.
• Approved a proposal from Dewberry Engineers Inc. for professional services for the London Park project.
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