Lexington council reviews budget proposals
Lexington council was presented the proposed city of Lexington Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2021-22 by the city manager at the May 24 City Council meeting. The budget is now on file in the city clerk’s office where it is available for public review. City council called for a public hearing to be held on June 14, 2021 at 6 p.m.
Copies of the complete budget included a message from City Manager Terra Greene who highlighted some of the goals addressed in the annual budget. The city’s new budget includes a diversity and equity professional approved at the council’s February meeting.
“Lexington staff is committed to addressing diverse community needs and making the best value choices possible given the uncertainty of funding resources, in light of the delayed results from Census 2020 and the COVID-19 (C-19) extensive State of Emergency,” Greene said in message to residents. “The city of Lexington has received approximately $25 million in a federal BUILD grant for passenger rail and is experiencing development activity not seen in decades, which is placing positive pressure on a lean government operation. To navigate this successfully with smart growth principles at the forefront, measured investments in infrastructure, facilities and personnel resources to manage the extraordinary grant opportunity and accommodate the economic growth spurt is essential.”
Speakers in support of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion position included Charles “Pic” Clark, president of the local NAACP. “Tonight, I want to thank you guys you for the new… DEI position and we look forward to a lot of great things in that position,” he said during public comments.
Other speakers included Chevon Burton, who spoke on behalf of the NAACP Lexington branch during the petition from citizens. “The time is now, and we can’t afford to put it off any longer…” he said.
Pastor Lester Smith encouraged the council to move forward. His concerns included “structural bias” and an “ugly trend” towards inequity in hiring practices.
Jason Hayes spoke to the council and noted what he called positive actions. This included Police Chief Robby Rummage's vision for community engagement. Hayes extended a “thank you” to city council for “willingness to have tough conversations about race.”
Other conversations included:
· Councilor Wayne Alley asked for a moment of silence in recognition of Memorial Day
· Acceptance of Dedicated Public Land or Facilities for City Maintenance with Performance Guarantee - Glenoaks Phase II – Resolution 31-21
· Drainage improvement in Cotton Grove and Linwood road area
· Ratifying the N.C. Department of Transportation Right-of-Way Encroachment Agreement on Primary and Secondary System for Waterline Improvements along Old US Highway 29 (SR 2123) and Turner Road (SR 2005)
