Important changes were also made also in how the town identifies expenditures. With no tax increase or additional debt acquired, several capital projects were funded. In the Streets Department, $100,000 dollars was allocated to resurface 4 four streets. (Mt. View Road, Chesapeake Ave, Potomac Street, and School Lane.)

In addition to the resurface money, $20,000 dollars was allocated to for sidewalk improvements. In the Public Safety Department an additional $30,000 dollars was allocated for additional police coverage. In the Parks Department $128,000 dollars was allocated to projects in the Community Park ($15,000 dollars to construct a 2- stall bathroom, $25,000 dollars to construct a multi-use field, $68,000 dollars to construct a concession stand with restroom, and, $20,000 dollars towards the design and construction of a walking path). Of the $128,000 --dollars, $60,000 dollars is approved state grant money. With the exception of the 2-stall bathroom, the remaining 3three parks projects are multi- year projects and expected to be completed within 24 to 36 months.

Also this year, the Town has established the Sewer and Water departments as an enterprise fund, separating them from the general fund. By Separating the Sewer and Water departments from the general fund, this requires these departments to be self- sufficient and not use tax dollars to subsidize their operation. The total operational cost (salaries, upgrades, repairs, equipment, new sewer and water lines, debt service, etc.…) needed to supply the Town with sewer and water will be funded solely through the revenues received from the sewer and water billings and tap fees.

In a proactive attempt to manage the town’s growth, we will be adding an experienced planner to the town staff. Once the right person has been awarded the new position, he/she will be responsible for the oversight of the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission department. His/her duties will included, subdivision and commercial construction plan review, reviewing existing zoning regulations and making recommendations for text amendments, working with the town Planning and Zoning Commission and the county planner to update the Town’s comprehensive plan, enforcement of zoning codes, supply the Town council and Planning Commission with staff reports as needed for text amendments and annexations. This new planner position will report directly to the mayor.