Snow Hill prepares for potential partnership

SNOW HILL — The Snow Hill Board of Commissioners recently authorized the request for the town to be included in East Carolina University’s Municipal Management and Innovation initiative.

The project proactively targets Eastern North Carolina municipalities in an effort to help provide capacity in administrative management, policy analysis, strategic planning and program development by using resources and expertise of students, faculty and staff.

“Acknowledging that many eastern municipalities lack adequate staff and administrative capacity to effectively respond to the basic fiscal, policy and programmatic need of their citizens,” Kenny Flowers, director of Community and Regional Development at ECU, said in a letter describing the program. “We conclude that effective day-to-day management and delivery of public services have become extremely difficult for these units of local government.”

Town administrator Bob Clark said the program could provide substantial benefits to Snow Hill government officials and community members alike. There is no cost for Snow Hill to submit an application for the program.

“This is a great opportunity,” he said. “It would increase the availability of expertise and assistance to the town.”

Clark said the possible partnership with ECU could have a long-range impact on the community.

MMI offers an immediate increase in local administrative capacity, program support and research relevant to key local issues. The initiative provides students interested in careers in municipal management a real-world setting to train and prepare.

“Through MMI, ECU offers each community a high level of insight, and provides technical assistance and resources that address key local needs,” Flowers said. “Further, our engagement provides creative partnerships and guidance that help increase administrative, management and program efficiencies that allow participating local governments to immediately increase local capacity, and enhance their ability to effectively deliver public services.”

Sarah Campbell can be reached at 252-559-1076 or scampbell@freedomenc.com.

Meeting highlights:

The Snow Hill Board of Commissioners met Monday. The following topics were discussed during the meeting:

Snow Hill mayor Lorrine Washington announced the town has received a $5,000 donation from the campaign of former N.C. Sen. John Kerr, District 5.

Dana Hill, Snow Hill public works director, presented the board with the town’s Water Shortage Response Plan. The plan outlines provisions for how the town would respond to drought condition

Town clerk Michelle Strickland asked the board for guidance in notifying town customers about the alternative water rate increase. Residents inside the city limits will see a $9 fee added to their bill beginning Dec. 1.