Smithfield
Town Council
report from March 7 session

Council members present: Emery Ashley, David Barbour, John Dunn, Marlon Lee,
Stephen Rabil, Travis Scott, David Stevens, and Mayor Andy Moore
 Absent: none


Auditor says town "in a really strong financial position" through FY 2017-18


During its monthly meeting Tuesday night, the Smithfield Town Council got good news from its auditor: The town's General Fund balance continues to grow while the town's indebtedness continues to shrink.

"You're in a really strong financial position," reported Alan Thompson of the Whiteville accounting firm of Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams & Co. (This is the same firm that audits the County of Johnston's books.)

At the end of fiscal year 2017-18 last June 30, the Town of Smithfield's Unassigned General Fund Balance (its "reserve fund") was $8,127,523 --- up from $5,916,035 five years ago.

The town's indebtedness decreased by more than $1.2 million during fiscal 2017-18. Total debt as of last June 30 was $14,561,518.

The town's property-tax rate, meanwhile, has remained the same for a number of years at 57 cents per $100 valuation.

To view complete audit reports for last year and previous years, go here>


Software conversion celebrated


Finance Director Greg Siler introduced the staff of the town's Finance Department to thank them for their work over the past couple of years replacing the department's computer software that dated back to 1981. "We did a lot of that work ourselves," the told the council. "I feel like we've graduated," he said as he presented staff members with T-shirts commemorating their achievement. The department's staff includes Audrey Mitchell, Elaine Andrews, Melissa Wilder, Connie Lassiter, Jay Godwin, Bonnie Lockridge, and Betty Greene.


Adoption of tethering rule postponed


The council put off adoption of a new animal-tethering ordinance for 30 days after Police Chief R.K. Powell said a change has been suggested to allow a small animal to be chained in its yard for short periods if its owner is present. The proposed ordinance would prohibit animals from being tethered outdoors as a means of confinement. Council members postponed adoption to make sure the public has ample opportunity to offer "feedback" regarding the changes.


Never-built street stricken from plats


With consent from all adjacent property owners, the council permanently closed a block of Meadowbrook Drive between South First and Vermont streets that had never been constructed. The town will retain an easement alongside the stream known as Meadowbrook Branch where water and sewer pipes are in place.


Employee limit removed for industry


The council amended the town's land-use rules to eliminate a 35-employee limit on "light manufacturing activities" within business and industrial zoning districts. Dan Simmons, who does feasibility studies for prospective businesses, said the rule has not been enforced in the past yet leaves him vulnerable to liability issues as he advises clients about the town's regulations. "I need this done tonight 'cause I've got a client waiting," he exclaimed. Planning Director Stephen Wensman said the town has more effective ways to control industrial density than the employee-limit rule, including requirements for parking, storm-water runoff, and buffers.


U-Haul business gets its permit


The council approved a special-use permit for Smithfield Storage to operate a U-Haul rental business on its premises at 1343 West Market Street. Planning Director Wensman said the business has worked out an acceptable parking plan for no more than four rental trucks and six trailers.


Fire Department equipment purchased


The council approved the purchase of 20 Air-Packs for the Fire Department from Rhinehart Fire Services of Asheville for $154,582. Rhinehart was the low bidder. Also approved was the purchase of 103 fire nozzles for the Fire Department from C.W. Williams of Rocky Mount for $16,345.28. C.W. Williams was the low bidder.


Basketball courts to be resurfaced


The council awarded a contract to North State Resurfacing of Wendell for $8,950 to resurface basketball courts at Smithfield Community Park. North State was the low bidder. Half the cost will be paid with a matching grant from the Johnston County Visitors Bureau.


Fence replacement at Public Works


The council awarded a contract to Blackmon's Fence Company of Dunn for $5,820.67 to replace fencing around the town's Public Works facility at 231 Hospital Road. Blackmon's was the low bidder.


Council begins budget work March 26


The council recessed Tuesday night's regular monthly meeting till 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 26 to begin discussions regarding the town's 2019-20 budget.
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