POST Voice
The Pender-Topsail
Happy T hanksgiving!
&
Hardwood season Pender County high schools moved from the football fields to the hardwood as basketball season began last week. Read more in sports on page 1B.
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Volume 44, No.9
Topsail Beach gets good audit report
The Christmas season begins in Pender
By Tammy Proctor Post & Voice Staff Writer Wade Greene, a CPA, told the commissioners of Topsail Beach that the town is in good fiscal shape. In an audit presentation to commissioners during their Nov. 12 meeting, Greene said, “The town is in good shape all in all.” Greene, of W Greene PLLC of Whiteville, said the town’s finance officer, Connie Forand, was extremely helpful in the auditing process. The audit examined the town’s major funds, its business activities, and its cash flows. According to Greene’s report, Topsail Beach has assets exceeding liabilities of $11,238,951. The town’s net position increased by $1,781,697, said Greene. As of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, Greene said the town’s revenues were $4,003,594 and Topsail Beach’s expenditures were $2,775,464. In 2013, the town’s revenues were $3,930,521 and its expenditures were $4,425,713. Greene said the expenditures out-paced the revenue because the town spent $85,000 for inlet dredging and an additional $500,000 for the purchase of the Town Center Park property. In g raphs detailing the town’s general fund balance, the visual showed a steady increase in the balance. Since 2011the town’s expenses spiked due to beach nourishment and upgrades to the water system but the town is rebounding from those expenses. The town’s commitment to BIS (beach, inlet and sound) maintenance was $2,992,424 in FY 2013-2014. Topsail Beach has long term debt of more than $4 million, which pays for a fire truck, the water system upgrade, Well # 5, and the Bush Marina. The town’s net tax levy is down from 2012 when it was $1,822,058. The FY 2014 tax levy net was $1,790,071, which includes the 12 cent tax for beach nourishment.
Harrell loses to Luther by five votes In perhaps what was the closest election ever in Pender County, Burgaw attorney Kent Harrell lost the District 5 judge race to Lindsey Luther by five votes. “Thank you to all of my friends and supporters for your encouragement over the last few days. It has meant the world to Mandy and me,” Harrell posted on his Facebook page Nov. 21. Luther thanked her supporters on her Facebook page, saying “My humble thanks to everyone who supported me on this journey.”
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The Media of Record for the People of Pender County
County board resumes interviews New manager will have proven financial management skills, chairman says By Andy Pettigrew Post & Voice Publisher
Staff photos by Andy Pettigrew
Surf City began its Christmas season with the annual lighting of the town’s Christmas tree in Soundside Park Nov. 22. The choir (above) from The Gathering at Surf City Baptist Church provided music for the event. Santa visited with children on the newly-expanded Soundside Park stage. See more photos of the event on Facebook.
Hampstead American Legion helps during the holidays Post 167 collecting food for Commnity Holiday Assistance Program By Ashley Jacobs Post & Voice Staff Writer In an effort to complete the mission at hand, to give back to the local community, despite huge funding cuts, Hampstead American Legion Post 167 is participating in the Community Holiday Assistance Program for those in need this holiday season. It is a program providing comfort through food and toys to those who need it most. “We are in need of turkeys,” Post 176 historian Thomas Wright said. But that’s not the only thing the American Legion Post is in need of lately. “This year we lost much of our corporate support due to the economic slide,” he said. “That is the source of the high cost items, such as turkeys. The program is in danger of going under.” The CHAPS program is just one of many community
services Post 167 is dedicated to serving throughout the year. “It is geared toward local families who are living in poverty,” Wright said. “It helps many needy children.” It is a calling the veterans who make up Post 167 cannot deny. “The American Legion was founded to give veterans the opportunity to promote patriotism and support community activities that encourage our youngsters to develop a love of country and a desire to learn our heritage. We are also devoted to helping veterans in need, as well as our neighbors.” Being part of Post 167 provides a new chance to serve. The veterans making up the group no longer serve their country with arms in combat, but they’ve found multiple ways to serve their country on the home front through community service. Now,
they’re calling on community members to assist them in their current mission: putting food on the table for those who may otherwise go hungry this holiday season. In addition to turkey donations or monetary gifts, Post 167 will also gladly accept non-perishable food items and new toys. Though it sounds like a simple request, Wright admitted their biggest challenge has been finding people willing to help. But he doesn’t
let it break his spirit. “We just enjoy doing what we can for veterans and for our neighbors in the community.” In fact, he invited all who are interested in helping or joining the Post to visit their headquarters, 16666 Hwy. 17N, the second Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Active duty military and veterans are encouraged to join them in their fight to improve the quality of life on a local level.
As the Pender County Board of Commissioners begin another round of interviews for potential county managers, chairman David Williams says at least one skill has risen to the top of the list. “We are looking for a lot of different qualities, but I can say there are more finance questions being asked,” Williams said. “Whoever comes in will have to understand that there will be more commissioners asking financial questions than ever before. We are looking for someone who knows how to put a strong budget together, but also someone who knows how to keep folks informed with monthly, easy to read updates.” Commissioners, including commissioner-elect David Piepmeyer, met with a candidate Friday after interviews were resumed following the withdrawl of the top candidate from the search process. “We had a second interview with one candidate Friday. We are not 100 percent sure if we are going to bring in another candidate for an interview,” Williams said. “I think Friday was very positive. All the commissioners asked very through questions, but we have not ready to make an announcement. I know the public and county employees are anxious, but we don’t have anything to announce before the holiday. “
Burgaw Christmas tree lighting Friday; special activities planned The town of Burgaw will kick off the holiday season with its annual Christmas tree lighting beginning at 6 p.m. on the Courthouse Square. New activities are planned for the event. There will be live choirs from local churches on hand to provide special Christ-
mas music for the event. Children will be invited to make Christmas ornaments and decorate Christmas cookies. Santa will be at the Burgaw Community House to visit will all. Downtown businesses will be open late for holiday shoppers.
File photo
The Burgaw Christmas tree lighting will be Friday beginning at 6 p.m. on the Courthouse Square.
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