[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6561128,"mediaKeyId","3295791-91666ad19f992e315373712db6002a59","parentId",3295791,"title","Votes at a glance: Whiteville council adopts agenda, approves minutes and records motions on appointments and budget items","audioSeconds",38,"startMs",93000,"endMs",131000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3295791-91666ad19f992e315373712db6002a59&start=93&end=131","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3295791-91666ad19f992e315373712db6002a59/thumbnail_93000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6561128/Whiteville/Columbus-County/North-Carolina/Votes-at-a-glance-Whiteville-council-adopts-agenda-approves-minutes-and-records-motions-on-appointments-and-budget-items","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561128-8c96d0d7e9a67bee00adddb034041c58/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178603&Signature=a2H3Er0pb~dQbVaYVtfsEAAD-me76NL05dW~qRDihCKoAKEUNCJLa51glothW0qOZy8OhH00v72rXE14lGProtl3RsUSrM4XOsjs0MsShaw2iec8f7uHg1hxZ~wpd7fRby57Y9i2uLdNlmQtGkhN31UXdeGOGKKQxvVBoCcu9Op0Qok5i3vPL~b~pzslLRH~ZZm-HfJu4TJOcBsgw5tMYybjgcYtXf6sBWyg7dj2KQ9jovJ3d~txQLg-5qIHaWZCd7xDsJVfPUjlwaKxN1XVcDGjt6ilSnofJHVJqhcpHabfsvqh9wQJl6ZICSXFCt3NIEjic~QpXrwcuiBEELhDcw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Whiteville","date","2025-05-13T18:30:00Z","article","The Whiteville City Council recorded several routine and substantive motions in the meeting transcript provided.

- Agenda adoption: The council adopted the meeting agenda following a motion and voice vote. \"Agenda is adopted,\" the clerk recorded after the call for the vote.

- Approval of minutes: The council approved the minutes from the April 22 meeting after a motion and voice vote. \"Minutes are approved,\" the clerk recorded.

- Appointment to fill unexpired board term: The transcript records a motion to appoint a citizen (referred to as \"Bill\" in discussion) to fill an unexpired board vacancy; the motion passed after the call for the vote. The staff discussion referenced that the unexpired term runs through October, the prior holder was \"Mr. Dean,\" and that the selection would fill an unexpired term. The motion carried.

- Budget amendments and Providence Building item: Staff presented budget amendment number 5 (multi-source amendments, Golden Leaf grant, Corvallis contribution, and unexpected roof replacement) and the transcript records \"Motion carries\" after that presentation indicating approval.

Several other items were presented as staff recommendations or requests (a request for a resolution identifying sidewalk projects for NCDOT, authorization to execute roundabout easements, and staff analysis of tax collection options). For those items the transcript records staff presentation and requests for future council action; the transcript excerpt does not record formal council votes for the sidewalk resolution request or the roundabout easement authorization.

Where the transcript did record formal outcomes, the results are summarized above. Where the transcript did not include a roll-call or named-vote, the article lists outcomes as recorded by the clerk and staff comments; missing details are marked as not specified below.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Whiteville - Regular Meeting of the City Council - May 13, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","During the meeting the council adopted the agenda, approved minutes, carried a motion appointing a member to an unexpired board term, and recorded motion(s) approving budget amendments; several other staff requests were presented for later action.","taxTitle","Whiteville, Columbus County, North Carolina","taxId",58823,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6561132,"Council approves multi-source budget amendments; Providence Building roof replacement added to scope",225,3594000,3819000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3295791-91666ad19f992e315373712db6002a59&start=3594&end=3819","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3295791-91666ad19f992e315373712db6002a59/thumbnail_3594000.jpg","/articles/6561132/Whiteville/Columbus-County/North-Carolina/Council-approves-multi-source-budget-amendments-Providence-Building-roof-replacement-added-to-scope","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561132-4194081319c0627308f06bff35d1f72d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178603&Signature=K5-jAveiWIFvvDProLkQhBjtx0kX7ioUqpx6BFoPAJH8PxdQQ6j8-~VeK9QBn4aBW2IhVvKIi9sM7~kJKmEkrA4qBnfMfGsgT5137tmc33nUkiWguL1dqLYyxsxGJNzASBy13KQKrah9z8KdljnlSUEDZJeynLESXYv-aP~ywOjvQ7ZvhNVL1oZTukETM72~XpX0RLuwrhL6-W8JmcP7goQYdLU8bz6tr1vwdXTv5udkmCa7qYkw8qIUyyuBJBHr-H6yPEanFgwzFJmNsYsmGJlsW8wr2BHa1dioddkh6iUR3sim1igm68SYE~sp8sNpkEL2Il-HYyO6fMWp6Kurzw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented multiple budget amendments and updates tied to the Providence Building renovation, grant awards and other limited items and told the council the changes reflect newly secured funding and some unanticipated construction work.

Staff said the project picked up a $500,000 Golden Leaf grant and that Corvallis (partner/contributor as recorded in the transcript) agreed to pay roughly $280,000 for additional renovation of the back portion of the Providence Building; staff said that additional scope increased project revenues and added construction line items. A roof replacement emerged during demolition and required additional funding; staff said two flat roof systems and multiple roof penetrations led to unexpected water intrusion and replacement needs.

The staff presentation also included smaller housekeeping budget items: insurance recovery revenue of about $7,172 for a 2020 fire engine, an increase in vehicle maintenance and repair budgets tied to that recovery, and an adjustment to miscellaneous revenue tied to a one-time debit recovery of $62,592. Staff reported that, after reallocations and updated revenue estimates, the revised budgets would balance and contingency was held for possible extra needs.

At the conclusion of the budget amendment presentation, the transcript records a council motion and \"Motion carries\" on the amendment item. Staff and the mayor later discussed roof age and common causes for flat-roof leaks on older buildings, noting the roof was approaching 10 years old when removed.

Staff said construction work on other infrastructure (airport water/sewer) is underway and anticipated to continue on schedule if weather permits.

The council approved the amendment package as presented in the transcript excerpt.","Council reviewed a suite of budget amendments tied to the Providence Building renovation and other items; staff reported a new $500,000 Golden Leaf award and a $280,000 contribution from Corvallis to cover additional renovation scope including an unexpected roof replacement.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6561136,"Council asked to approve small easements for Lee–Franklin–Madison roundabout; staff authorized to sign documents if approved",137,3134000,3271000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3295791-91666ad19f992e315373712db6002a59&start=3134&end=3271","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3295791-91666ad19f992e315373712db6002a59/thumbnail_3134000.jpg","/articles/6561136/Whiteville/Columbus-County/North-Carolina/Council-asked-to-approve-small-easements-for-LeeFranklinMadison-roundabout-staff-authorized-to-sign-documents-if-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561136-3fed99355e5749901e970257a94760a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178603&Signature=WW4vodFyXVRZ1oeJYUgftixio~V8tuAZaWLm-N7-4U7YY9SEQ1vHNJccrwd~6OBL-I4HbzqQQwet3XrBliympw0IO50gZhABT3oJ1O0IUhfdqOMnDC2wEMOIcqcjW8Y9G-7fD-e~bKo8UxnFJ4pFE52QZCX3HIJMUaptwqdBLKNvA1BVMcYV5mc7eccqdS~siwj8WQHDCLGatbBHFbL-fbznSqsNLIxdvhu~THq2MI5gSxNxV3RYxHK20AS-ikndfMqq5ausnIGFefoz-fGP9tH9USxlsFom~xzsRg~QkqocdlFOdLY6kNxunnsxGKdVx-hOAypJKY-NIYhwO375ww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented three right-of-way/easement documents required to accommodate a planned roundabout at the Lee, Franklin and Madison intersection and asked the council to approve the easements and authorize staff to sign the documents.

The staff presentation included an aerial map showing a small number of property strips the state needs for the roundabout footprint and a short description of each parcel. The staff member said the DOT appraised the required strips and provided a valuation; the presenter told the council the department's valuation was \"575\" (transcript record). Staff said the strips are small and that the paperwork includes standard appraisal and indemnity clauses.

Staff asked the council to grant authority to execute the three documents and authorized the staff presenter to sign them if council agreed. The staff presenter said DOT had already appraised the parcels and asked the council to approve the easement conveyances so the state can continue the project. The transcript does not record the final council vote on the easements in the provided excerpt.

If approved, the easements would allow the DOT to build the roundabout as shown on the city's aerial exhibits; staff characterized the needed areas as small and limited to the intersection corners and adjacent strips.

The item was presented immediately after earlier agenda business and preceded other budget items.","Staff presented three deed/easement documents and appraisals for small property strips needed from the city to accommodate a N.C. Department of Transportation roundabout at Lee, Franklin and Madison streets and asked the council to authorize execution of the easements; appraisal figures were provided by the DOT.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6561142,"Whiteville staff outlines costs and timeline to resume in-house property tax collection after Columbus County moves to percentage fee",648,1273000,1921000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3295791-91666ad19f992e315373712db6002a59&start=1273&end=1921","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3295791-91666ad19f992e315373712db6002a59/thumbnail_1273000.jpg","/articles/6561142/Whiteville/Columbus-County/North-Carolina/Whiteville-staff-outlines-costs-and-timeline-to-resume-in-house-property-tax-collection-after-Columbus-County-moves-to-percentage-fee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561142-203662a02df53a98a0e997e5e36352a8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178603&Signature=CzXJ6uMogxyr7c-SrwGcVS-it1xJ7w1NL3fGs-LCc60GsutiLppuFzXhw6bqbtqWyOnoHPKIDvG8-VnmzguiDLw8Oil9ubV75gk5epIoHTWzz~u~hFWXwWMEnq~xVXQ~FVcs0g6Bv0alFfBUwj0sbeMdNfPP7rqIH34cLv66UlbTLJUbNI0ufPKNFvJOJ4wyr7OmKhgfYaW~zdYKsmiwGhOkT9I1STAmHGexGB3BWDWiWKhP2aUmp1FP~sRZwepOU1SQboKrJrC38ZiCCxEVKi5IP2TixXSfEPqgaSrP6hOJpEQQpgTEfQ0DsCvxwverIopXf-jyCWjTfr5URkKw7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Manager Kevin (first name only in the transcript) and finance staff presented a comparative analysis on whether Whiteville should continue having Columbus County collect municipal property taxes under the county's newly adopted percentage fee or resume in-house collection.

Kevin summarized the county's January decision to switch from a flat-fee arrangement to a percentage-based collection and said the county set the new rate at 3 percent; staff reported the county figures estimate the change would cost Whiteville about $75,001.58 annually for collection services and about $85,000 when combined with stormwater and downtown tax collections. \"They voted on 3%.\" the city manager said, referring to the county vote.

Finance staff presented two options. Option 1 assumes the county's 3% fee remains in effect; staff estimated the city would pay roughly $470,000 for collection services over five years under that scenario, noting the county model included no stated annual ceiling and a revaluation in year three that would increase collections. Option 2 would be an in-house model: staff estimated year-one costs of roughly $51,000 (about $26,000 for software purchase and implementation, roughly $20,000 in professional fees and salary costs, and up to $5,000 for print and mailing) and a five-year total of about $155,000. Staff concluded that, by the five-year comparison, in-house collection would be materially cheaper than staying with the county's percentage fee.

Staff also reported nonrecurring proceeds (hurricane-related funds) that could offset start-up costs and noted faster access to tax receipts could improve investment earnings: \"The quicker we can get our hands on that... that 4 weeks quicker, that 6 weeks quicker,\" a staff member said, describing how earlier receipt of funds could benefit the general fund.

Council members and staff discussed operational details: training and legal compliance for collections, creation of a tax collector position, use of an outside former tax-collector to assist during the first year, online payment capabilities, handling delinquent accounts and legal collection options (including potential bank account garnishment once legal processes are followed). Staff said they had spoken with their software vendor (Edmunds) and that the needed module exists.

Staff noted a practical deadline: the county's 120-day termination notice would place the effective termination in July; staff said the city must decide whether to keep the county arrangement into fiscal 2026 or prepare a rapid, in-house implementation. No final council vote on taking collection in-house is recorded in the transcript; staff asked for direction and said they would return with implementation details, including a proposed tax-collector appointment if the council elects to resume local collection.

The transcript includes requests to develop a public awareness campaign and to plan for heavy collection activity at fiscal year-end if the council chooses to resume in-house collection.

The council did not record a formal final decision in the provided transcript.","City staff presented a comparative analysis after Columbus County shifted municipal tax collection from a flat fee to a percentage (reported as 3%). Staff concluded in-house collection would cost less over five years and asked council for direction before the county's 120-day termination window expires in July.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6561146,"N.C. Department of Transportation presents sidewalk and crossing projects for Whiteville; staff seeks council resolution",61,134000,195000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3295791-91666ad19f992e315373712db6002a59&start=134&end=195","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3295791-91666ad19f992e315373712db6002a59/thumbnail_134000.jpg","/articles/6561146/Whiteville/Columbus-County/North-Carolina/NC-Department-of-Transportation-presents-sidewalk-and-crossing-projects-for-Whiteville-staff-seeks-council-resolution","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561146-754e8504bb7f98ef86423055f43d8102/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178603&Signature=HhNw5swNKNRc67p0i8zLUVJce1vqaI7JF3h7rMOL37wOW08j2NQftc~8J12KeOgw2cef73fsu4jB2N6vwGnLhpHNgR1OAHB100qKrxMG-zSKoSussM-1HyYWp4tPFnEQhSWhoJ2lPIY9XVBqaQjyoIe9MDdgbX--DgtVI~wBEAQ~j98wB2cbUOCUWnbMuvCEhMvzEueoLCoWmXDHdDc-nw76BF3kDgPFZ6JJp0Kpp~DHWxsaW3nROsdhGKyWAA7B6TyHNNfm-pcHW-BpVqzBcssyeuPIUntTZf5cadnimKAVn4Jo1zZX-6vgXu3wPmcmtYIB3Ma-zrBvpnQWaHBa0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ken Clark, an engineer with the N.C. Department of Transportation, presented a package of pedestrian-safety projects to the Whiteville City Council, asking the council to adopt a resolution identifying a primary project on U.S. 701 and related sidewalk extensions so NCDOT can apply federal funds and begin right-of-way purchases.

Clark told the council the first project is to extend sidewalks and install a midblock crossing treatment on Lewis Street to connect with existing sidewalks near the high school and on Williamson Street. He said the proposals include a fence in the median between Wibbs and Birkhead to direct pedestrians to the signalized crossing. \"This is for pedestrians to use the mid block crossing that signal right there,\" Clark said. He described the projects as part of the department's \"vulnerable user\" funding program, intended for locations with large numbers of children or older pedestrians.

Clark said the work on U.S. 701 would tie new sidewalks to recently built segments on J.K. Piles Boulevard and MLK Drive and also extend sidewalks on Washington Street and along a route near McDonald's and Leech Creek. He described engineering measures such as curb bulb-outs and resurfacing on Franklin Street to close a persistent gap between pavement and sidewalk and to create a buffered parking area that separates pedestrians from multiple travel lanes.

On funding and timing, Clark said the projects rely on federal funding that requires a local match; he stated the project has a 20 percent local match and that NCDOT expects to need some right-of-way purchases to complete the work. \"It is federal funding. There is a 20% match,\" he said. He asked the council for a formal resolution that would specifically identify the 701 project and the other sidewalk projects so NCDOT can move forward on acquiring any required right of way.

Council members asked clarifying questions about sidewalk widths and whether the recently installed signalized crossings at the courthouse would remain unchanged. Clark said the courthouse beacons operate independently of the proposed 701 crossing treatments and described recent field observations that the new devices are prompting drivers to slow.

The presentation noted the town may see increased demand for sidewalks from multifamily development in the southern part of town and that the package is intended to connect existing segments to emerging housing areas. Clark said NCDOT has received and installed pedestrian equipment and that the department will coordinate design and right-of-way steps with city staff.

No formal council vote to adopt the requested resolution is recorded in the transcript; Clark explicitly asked for a resolution and the staff said they would prepare one for council consideration.

The council discussion moved next to other agenda items.","An N.C. Department of Transportation engineer outlined sidewalk extensions, new crossings and median fencing under a federal \"vulnerable user\" program and asked the Whiteville City Council for a resolution identifying the 701 project and related sidewalk work so NCDOT can proceed with right-of-way purchases.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Whiteville council adopts agenda, approves minutes and records motions on appointments and budget items

Council approves multi-source budget amendments; Providence Building roof replacement added to scope

Council asked to approve small easements for Lee–Franklin–Madison roundabout; staff authorized to sign documents if approved

Whiteville staff outlines costs and timeline to resume in-house property tax collection after Columbus County moves to percentage fee

N.C. Department of Transportation presents sidewalk and crossing projects for Whiteville; staff seeks council resolution