Bob Shiles
Staf writer
MAXTON — Maxton commissioners received some good news Tuesday, that the town’s finances are improving.
Angela Pitchford, the town’s interim manager, said that she was informed recently by Sara Shippee, of the state Local Government Commission, that “things are looking pretty good so far.” Shippee’s remark was in reference to financial reports the town must file each month with the Local Government Commission, Pitchford said.
Pitchford said that much of the credit for getting the town back on track financially should go to Myra Tyndall, the town’s former finance director.
“Myra is awesome,” Pitchford said. “She and I have been working hand-in-hand to get finances stable and the town moving forward.”
The town’s annual audit, presented in January by John Masters of the accounting firm of S. Preston Douglas, revealed that the town had a low cash balance, as well as a general fund balance of only $90,000, down from $673,000 two years ago.
Sharon Edmundson, the director of the fiscal management section of the state Local Government Commission, told the commissioners early this year that if steps were not taken to boost the town’s revenue that Maxton could run out of cash by the end of the year. Edmundson suggested several things for the commissioners to look at, including reducing the number of town employees; increasing tax collections; eliminating some services; pursuing grants; and internal financial controls.
In other business:
n The commissioners approved procedures for the operation of the Maxton Police Department’s K-9 unit. The policy recommendations were made by the town’s interim police chief, Tammy Deese.
Deese said that the town’s K-9 unit includes two dogs and their handlers.
n The commissioners tabled action on proposed rates and fees for using town buildings and Beacham Park for events. Town officials say they want to make the fees affordable for local residents.
n Deese announced that there will be a community watch meeting at 6 p.m. on Sept. 12 in the Maxton courtroom.
n Pitchford requested that town residents put their trash out at night so that it can be picked in the early morning. The town recently took over the responsibility of local trash collection from private contractor Waste Management as an effort the save money.
Reach staff writer Bob Shiles at 910-272-6117 or bshiles@heartlandpublications.com.
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