TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 2023 MINUTES OF TOWN COUNCIL BUDGET WORKSHOP 5:00 P.M.  COUNCIL PRESENT Mayor Keith Warren Joe Wesson Rebecca Johnson Melissa Curtis Bobby Mosteller COUNCIL ABSENT Clay Wilson  STAFF PRESENT Chase Winebarger Julie A Good  CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Keith Warren called the meeting to order at approximately  5:17pm.  INVOCATION: Councilman Bobby Mosteller gave the invocation.  PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Keith Warren led the Pledge of Allegiance.  ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION:  Town Manager Chase Winebarger discussed the budget needs for the Fiscal Year  2023/2024.  SALARIES: Town Manager Chase Winebarger discussed adding a salary increase for all  employees to the budget.  CERTIFICATION INCREASES: Town Manager Chase Winebarger discussed writing a  certification policy and having Council adopt the policy at a later time.  MEDICAL INSURANCE INCREASE: Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that there will be a three percent (3%) increase to the employer paid medical insurance. Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that there would be no employee increase to the medical  insurance.    March 7, 2023 Budget Retreat  LEGERS INCREASE: Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that there was an increase last year for the LEGERS retirement for employees, and there will be an increase this year,  but that this should be the last year for an increase.  PUBLIC WORKS: Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that Council had discussed a new dump truck for Public Works during the February 7,2023, Annual Budget Retreat/ Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that he has spoken to Public Works Director Steve Coonse and discussed the possibility of getting a swap loader instead of a dump truck. Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that the swap loader would do various jobs that a regular dump truck could not do and would be a better option for what Public Works needed. Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that he would have cost estimates for Council at the April  4th,2023, Budget Workshop meeting.  BAKER CIRCLE WATER PROJECT: Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that the Baker Circle water project is expected to go out to bid on. March 21, 2023, in the Town of  Sawmills Council Chambers.  NEW TOWN HALL: Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that the new Town Hall  building should be going out to bidi in April or May of2023.  BAIRD PARK PHASE 1 PROJECT: Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that the grading for the phase 1 of the Baird Park project, which includes the walking trail, amphitheater, football field, toilets and concessions, and parking will also go out to bid in  April or May 2023.  SALES TAX INCRESE: Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that there would be a sales tax increase ofthree (3) to five (5). percent and the tax reinvestment monies is projected to be at three present (3%) this year. Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that  he would have a number for Council soon.  BARID PARK LOWER FIELD: Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that the lower field holds water and that there were issues with bees and erosion on the field. Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that with the spring baseball season starting and church softball league starting back soon after, that the issues need to be addressed. Town Manager Chase Winebarger Chase Winebarger stated that he has spoken with Steve Williams and is waiting on a quote for concrete terrace to fix the problems on the lower field. Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that he should have the quote by the April 4th, 2023,  Budget Workshop meeting.  PARK LIGHTENING: Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that hel had been in contact with Musko Lightening regarding getting lights at Veterans Park, and the T-ball field and parking lot at Baird Dr. Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that the quote for all lightening is approximately one million three hundred dollars ($1,300,000.00). Town Manger Chase Winebarger stated that there were financing options for three (3)years, five    March 7,2023 Budget Retreat  (5)years, seven (7) years and ten (10) years, with very good finance rates. Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that he would suggest Council finance the lights for at least two (2)years and then pay off the balance. Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that there is  no penalty for early pay off.  URBAN ARCHERY: Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that he had been approached by citizens regarding urban archery, which the State ofNorth Carolina has now added to their hunting season. Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that urban archery gives citizens a chance to thin out the deer population, using archery only, during a specific time frame within the municipal limits, with a permit from the municipality. Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated he would have more information on the topic at a later date. COUNCIL ADJOURN: Mayor Keith Warren asked for a motion to adjourn.  Rebecca Johnson made a motion, and Melissa Curtis seconded, to adjourn the meeting. All  were in favor.  The meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:13pm.  Kabnlan Keith Warren, Mayor  TowTry N988  Qunata  6 CDUN