The town council approved the FY 2009-2010 budget at Monday's meeting. The general fund totaled $3,660,850, which is $78,456 less than the current budget.
There is no increase in property taxes, which remain at $0.58 per $100 valuation. The same remains true for the $0.07 tax per $100 valuation in the Wadesboro fire district.
Sewer rates are expected to increase to match the county rates. The garbage fee will be $7.50.
The town's fiscal outlook improved when it learned of a lower than expected increase in healthcare costs. Costs will increase 2 percent.
"This ray of sunshine brightened the budget picture and may allow us to consider an across the board salary increase later in the year," town manager John Witherspoon said in a letter to the council.
The town also approved a bid by Anson Contractors for the Wadesboro Park project in the amount of $191,360.97.
Council members approved the purchase of six new vehicles for the Wadesboro Police Department. The department will receive six Dodge Chargers at the cost of $140,000.
This will give the department eight patrol vehicles and four unmarked vehicles. The department currently uses Ford Crown Victorias.
Chief Janie Schutz is currently working on a policy to determine when vehicles should be replaced, Captain Thedis Spencer said.
Some members of the council were concerned the current troubles the American auto industry is facing could affect the town's purchase.
"With all these bankruptcies in the auto industry, will these cars still have a warranty?" Mayor Bill Thacker asked Spencer. Spencer assured him the vehicles would be covered.
The sight of the new vehicles could surprise local motorists.
"[They are] going to be a different color than you're used to," Witherspoon said. The new cars will be silver.
The town reappointed Charlene McCormick to the Wadesboro Housing Authority. Her appointment expired May 1. It is a five-year appointment.
Charles Kiser was also appointed to the authority.
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