Commissioner Paul Hunt

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ROWLAND — The Board of Commissioners on Tuesday tweaked a proposed budget that maintains the town’s rates and fees but raises the tax rate by 3 cents.

The board agreed to transfer Faye Carlyle, an employee in administration, to the Water and Sewer Department to reduce expenses in its General Fund.

“Miss Faye already does some work for water and sewer … ,” Commissioner Paul Hunt said.

According to Hunt, the change would free up about $20,000 a year in the General Fund, which is used to pay town employees, and balance the budget.

Hunt said the board expects to adopt the plan after a public hearing later this month. The budget takes effect July 1.

The $852,850 budget would increase property taxes from 76 cents to 79 cents for every $100 of property, which will generate $11,000 in new revenue for the next fiscal year. The owner of a $100,000 home would pay $790 in taxes, an increase of $30 over the current fiscal year.

The budget does not include any layoffs or new jobs, any major capital projects or a cost-of-living increase for town employees.

The town is expected to lose about $37,500 in privilege license fees from Internet-gaming establishments that are forced to shut down by the state.

The town also announced that it will start accepting applications for town clerk.

The position has been temporarily filled by Elizabeth Brown, who works as an administrative assistant. Brown stepped into the position after former Town Clerk and Finance Officer Blake Proctor resigned.

Commissioner M.C. Shooter said the town would only need one employee to manage the responsibilities of the town clerk and finance officer.

“Those two particular jobs are compatible and it has been accepted in the past,” Shooter said.

Proctor resigned, saying the town can no longer afford his $55,000 in salary and benefits.

Mayor Elizabeth Hunt said applications will be available at the Town Hall and asked interested applicants to attach a resume.

In other action, the board:

— Gave permission to Lee Goodman to dispose of wood debris from property he owns at Mill and Hickory streets by burning it with the supervision of Fire Chief Joe McGirt.

— Agreed to tell the owner of a burned home on Main and Watson streets to clean up the property.

— Agreed to tell the owner of an abandoned home on Main Street to make repairs to the building.

— Agreed to extend the 20-mph speed limit zone by one block on Main Street for traffic heading into the business district.