The Wadesboro Town Council received updates on the Wade Street bridge, Salisbury Street crosswalk and other projects during its meeting on Monday.

Hugh James, public services director for the town, said that the long-awaited bridge construction started last Monday, though progress has been held up by the rain. With dry weather, the project may be finished by Christmas, he said.

Construction for the Salisbury Street crosswalk and median started Tuesday. James said that the new median will have a concrete barrier, flashing lights on each side of U.S. 74 to warn motorists that pedestrians are in the crosswalk, and an area for small plants.

During construction, the two inside lanes of U.S. 74 will be closed, which may lead to traffic delays, James said.

Finance

Town Manager Alex Sewell said that the town is currently spending more than it is making in its general fund, with expenses at $61,000 higher than revenues as of Monday. This is lower than the previous two fiscal years, Sewell said.

As of Monday, the town was still behind in property tax revenues compared to last year, though it received $113,000 in the last month, Sewell said. The town is ahead of pace for its sales tax revenues and is currently meeting its projections for the trash fees, but the town manager said he will keep an eye on the finances to see which way they go.

In the water and sewer fund, revenues are above expenses by $378,000, but that may change when the county bill for water and sewer comes in.

“I anticipate and would not be shocked at all to have a high county sewer bill,” Sewell said. “Obviously, in October we just had a ton of rain, with the rain we had before and here lately. So with the infiltration and inflow to our lines, it wouldn’t surprise me if we have a large county sewer bill.”

Compared to recent fiscal years, the water and sewer fund is comparatively healthy, Sewell said.

“Just like with the general fund, it’s too early to reach any prudent conclusions, but our revenues are on pace to meet budget expectations,” Sewell said. “Or, perhaps, if we get lucky, even exceed expectations. Hopefully we won’t have the excessive rain like we have had lately and we can keep our county sewer bill down.”

To keep costs down, the town departments have been seeking grant funding. During his report, Fire Chief Marc Sessions said his department made it into the top 30 considered for a FEMA grant, but received a “Dear John” letter informing him that Wadesboro was not selected.

Sessions said he has begun work on the next application will apply for another grant at the beginning of December.

Kam McDonald approached the council to ask that the members support Toys for Tots’ toy collection by setting up a collection bin and giving monetary and/or toy donations.

The council will hold its next regular meeting at 5 p.m. Dec. 7.

Reach reporter Imari Scarbrough at 704-994-5471 and follow her on Twitter @ImariScarbrough.

By Imari Scarbrough

iscarbrough@civitasmedia.com