Whiteville may see tax hike to make ends meet | News

WHITEVILLE, NC (WECT) – City council members in Whiteville met Thursday to take a first look at the budget. It was the first time they saw recommendations from the city manager, and it was the first time department heads got to tell council what their departments need.

Mayor Terry Mann said they knew going into the budget workshop that the fire station needs a new truck, which is estimated at around $450,000. They also said they knew about an ongoing moisture issue in the basement of City Hall. They didn't, however, know how much the Police Department needed new vehicles.

Police chief Jerry Britt, told council members he was like six new patrol cars.

Mayor Terry Mann tells us, they also need to look into buying new hand held radios, since the county's 911 system is getting an updated system.

Also during the meeting, Tim Collier told council members organizers of the privately run Columbus pool can no longer afford to keep it up and running. According to Collier, organizers of the pool would like to talk with city officials about taking over the pool.

When all is said and done, City Manager Larry Faison is recommending a six-cent tax increase to help make ends meet. Right now, no layoffs have been recommended.

The next budget workshop is Monday afternoon at 4:00.

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