By Liz Moomey
liz.moomey@salisburypost.com

LANDIS — The Landis Board of Aldermen will meet at 7 p.m. Monday at Town Hall, 312 S. Main St., to set a date for a public hearing on the 2019-20 budget.

The aldermen have held two budget workshops. At Thursday’s workshop, they agreed to keep the current property tax rate at 53 cents per $100 valuation but offer residents relief on electric rates with one rate of 10.5 cents per kilowatt hour.

The aldermen have questioned most line items in the budget as the town attempts to bounce back from years of poor financial management. The former town manager and former finance officer are under investigation by the state for possible embezzlement of town money.

The board was split 3-2 on several items, including adding a police officer and providing a vehicle for the Parks and Recreation Department. Mayor Pro Tem Tommy Garver suggested a tax decrease of 2.5 cents per $100 valuation, but other aldermen said the town needs to build its fund balance.

Interim Finance Officer Roger Hosey on Thursday proposed several changes that were brought to the attention of the aldermen and town staff at previous meetings. One resident asked why the fees to pay utility bills is so steep. Since then, Hosey has found new software that will lower the cost to pay those bills with a credit or debit card.

In other business:

• The aldermen will consider a budget amendment regarding Passive Park.

• They will receive information on a stormwater management plan for Dollar General that was recommended for approval by the Planning Board.

• The board will also consider closing City Hall on July 1 to allow the town staff to close out the fiscal year.

Residents who want to speak during the public-comment period are asked to sign up before the start of the meeting. Each person will have three minutes to speak.