News Flash

May 5, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TOWN MANAGER RELEASES RECOMMENDED BUDGET

[NORTH WILKESBORO, NC, MAY 5, 2021] – Yesterday evening, Town Manager Wilson Hooper presented to the North Wilkesboro Board of Commissioners his recommended budget for fiscal year 2021-2022. Alongside this budget he also released a spending plan for American Rescue Plan (ARP) and other one-time, limited-duration, or reserve dollars. Together, the two spending plans maintain service levels in day-to-day operations, but make investments in projects and infrastructure that were not affordable with local dollars alone. 

“With the help of town staff, guidance from the North Carolina League of Municipalities, and focused input from the Board of Commissioners, we were able to build a proposal that minimizes the impact of revenue loss due to the pandemic and, in fact, allows us to make investments in some of our priority areas,” said Hooper. “This plan will help us do our part to jump start the economic recovery and fulfill our purpose under CARES and ARP.” 

The Town’s typical budget is essentially two budgets. The general fund (GF) budget funds traditional public services like police, fire, sanitation, and parks. It is funded by a number of revenues including property tax collections, sales tax collections, and fees paid for government services. The water/sewer (W/S) budget is paid for with the rates paid by North Wilkesboro’s in-town and wholesale water customers.  

The GF plan calls for no new taxes or fees, though the W/S budget calls for the second of five 2% rate increases on in-town water/sewer customers. Wholesale customers will also see the second of two $.09 per 1000 gallon rate increases. 

The recommendations can be read at the following link: https://www.north-wilkesboro.com/DocumentCenter/View/891/2021-to-2022-Managers-Proposed-Budget 

The proposed budget is also available for inspection at the North Wilkesboro Town Clerk’s Office, 832 Main St. North Wilkesboro, NC.

The Supplemental Spending Plan proposes using one-time, limited-duration, or reserve dollars to complete projects, or save for emerging projects in the new fiscal year. It includes investments in infrastructure maintenance, water system improvements, housing, beautification, traffic calming, and public safety. The proposal includes a one-time bonus for town employees who worked on the front lines during the pandemic. 

The Supplemental Spending Plan can be read at the following link: https://www.north-wilkesboro.com/DocumentCenter/View/892/2021-Supplemental-Spending-Plan- 

A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at 5:30 PM at the Stone Family Center for the Performing Arts, 613 Cherry St. North Wilkesboro, NC. The hearing will also be available virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86878083957