City Council's May breakfast meeting provides updates on Reid Street, 2024-25 city budget
The City Council met for its informal breakfast meeting on May 2. City Council meets on the third Thursday evening each month throughout the year, and the morning meetings are held on the first Thursday morning most months, with breaks in January, July, August and December. The meetings typically are used for discussion items and for City Council to provide broad direction to staff, but the Council can take action when needed. The council did not take action but heard several important updates during the May meeting.
Reid Street Community Center improvements update
Parks and Recreation Director David Lee provided an update on the improvements at Reid Street Community Center. The project engineer recently bid out the first phase of the improvements, which was the pool deck upgrade. Unfortunately, no bids were received on the project. Lee heard from contractors that the job was too small a project to be bid separately. The project engineer will now rebid the project with both phases one and two in the fall. The existing pool area will be available throughout the summer.
Council members then briefly discussed the city’s two pools, referencing previous conversations that both pools are old and need repairs. Lee said that once the upgrades are made to the Reid Street pool, many of the maintenance issues will be addressed. Council members requested staff provide the usage numbers for both pools from last summer.
Electric cost increase expected in 2024-25 budget
City Manager Grant Goings provided more information about the upcoming electric cost increases that were discussed during the April City Council meeting (read more at the link below). During that meeting, two riders to the city’s wholesale electric costs were discussed. These two riders will add 6.3 percent in additional costs to existing electric rates. Wilson Energy faces another issue with the closing of the Ardagh facility, which was one of Wilson Energy’s biggest customers. The electric system functions through a model that benefits by having high-usage manufacturing facilities, and the loss of Ardagh was the equivalent of losing 8,000 homes. That has driven costs up by more than four percent. The two riders and the loss of Ardagh increases costs to the electric system.
Goings said as he prepared the city budget, he and staff identified several other improvements to the system that will need to be addressed. However, Goings said he thinks those costs can be delayed until other contract provisions occur to limit the additional cost to Wilson Energy customers. The final numbers will be presented on May 16 during the annual budget presentation.
Revenue neutral methodology and calculations presented
Chief Financial Officer Amy Staton provided information about the revenue neutral tax rate after the county property tax revaluation. The revenue neutral rate is a rate providing the same amount of total property tax revenue after revaluation as before revaluation plus an allowance for normal average growth, as defined in NCGS 159-11( e). The revenue neutral rate for the city is $0.4732 per $100 of assessed value. The current tax rate is $0.575 per $100 of assessed value. Goings said he thought some residents were confused by the revaluation numbers and thought they would be paying the current tax rate on the new tax value of their property. The proposed tax rate will be presented on May 16.
City Council’s next meeting is Thursday, May 16 at 7 p.m.
Smell the roses on Sunday, May 19
The annual Sunday in the Rose Garden event returns with some new twists. The fun, free event will be Sunday, May 19, 2-4 p.m., at the Wilson Rose Garden, 1800 Herring Avenue, weather permitting. Here's what's in store:
Music by Bill Myers: Let the soothing melodies of Bill Myers serenade you as you wander through the fragrant pathways of the rose garden.
Rose-Pruning Tips: Discover the secrets of nurturing these exquisite blooms with expert tips on rose pruning. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there's always something new to learn!
Spring Hat Contest: Unleash your creativity and show off your most decorative hat in our 2nd annual spring hat contest! Prizes await the most stylish and imaginative entries. Everyone of all ages is welcome to compete.
Scoopy Dippy Doo Ice Cream: Indulge your sweet tooth with delicious homemade ice cream from Scoopy Dippy Doo! Treat yourself to a scoop (or two) of their irresistible flavors.
Kids' Activities: Keep the little ones entertained with fun and engaging activities designed just for them. From crafts to games, there's something for every young explorer.
Door Prizes: Feeling lucky? Don't miss your chance to win fantastic door prizes throughout the event.
Whether you're a rose enthusiast, a music lover, or simply looking for a delightful way to spend your Sunday afternoon, Sunday in the Rose Garden promises an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Mark your calendars and join us for a day of joy, laughter, and blooming beauty!
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Summer adventure awaits at Parks & Rec camps
Dive into a summer of excitement with Wilson's array of engaging camps, catering to a range of interests and age groups! From June 17 onwards, our city is buzzing with fun and learning opportunities for kids and teens alike. For the little adventurers, there's the Summer Time Fun Camp and Sports Camp, where ages 5 to 12 can explore new activities and make lasting memories. The Williams Day Camp (ages 7 to 11) promises a mix of adventure and creativity, while the Anthony Atkinson Basketball Camp welcomes grades K through 12 to hone their skills on the court. Cheer Camp (ages 4 to 12), Gymnastics Camp (ages 5 to 14), Volleyball Camp (ages 10 to 14), Art Camp (ages 7 to 11), Golf Camp (ages 7 to 16), and Soccer Box Soccer & Futsal Camps (ages 6 to 13) offer specialized experiences tailored to each participant's interests. Don't miss out—register now and discover the full camp details and prices on our website at. Happy camping!
 
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