Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, March 23, 1991 TAG: 9103230111
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: RICK LINDQUIST CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: DUBLIN LENGTH: Medium
Planning Commission Chairwoman Patsy Akers said Thursday that preserving Dublin's small-town charm, improving services and expanding the tax base are the town's top three goals.
The Pulaski County Board of Supervisors has terminated talks with the town on boundary changes. The town, which is seeking additional land, has been involved in negotiations for about two years.
In addition to expansion, the plan calls for the establishment of a national register historic district in the town, as well as for flood control, street improvement and downtown revitalization.
During a brief slide presentation, Akers said the historic district would provide "a focal point of civic pride."
Dublin has already applied to the state for the designation, and Akers said she expects approval by next year.
"Community support is vital," Akers concluded. "Public support, commitment and participation will be the engines that drive these programs forward."
Also, council unanimously approved a three-phase plan to fund and construct water system improvements. Administrator Gary Elander said the town originally considered borrowing $1.5 million from the Farmers Home Administration to pay for the work.
"That loan over a 40-year period would have cost much more than that in just interest," he said. Elander's approach would break the work up into three smaller projects on a "pay-as-you-go" basis.
The initial phase would enlarge the waterline and the meter at the point of delivery from Pulaski County's water system.
Council also agreed to set up a reserve account to hold money for the water-system work, which will be used in bidding for the first phase.
In other matters, Elander said Blue Cross/Blue Shield group rates for town workers will rise by only 11.1 percent next year. He said similar group rates elsewhere in the state have increased by as much as 25 percent.
Council also approved a tight schedule to get Dublin's budget approved well before the new fiscal year starts on July 1.
Elander said he'll have a draft budget ready by the end of the month, and that he hoped the Finance Committee could recommend a budget during the first two weeks of April.
Under the recommended calendar, the town's public budget hearing would be May 16, and final approval would come during a special meeting at the end of May.
Council member Colbern Linkous suggested that his colleagues consider establishing a special account to fund boundary change activities.
"We're going to have to cut some items to offset it," he said.
Mayor Benny Keister told Linkous to refer his suggestion to the Finance Committee.
by CNB