Approval of Minutes - March 4, 2002 Regular Session
Mayor Pro-Tem Ebron stated that the minutes of the March 4, 2002 regular session were open for review and adoption. There being no corrections to the minutes, Councilman Hodges made the motion to approve. Councilwoman Heath seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

Budget Amendment #4 Fiscal Year 2001/2002
Mayor Pro-Tem Ebron stated that the Council needed to adopt the following budget amendment to break out sales tax revenue the town will receive from the state. Town Manager Johnson stated that it was necessary for the budget amendment due to sales tax reimbursements for the sewer line project to Northeast Elementary which will be reimbursed to the state and the library building project which the money will be reimbursed to the library.

Councilman Hodges made the motion to increase account #10-367-001 (Sales Tax Refund) from $15,000 to $38,197; Increase expenditure account #10-440-041 (Sales Tax Refund due State) from $0 to $17,821; increase expenditure account #10-440-042 (Sales Tax Refund due Library) from $0 to $5,376. Councilwoman Wilkerson seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

Water Bond Anticipation Resolution
Mayor Pro-Tem Ebron stated that a bond resolution needed to be adopted in order for the Town to receive money prior to the bond proceeds being available. Mayor Pro-Tem stated that by adopting the resolution it would enable the town to access $2,250,000 and allow the sale of the bonds. Town Manager Johnson read the following resolution. (Insert)

Councilman Baker made the motion to approve the resolution as read and presented and to authorize the Mayor and Town Clerk to execute the necessary documents.

Monthly Reports
Monthly reports included in packet.

Habitat for Humanity
Town Manager Johnson stated that Habitat for Humanity had contacted him concerning waiving of building permit fees and tap fees, etc. Council concurred that waiving the fees was their intent when Habitat for Humanity approached the Council several months ago.

Planning Board Member - Resignation
Town Manager Johnson stated that Mr. Ron Blythe regular member of the Belhaven Planning Board/Board of Adjustment had resigned due to new responsibilities. Town Manager Johnson asked that the Council appoint someone at the April 15, 2002 meeting. The appointment will be for an in town resident.

Cancellation of April 1, 2002 Council Meeting/Easter Holiday
Town Manager Johnson stated that the Municipal Building would be closed on Monday, April 1, 2002 in observance of the Easter Holiday and asked if there was no pressing business would the Council consider canceling their meeting or rescheduling if necessary. Councilman Hodges made the motion to cancel the Monday, April 1 Council meeting and if necessary to reschedule on Monday, April 8. Councilman Baker seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

Miscellaneous/Public Comments
Community Development Block Grant - Concentrated Needs (CDBG-CN)
Councilman Ebron questioned when this grant would start. Town Manager Johnson stated that construction should start this summer and that Ms. Marcia Quidley was the last member of the Project Advisory Committee appointed.

Elevation Project
Mrs. Jane Dilday, resident, questioned if additional houses would be bid for the elevation project. Town Manager Johnson stated that twelve bids were received last week and award of those bids should be within the next two weeks and that additional homes may be bid in the future, dependent upon the availability of funds.

222 George Street - Mrs. Mable Satterthwaite
Ms. Satterthwaite, resident, complained of the roof on one of her houses which had been elevated, as the shingles on the back porch roof did not match. Town Manager Johnson stated that the purpose of the grant monies used to elevate the home and bring the home up to minimum housing standards. Town Manager Johnson stated that he would have inspectors view the home again and make repairs if needed.

New Electric Rate Schedule - Availability
Mrs. Elaine Hudnell, resident, questioned when the new electric rate schedule would be available. Town Manager Johnson stated that within two weeks.

Town Reduce Tax Rates - County Property Tax Appraisals High
Mr. Roy O'Neal, resident, stated that the property taxes had increased and he felt the town should reduce the rate. Town Manager Johnson explained that the property tax rate had not increased and was still at .54 per $100 of valuation for the town's portion. Town Manager Johnson further explained that increases in the re-evaluations of properties performed by the county and mandated every ten years. Town Manager Johnson stated that the Council may consider a tax rate reduction the new fiscal year budget deliberations.

Taxes - Mr. Steve Carawan
Mr. Steve Carawan, resident, asked the budgeted amount for taxes. Town Manager Johnson stated that based on property evaluations $295,000 was budgeted with 90.1% collected amounting to an estimated $270,000.

Tax Collections - Ms. Del Stutzman
Ms. Stutzman, resident, questioned the status of tax collections. Town Manager Johnson stated that the Town was working closely with the county in tax collections by attaching bank accounts, garnishing wages and can file with the state to attach state tax refund monies. Town Manager Johnson stated that 99% of taxes are historically collected, but not in the year due.

Adjournment
There being no further business, Councilwoman Heath made the motion to adjourn. Councilman Hodges seconded the motion which carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:25 P.M.