PEMBROKE — Town employees will not get a 3 percent pay hike as previously discussed by the Town Council.
The council voted 2-1 on Tuesday not to include the cost-of-living increase proposed by Mayor Milton Hunt in the town’s 2012-2013 budget, which takes effect Sunday. Councilmen Ryan Sampson and Allen Dial voted against the increase, and Councilman Larry Brooks voted in favor of it. The council remains one person short following the death earlier this year of Robert Williamson.
The council also learned that Police Chief Frank Hernandez is retiring. The council normally meets the first Monday of a month, but the July meeting was held early because of July Fourth.
According to interim Town Manager Marie Moore, the cost of living increase for the town’s 44 employees would have cost $40,000 a year in the $5.28 million budget. According to Hunt, this will be the fourth year that employees have gone without a raise.
“We’ve got enough money in this year’s budget, with no questions, to do a cost-of-living raise,” Hunt said. “There’s no question about that. It’s there.”
Sampson said the town should consider a pay increase later in the year, and that it needs to be based on performance.
“I think we need to watch overall what we spend,” Sampson said. “I don’t think we’re ready for a 3 percent raise at this time. I don’t think we’re ready for that. … Our employees deserve it but I think we need to look at it a little more.”
The budget keeps the tax rate of 64 cents for every $100 of property, and there will be no increases in commercial or residential water and sewer fees.
Several people told a reporter after the meeting they were upset that they did not get to speak during the public comment session because the signup list had been lost.
Hunt was brief in the announcement of Hernandez’s retirement, and said that Saturday will be Hernandez’s last day. Hernandez was not at the meeting.
“Ms. Marie will be dealing with that issue,” Hunt said.
Moore said the town will first have to name an interim chief and then advertise the position. She estimated it’d take two to three months to fill the position.
According to an article in the May 2, 2006, edition of The Robesonian, Hernandez was promoted from lieutenant to chief in May 2006. He had been serving as interim chief of police since Travis Bryant resigned in December 2005.
In other action on Monday, the council:
— Approved re-zoning changes to two pieces of property on Third Street from residential to commercial, doing so at the request of Angela Revels and Maggie Mercer.
— Heard from Rhonda Locklear, supervisor of wastewater treatment plants, on the plans to clean up contamination from the site of the Kangaroo gas station on West Third Street, which was destroyed by an electrical fire in November.
— Adopted a resolution honoring Agnes Chavis by naming July 7 Agnes Chavis Day in Pembroke. Chavis is being honored for more than 40 years of teaching in the Public Schools of Robeson County.
— Authorized the mayor and town clerk to come up with names for short un-named streets for the Powell Bill program.
— Adopted a resolution obligating $150,000 for the Clean Water Management Trust Fund grant that will pay for water and sewer repairs on standby pumps and Seventh Street water lines. The grant will provide $600,000.
— Approved an application for public assembly by Charly Lowry for Dark Water Rising, which will be performing a concert series in the small town park during the month of September.
— Approved a game room and amusement device application by Ed Inners, of Inners Amusements, which will place several carnival rides behind the Burger King on Philadelphus Road July 3-8 for the Lumbee Homecoming.
— Approved a letter to the county stating that the town plans to enforce its own subdivision ordinance rather than allowing the county to enforce it.
— Approved a program that pays inmates from the Department of Correction $1 per hour to pick up trash on roadways in town.
— Approved a donation of $500 to aid the Dixie Youth Softball Association in taking 39 players to the state tournament in Eden, which will be held July 6-18. The association needs about $5,000 total.
— Heard from Catherine Brooks, who complained about a broken water main and an overflowing storm drain near her home.
— Scheduled a special meeting for 11 a.m. on July 10 to discuss personnel.
The PD is the reason why there will be NO raise for NO one! If i was a town employee i would Blame the PD for costing all the town employees a raise.
Oh, and who cares anyway, state employees havenot gotten any kind of raise in the past 7 yeas! Stop complaining pembroke employees, be glad yaw got a job.
If the mayor give the nod for the cost of living, and said the money is there, why in heavens name would you two deny and deprive these employees of it. Your decision was not only shamefull but mean spirited as well. It only goes to show how much you really don't appreciate the work these men and women do and the Town of Pembroke will suffer for it.
Your information is false, just like your comments. There is not anyone on the council who is unemployed. Also, I think the new voice on the council is helping the town get out of the mess that the citizens have been left with.
First, the ex-manager was paying his son a salary to be a (Volunteer) fireman. That is gone. Money saved.
Second, the police department screwed up a grant that paid officers because they could not abide by the rules that were given.
Third, the batting cage will be paid for by the proceeds from the park, through advertising ect..
Finally we have some transparency in the town rather than all the secret backroom deals.
Obviously you dont have a clue either! Ryan Sampson RESIGNED??? from the staffing alliance and is currently unemployed... Other than running the concession stand at the town park with his wife and the few individuals that they allow to help them being that they dont hire anyone other than those who KNOW THEM.
And the NEW council? You mean Allen Dial's puppets? Ryan Sampson is a puppet on a string that does whatever Allen wants! Mr. "I'm my own man... I have a voice." Yea right.. He's a puppet!
What have the citizens been left with? What does that have to do with giving a group of hard working women and men a raise that is deserved????? You forget that these workers spend more time dedicating their lives to this town than they do with their own families!!! THEY DESERVE IT.
And finally... THE BATTING CAGE WILL BE PAID FOR BY THE PROCEEDS FROM THE PARK? Obviously you dont have a clue here either. The park doesnt make any money to my knowledge and operates on a 36,000 budget according to your 2012-13 budget, so how is batting cages going to get paid for there? Through advertising? BE FOR REAL..
Before you stick your foot in your mouth again please just read the article and go back to the Sampson/Dial household peacefully. Ignorance is bliss and this community is full of it. I am a loyal citizen of Pembroke and its not a perfect town but the people working here shouldnt have to suffer because of jealousy and ignorant people.
Mr. Sampson what you do in the dark will come to the light. All of those people you are trying to please in hopes that you will work with the county dont give a crap about you and we will keep paying your unemployment gladly. You are a selfish individual that will come crashing down one day! Watch what you do... Because you are being watched! I guess you couldnt give out a raise because you spent so much money on your failed concert.
I know Ryan and he sells insurance independently.
Some people need to make tough decisions and not what is the easy way out. In my job, I actually have to do very well to get a raise, not because its time for one. Thats what is wrong with america. I am sure the town will eventually get a raise when the time is right.
That is why I will never get into politics because of all the idiots out there.