The new fiscal year begins July 1. No one spoke during a public hearing on the budget last week before the council voted.
Water and sewer rates also remain unchanged for the 15th consecutive year, though town officials have warned that an increase could be necessary soon.
The budget includes $18,000 to build a sidewalk along the south side of West Pennsylvania Avenue from Carlisle to Glover and $25,000 for an aquatic recreation study.
A proposed $23,000 expenditure to provide emergency backup to the town’s main computer system servers was deleted from the budget because additional study is needed.
In other business last week:
The council approved the purchase of a Pierce Arrow XT heavy duty aerial ladder fire truck for $690,229 to retain the fire insurance rating.
Architectural plans were approved for a building for Morris’ Cafe and Antiques at West Page Street and West Pennsylvania Avenue and for a new Moore County Wildlife-Conservation Club building.
The council approved revisions to the town zoning ordinance clarifying that restrictions on the number of apartment units and distance between them do not apply to townhouses or any unit conveyed through a subdivision plat to a property owner.
It also clarifies that residential buildings including apartments and duplexes can be rebuilt if destroyed, even if it is a nonconforming use under the ordinance restricting apartments to 10 units maximum and requiring them to be at least 200 feet apart from others.
The council approved a brick and wrought iron barrier, part of which will be on a public right of way, to be built by the Southern Pines Housing Authority parallel to Henley Street to help prevent vehicles from jumping the curb to take a shortcut through or to park in that area. The fence would have openings to allow pedestrian access to the Pool Park, but would bar motorcycles and cars or other vehicles.
A few years ago, the town worked with the Housing Authority to terminate West Michigan Avenue near the east side of South Henley Street to allow better control of traffic within the complex, creating a cul-de-sac.
The council’s next meeting will be a workshop June 27 starting at 3 p.m. in the municipal building complex on Broad Street.
