RED SPRINGS — Disagreement over who has authority to set a pay scale for town employees during Tuesday’s Board of Commissioners meeting resulted in a closed-door session.
The problem was who would determine the scale, the town manager and the Human Resources department, or the commissioners. The results of the closed session were not known as of deadline.
A pay raise for the mayor and the commissioners also was discussed briefly Tuesday. The state Legislature approved on Friday a change to the town’s charter that cleared the way for the elected leaders to be paid more.
“The state assembly has approved getting fair compensation for what we do,” Mayor Edward Henderson said. “The next step is to work with the NC League of Municipalities to determine a pay rate.”
The commissioners discussed the implementation of a policy to conserve water during a drought or other event that creates a water shortage. The policy, which must be approved at the state level, would impose fines on residents found to be wasting water. The policy also must be placed in public view at Town Hall for 30 days and a public hearing held before it can be approved by the commissioners.
The rezoning on South Main Street to Office/Professional was approved in order for an old mansion to be used as a bread and breakfast. The rezoning allows the establishment of a restaurant and event space. The owner, Feanna Jattan-Singh, grew up in Red Springs and wants to have a part in the revitalization of the town.
The commissioners did not act on a rezoning request needed for an internet cafe called Ruby Slippers. The Planning Board, recommended it be approved.
Residents spoke against the project, calling it bad for the town.
In other business, the commissioners:
— Approved buying three new lawnmowers because that was cheaper than repairing old ones.
— Approved a forbearance agreement plan that will allow residents to sign a note saying they “promise” to pay a late utility bill.
— Opened the meeting with a moment of silence for the loss of Lumberton Councilman Leon Maynor, who died Monday, and Assistant County Attorney Michael McDonald, who is hospitalized.
— Approved a policy change that will allow vendors to sell their products at the town’s farmers market without paying the regular $3 fee, and allow them to sell directly from a trailer. Vendors still must sign in at Town Hall before selling their products at the farmers market.
