EMERALD ISLE
T O W N Meeting Town Audit Results Presented WHAT WAS INTRODUCED as a “very clean audit report all the way through,” was presented to the Emerald Isle Board of Commissioners by Charles Smith, of Williams, Scarborough, Smith & Gray CPAs. Smith stated the town maintains a “solid financial position,” and that the audit of the town’s finances “did not identify any major concerns.” Smith reported that the town had reported net assets of $19,495,059 as of June 30, 2012, an increase of $2,012,525 over the prior year primarily due to the retirement of bonds issued to finance the town’s 2005 beach nourishment project and due to land acquisition associated with the Emerald Isle Public Boating Access Area through grant funding. The town had total revenues of $9,623,982 and expenditures of $10,230,824 across all funds during FY 11-12. It utilized a net total of $454,688 of its fund balance along with incurring a new debt issue of $152,154 to balance its revenues and expenditures. At the end of the fiscal year, the town had $3,359,196 of cash and cash equivalents on hand, which makes it possible for the town to meet cash-flow needs of the town in the summer and fall months prior to the receipt of annual property taxes. The town’s property tax collection rater for FY 11-12 was 99.23 percent. Smith concluded his presentation by stating his appreciation to the town’s staff for their cooperation throughout the audit process, and said in his opinion the town’s assets are wellmanaged. The audit is a “tribute for the way you do things,” he proclaimed.
Park Grant to be Submitted The board unanimously authorized the Town Manger Frank Rush to submit a grant application to the NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund for the purchase of a vacant 2acre lot which is adjacent to the Emerald Isle Boating Access Area. The grant application deadline is January 2013, and the town expects a decision on the application in May 2013. The application is for a matching grant, which means if awarded the town will pay for 50 percent of the land purchase to expand the park. The total price for the 2-arce parcel is $175,000. The town’s 50 percent share would be $87,500.
Town Charter Updated The board unanimously adopted a revised town charter that has updated to meet current state law and to incorporate and condense changes that had been made over the years, making it a simpler, easier to understand document. The new charter can be viewed at emeraldisle-nc.org. The town, established in 1957, had its original charter amended in 1973 by the NC General Assembly. Since 1973 several amendments have been made; in 1997 to implement the council-manager form of government, in 2002 to implement staggered terms for the board of commissioners and 2005 to implement a 4-year term for the mayor. Prior to adopting the revised charter, the board reviewed the proposed changes at its Aug. 14 regular meeting
and adopted a resolution of intent to amend the charter. A public hearing and discussions were held at the board’s Sept. 11 regular meeting and passage of the revised charter was completed in October.
Resolution to Oppose Rate Increases Adopted The board unanimously voted to adopt a resolution that strongly encourages the NC Commissioner of Insurance to reject the proposed 30 percent increase in homeowners insurance for Territory #8 which includes the Town of Emerald Isle and Carteret County, along with Brunswick, New Hanover, Onslow and Pender counties. The resolution points out the fact that Territory #8 already has the highest base rates for homeowners insurance in the entire state and the new rate will advance it even higher, increasing from $1,522 annually to $1,979 annually for $75,000 worth of coverage. Public comments on the new rate request may be sent via email to NC Department of Insurance at 2012homeowners@ ncdoi.gov.
Town Manager Report A second bid opening date has been scheduled for the Irene Beach Nourishment Project, and assuming the low bid is within the budget established for the project, the manager plans on preparing and presenting to the board a construction contract recommendation at its November meeting. Work on this project is expected to start this winter, with a completion date of March 31, 2013. Deer population estimates have been completed along Coast Guard Road, from the Pointe to the bridge, by two regional biologists with NC Wildlife Resources Commission and EI Police Lt. Jeff Waters. The 2012 deer population estimate for this area is 141 deer. This compares to a fall 2011 estimate of 174 deer, a 2010 estimate of 102-108 deer, a 2009 estimate of 149 deer and a 2005 estimate of 65-91 deer. Manager Rush sought the board’s direction on how to proceed this year with the town’s deer population management. In 2010, the town undertook an effort to reduce the deer population utilizing bow hunting which resulted in the elimination of 11 deer, and in 2012 a similar approach was utilized resulting in the elimination of 17 deer. Mayor Art Schools asked that the manager speak with the Home Owner Association Board for the communities along Coast Guard Road to gain their communities input.
Christmas Parade Scheduled The Emerald Isle Christmas Parade will be held at 3pm on Saturday, Nov. 24. The parade route follows Emerald Drive, Hwy 58, starting at Mangrove Drive and ending at the Emerald Isle Town Hall complex. After the parade, the town will host its official Christmas Tree Lighting at Merchant’s Park. Santa Claus will attend the tree lighting, and there will be free refreshments along with a holiday sing-a-long. Reported by Dan Ryan
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ISLAND REVIEW/November 2012