PEMBROKE — Town council members heard nothing but positive remarks Monday about the fiscal year 2017-18 audit, which highlighted a general fund increase of about 750 percent in the past decade.

In an audit presentation given to the board, John Masters, of S. Preston Douglas & Associates, noted that in 2009 the fund balance was about $200,000 and now sits at about $1.5 million.

He said the general fund balance mirrors the growth in available funds at the end of the year, which went from about $200,000 in 2010 to about $3.2 million in the past fiscal year.

“You’re all to be commended for being excellent stewards yourself,” Masters told the board.

The property tax collection rate was at 93 percent, which also is a good standing in Robeson County, Masters said.

The report was approved by the state after two days of review.

“You’re all to be commended for making the decisions that you had to make,” Masters said. “They may not be the most politically expedient ones, but your managers have carried them out and executed them, and I can’t say enough good things.”

“We have a good staff that makes this town a good place to live and work,” Councilman Channing Jones said. “It’s a group effort continuously.”

“This town has come a long way,” Mayor Greg Cummings said.

In other business the board:

— Unanimously approved a resolution adopting a Water and Sewer Development fee for the town. Council member Teresa Locklear was not present.

— Approved a consideration to update the town’s fee schedule. In his motion, Jones made a request to increase the Homecoming golf cart permit fee from $20 to $30. Jones said the increase will “ensure safety to folks coming in our town.”

— Tabled until January a request to amend the 2018-19 budget to allow for the installation of permanent backup generators for Railroad and Normal streets, and N.C. 711, which would cost $5,300 each, and a backup generator for Deep Branch, which would cost $24,000. Town leaders want to wait for more price quotes.

Members of the Pembroke Town Council listen to the 2017-18 audit report delivered by John Masters, of Douglas & Associates, during their regular meeting on Monday.
https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/web1_DSCN5682_ne201812322349394-1.jpgMembers of the Pembroke Town Council listen to the 2017-18 audit report delivered by John Masters, of Douglas & Associates, during their regular meeting on Monday.

Tomeka Sinclair

Staff writer

Tomeka Sinclair can be reached at 910-416-5865 or [email protected]