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By Mike Barnhardt

Enterprise Record

The Town Mocksville will hold a public hearing on its $10.9 million budget at its regular meeting Tuesday night at 6. The tax rate will remain at 29 cents per $100 of property valuation.

The number is a 10.4 percent increase over last year’s budget, and is supported by what Town Manager Ken Gamble calls a “strong revenue growth,” 6.5 percent in the general fund and 16.5 percent in the enterprise fund.

Gamble said that at board members request, the budget includes increasing the town’s fund balance, or savings. Last fiscal year (June 30, 2022) ended with a fund balance of 104 percent of the general fund expenditures, and was 21 percent higher than the previous year. The fund balance is not being used to meet needs for this year’s budget.

“This is a strong indicator of a well-managed community,” Gamble said in his budget message.

The proposal would also eliminate the town’s $15 vehicle tax, which generates some $70,000 a year.

Town employees will receive a 5 percent cost of living increase in pay, that “will keep our staff pay just slightly lower than inflation.” There are 30 full-time and 20 part-time employees in the budget.

Some fees will be levied to meet the costs of providing the service, Gamble said, such as shelter rentals at Rich Park.

Capital projects include: $59,485 for an ADA bathroom and paver repairs at town hall; $118,550 for fire department equipment, $56,000 for downtown signs and beautifucation, $100,372 for facility improvements and equipment purchase at parks and grounds, and $293,646 for intersection and sidewalk improvements.

Water and sewer rates will increase 3 percent.

Property tax revenues are expected to generate $3.2 million, and the sales and use tax $1.2 million.

While staff will seek grants and partnerships and always look to say money, Gamble said the economy looks strong.

“There is much to be hopeful for in the economy,” he wrote. “This includes nearly 750 housing units planned in Mocksville over the next several years, a robust spec building program with more than 2 million square feet of additional industrial space in the works, a full employment rate and businesses that have committed to investing nearly $148 million in Mocksville over the next two years alone.

“While internal and external pressures will continue to affect Mocksville’s finances, the budget efficiently and effectively uses our limited resources to deliver services our community values. Mocksville taxpayers can take pride int he board’s emphasis on fiscal responsibility with a regionally compeittive tax rate, a low level of debt service and a commitment to strengthen our fund balance.

“This commitment to fiscal excellence and community investment makes Mocksville a great place to live, work and raise a family.

A copy of the full budget is available to view at town hall or on the town’s website.