BY DEBBIE PAGE
debbiepage.iredellfreenews@gmail.com
Phyllis Pearson of Petway, Mills, and Pearson presented the 2019-2020 audit report to the Troutman Town Council on Thursday, saying the town received a “clean audit” with few adjustments and no material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, or non-compliance issues.
Pearson said the town had $27 million in assets, with just over $22 million in property and equipment assets and a little over $4 million in cash. The town has $4.6 million in long-term liabilities and $1 million in current liabilities.
The town has $3.1 million in its fund balance, well over the state-required 8 percent of annual operating expenses, and about $210,000 in its capital project savings funds.
The fund balance increased about $820,000 over the past year after budget tightening measures and better than expected revenue during the pandemic.
Despite falling billing, the water and sewer fund increased $810,000 and remains self-sustaining, as required by the state.
COUNCIL PLANS TO FILL OPEN SEAT IN JANUARY
Mayor Teross Young announced the council is seeking applicants to fill the recently vacated Town Council seat formerly occupied by Paul Bryant, who resigned for family reasons.
Those interested in pursuing the position should send their letter of interest and resume to Town Clerk Kim Davis at kdavis@troutmannc.gov or drop it by Town Hall at 400 North Eastway Drive by December 31.
Young said the council will interview candidates at one of the January meetings before appointing a replacement.
SOUTH IREDELL EARNS WELLS FARGO CUP
Mayor Young presented South Iredell High School Athletic Director Shawn Cioffi with a framed certificate recognizing the school’s accomplishment in being awarded the North Piedmont 3A Conference Wells Fargo Cup.
South Iredell won the conference cup for the shortened athletic year after its teams collected conference championships in men’s and women’s swimming and diving, women’s golf, and men’s soccer during the cup year.
The final standings had South Iredell with 522.5 points, followed by West Rowan (482.5), Carson (470), Statesville (415), North Iredell (412.5) and East Rowan (397.5).
According to the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA), the group presents the state Wells Fargo Cup to recognize four high schools that achieve the best overall interscholastic athletic performance within each of the state’s four competitive classifications (1 through 4).
The Wells Fargo Conference Cup is a companion award that recognizes schools with the best overall interscholastic athletic performances within each individual conference.
In most conferences, points are awarded based on participation and standings in conference play. Each conference determines its own method of awarding points.
COMMENTS
Several council members thanked Parks and Recreation Director Emily Watson for the town’s new and improved holiday decorations and for putting together the holiday greetings video featuring staff and officials and their families in lieu of the town’s annual tree lighting ceremony.
Watson is currently creating a “#maskup” campaign to encourage folks to follow CDC guidelines for the next few months until the vaccines roll out and life can return to a more normal state.
Council member George Harris also commended Watson for overseeing the two nearly completed ball fields at ESC Park, which he hopes will be in full use this spring if the pandemic restrictions allow.
Mayor Young again asked citizens to remain vigilant against the virus as this “taxing year” comes to a close. Noting that the beginning of the restrictions on March 15 seems like years ago, he appreciated the staff working to keep the town operating and even completing special projects through the challenging time.
Young entreated residents to stay safe during the coming holidays, which he noted are not exempt from the virus. “Hospitals are filling up, and this is a real concern,” he said.
Urging Troutman residents to mask up, keep social distance and wash their hands, Young reminded them to do these “common sense things to protect yourself and your families.”
He also expressed his thanks for citizens’ support in these difficult times.
MEETING CONTINUED UNTIL MONDAY
After an extended closed session to discuss personnel, economic incentives, and property acquisition, the Troutman Town Council emerged to continue the meeting to 4 p.m. on Monday.