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your QUESTIONS ...continued from p. 4 $10,500 from ABC profit sharing on the sale of mixed beverages, $15,000 in planning fees, $3,600 in interest on investments, $2,150 in town hall/park rental fees and $850 in contributions and donations. While Stokesdale’s projected revenue is significantly lower than its neighbors in Oak Ridge and Summerfield, so are its projected operating expenses and planned capital projects. On the expense side, Stokesdale’s general operating budget includes gross salaries and council member stipends of only $51,000; this compares to $494,085 for council member stipends, administrative, planning and parks and recreation employee salaries, taxes and benefits in Oak Ridge and $479,000 for council member stipends, administrative, planning and parks and recreation
employee salaries, taxes and benefits in Summerfield. Stokesdale has only one capital outlay project on the books for next year – the installation of swings at the town park – which it has estimated to cost a net of $1,500 after factoring in volunteer time and a donation from a local business. Oak Ridge has projected capital expenses of $462,000 for next fiscal year (of which $436,713 is budgeted for new features at the town park) while Summerfield has a projected capital projects outlay of $553,000 (includes $250,000 for trail development, $253,000 for improvements at Summerfield Athletic Park, and $50,000 for improvements to the recently purchased Gordon property). One of Stokesdale’s largest operating expenses is in the category of Public Safety – it is the only town in the northwest area to contract with Guilford County for additional law enforcement, and budgets $75,500 for a full-time
sheriff’s deputy and vehicle. Additionally, Stokesdale is the only town in the northwest area to have a municipal water system which serves some, but not all, of the town’s residents and businesses; for those who have access to the water system, hooking up to it is voluntary. The town has a separate water enterprise account and budget; currently, the town’s expenses to operate the water system exceed the revenue it receives from water sales and tap fees, so $53,100 will be transferred next fiscal year from the general operating fund balance to cover expenses. For a complete copy of each town’s budget for next fiscal year beginning July 1, visit www.stokesdale.org (or call the Stokesdale Town Hall at 643-4011), www.oakridgenc.com (or call the Oak Ridge Town Hall at 644-7009), or www.summerfieldgov.com (or call the Summerfield Town Hall at 643-8655).
EMINENT DOMAIN ...continued from p. 1 members at the June 10 council meeting to tell her how they felt about it. “I haven’t heard how you feel, except Ms. Flowers, who has voiced her concern on several occasions,” Stafford told council members. “I guess it’s your job to sit there and not say anything, but I haven’t heard your opinions. How do you feel? Do you like the path? Do you approve of eminent domain?”
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JUNE 13 - 19, 2014
Stafford said the property she and her husband own has been in his family since 1948, and they have talked about building a home overlooking a pond that is on the land. However, they are reluctant to do that until they confirm where the proposed trail will be in relation to their property. “I am deeply concerned and I can’t read you … I want to know your heart. Just be honest with me,” Stafford implored. Mayor Sessoms responded that though eminent domain was a legal option, it had at no time been discussed as one the council would resort to.
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“I hold my land very dearly and I would not want someone to take my land, so I would treat you the exact same way” Council member Elizabeth McClellan told Stafford. Was eminent domain a legal option? Yes, council member Dena Barnes said, but “not one we would consider.” Council members Mike Adams and Dianne Laughlin echoed Barnes’ and McLellan’s sentiments, and Laughlin said the only time she felt eminent domain would be a viable option was if there were a situation which presented a safety hazard. “I come from a farming background and I don’t like the idea,” said Adams. “That (eminent domain) is just not what Summerfield is about,” Flowers added. “Your message has been heard, and it has impacted what we’re thinking and where we’re going,” confirmed Sessoms. “Thank you all very much,” responded Stafford.