By Liz Moomey
liz.moomey@salisburypost.com

LANDIS — The Landis Board of Aldermen will hear from residents and potentially approve a budget for fiscal year 2019-20 at 5:30 p.m. Monday at Town Hall, 312 S. Main St.

Aldermen have met several times to work through the different departments and assess their needs. And board members have made it known they are paying closer attention to next year’s budget after the former town manager and former finance officer resigned as the State Bureau of Investigation began an embezzlement probe. 

Interim Finance Officer Roger Hosey proposed keeping the property tax rate at 53 cents per $100 valuation while offering relief to residents by having one rate for electricity at a rate of 10.5 cents per kilowatt hour. The board has, so far, agreed to Hosey’s proposal, despite Mayor Pro Tem Tommy Garver asking fellow aldermen to consider a tax decrease.

Hosey has also proposed that the town end its recycling program after residents questioned whether recycling material was ending up in the landfill. Because China has increased its restrictions on accepting recycling, municipalities across the country have seen an increase in recycling rates. Landis resident Meredith Smith said at the June 3 Board of Aldermen meeting that for some citizens, recycling is a big deal.

Although Salisbury increased its sewer rate by 1.6% — or $1.12 for the average bill — and Kannapolis has proposed an increase of 4.67% or $10.40 per month in water and sewer charges for the typical home, Hosey said those decisions will not affect residents’ bills. Landis has its sewer treated by Salisbury-Rowan Utilities and receives water from Kannapolis.

With the budget, the town will be committing more than $500,000 to the fund balance. The state’s Local Government Commission has repeatedly written to the town with concerns about its low fund balance and recommend a minimum of 8% of the budget.

After a public hearing, aldermen will consider the comments and approve the final budget.

The board will also consider several budget amendments for the current fiscal year.