SPENCER — If it’s May, it’s budget time.
Spencer aldermen will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday to discuss next year’s budget and set a public hearing when residents can weigh in. The new fiscal year starts July 1.
Most aldermen have expressed opposition to raising Spencer’s property tax rate, but the garbage fee could be another story.
Town Manager Larry Smith will hold office hours at 6 p.m. today for any alderman who wants to stop by to talk about the agenda. Office hours are open to the public.
Also on Tuesday night’s budget:
• Reports from department heads and Mayor Jody Everhart
• Public comment

• Consideration of a demolition ordinance for 430 Steeplechase Trail
• Budget amendments

In other town news, the Spencer Woods project failed to win a second grant from the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, which would have helped pay for amenities like an outdoor classroom.
There is still a chance the money could become available for the state to reconsider the grant application, Smith said.
Spencer received $200,000 from the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund last year, which paid to buy Spencer Woods from the LandTrust for Central North Carolina. The land trust saved the 42-acre forest from clear cutting.

Contact reporter Emily Ford at 704-797-4264.