On the chopping block
So far, Spencer aldermen haveapproved these cost-cutting measures:
• Cut current $2,000 annual nonprofit grant program to $0.
• Eliminate $2,700 for new concrete pad at recycling center to replace gravel pad.
• Cut anticipated 1 percent cost-of-living raises ($9,528) and 3 percent merit raises ($10,871) but retain $8,140 in one-time longevity bonuses.
• Cut elected board’s salary by 40 percent.
• Charge a fee for mulch but keep two free mulch giveaways per year.
• Create a volunteer events committee to come up with fees for usage of 8th Street Ballpark, Rowan Park picnic shelter, Library Park and gazebo to raise revenues or at least offset expenses.
• Shorten the leaf vacuum program to four months — October through December, plus March for final spring cleanup.
• Charge the bulk pickup rate for any brush or limbs exceeding 4 inches diameter. Charge a fee for contractors who use town services for pickup.
• Ask Spencer Little League to pay for replacing the netting at the ballpark.
Not approved but under consideration:
• See how much the town would save by farming out Land Management Department services, including code enforcement and planning functions, to the Rowan County Planning Department.
• Explore curbside garbage pickup service with three stipulations:
1. Town would purchase roll-out containers and add $3 per month to residents’ water bills for up to 18 months. Residents who already have an approved container and those who want to buy their own will be reimbursed the $3 monthly fee.
2. Residents with a handicap parking permit or other evidence of disability would be exempt from the roll-out requirement.
3. Residents who don’t roll their carts back within 24 hours of garbage pickup would face a fine.