Community Owned. Local News. Burke County, NC.
In separate meetings, the Glen Alpine and Drexel Boards of Aldermen approved their respective budgets for the 2024-25 fiscal year.
The Glen Alpine Board of Aldermen approved the 2024-25 budget, reducing the property tax rate by 10% and increasing annual salaries for full-time employees. The budget passed unanimously and marked the first official vote of new Alderman Jim Frady.
Tax Rate Reduction: The property tax rate will be reduced to 26 cents per $100 in valuation.
Employee Raises: Full-time employees will receive a flat $4,200 salary increase.
Budget Highlights: The budget projects $1,225,565 from property taxes and $500,000 from sales tax. Departmental expenditures include Police ($476,838), Public Works ($342,450), Administration ($246,472), and Fire Department ($159,805).
Community Involvement: Alderman Reid Scott and his wife watered plants at Town Hall, reflecting the board's commitment to community beautification.
The Drexel Board of Aldermen approved a $5.6 million budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year, maintaining the property tax rate and providing increased pay for employees. This budget, the first by Town Manager Bill Carroll, includes a 4.5% pay raise for full-time employees and a bonus equal to two weeks' pay.
Stable Tax Rate: The property tax rate remains at 35 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.
Employee Compensation: Full-time employees will receive a 4.5% pay increase and a two-week pay bonus.
Utility Rate Adjustments: Water and sewer rates will increase by 4% and 5%, respectively, to cover service costs.
Budget Highlights: The budget also includes increased pay for officers working off-duty at the town fair and additional funding for police equipment and hiring.
Community Engagement: The board supported the Grow With Drexel festival, which dedicated a new mural and honored service members with Hometown Heroes banners.
A full version of these stories will be included in Saturday's edition of The Paper.
