Havelock commissioners to look at new fire station proposal

HAVELOCK - The Havelock Board of Commissioners begin a 6 p.m. Monday work session meeting with a look at the proposed plans for a new West End Fire Station.

Architects Jim Stumbo and Phil Fieler of Stewart, Cooper, Newell Architects are scheduled to appear before the board with a power point presentation. Commissioners may direct the staff to proceed in preparing the bid specifications following discussion.

The board is also scheduled to hear a status report on a proposed sewer service agreement for the Croatan area between the cities of Havelock and New Bern, and a developer.

Board members plan to also hold another budget work session to trim some expenses in the $14.8 million budget that proposes a 4-cent tax hike to 53 cents per hundred dollars in valuation. Requests for additional funding for the library and other possible changes to the budget may also be discussed.

A penny on the tax rate raises about $60,000.

City Manager Jim Freeman said that while only a few people spoke at the public hearing on the budget last week, commissioners heard them and will attempt to address their concerns.

The budget is scheduled for adoption on Monday, June 23.