July 5 - 11, 2018
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Citizens, council commended for embracing heritage Three Oak Ridge Town Council members traveled to Raleigh on June 28 to receive a special recognition on behalf of their town by PATTI STOKES
OAK RIDGE – Oak Ridge Town Council members Doug Nodine, George McClellan and Mayor Spencer Sullivan were taken aback on June 28 when they visited Raleigh and got a standing ovation from state senators. “Our visit to Raleigh yesterday (June 28) was remarkable for a
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Photo courtesy of George McClellan
Oak Ridge Town Council members (L-R) Doug Nodine, Mayor Spencer Sullivan, and George McClellan visited Raleigh on June 28. While at the state capital, they got a standing ovation from senators, who honored the town for its 20 years of efficient and representative government.
Mayor’s proposals on dry tap fees spark debate Council to continue discussion at July 12 meeting by STEVE MANN STOKESDALE – Calling it “a starting point” and “an equitable thing to do,” Mayor John Flynt has introduced proposed changes to Stokesdale’s dry tap fee policy that could end the payments. “It’s an issue we’ve been talking about a long time,” Flynt said during a June 21 special meeting of the Stokes-
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dale Town Council on topics regarding the Town’s water system. “I think it’s created a lot of ill will in the town.
I get people on the street saying, ‘Hey, I don’t really think it’s fair. Is there any way I can get out?’ I think, in a sense of fairness, there should be some way to get out.” Mayor John Flynt
Forms of government explained 3 Your Questions ............................4 Pets & Critters ..............................7 Charlie goes dock diving ..........8
Before the water system was installed in 2003, citizens were offered the opportunity to pay a $200 deposit – which rose to $500 after a few months – as an incentive to sign up. When/if the waterline came by their house, they would not have to pay the connection fee. But if, and only if, the waterline came by their house, they had to pay the availability fee, which currently is $30.50 a month. It was called a “dry tap fee” if the citizen chose not to hook up to the town’s water system.
Pet Adoptions..............................9 Crime/Incident Report ............. 10 Community Calendar .............. 11 Youth Sync ................................ 14
Some have said they have paid more in dry tap fees than it currently costs to hook up to the water system. Others, including Flynt, argue that new owners of property should not be required to continue dry tap payments agreed to by the previous owner. And some have refused to pay the $30.50 monthly fee altogether and have delinquent accounts. According to Interim Town Clerk Alisa Houk, there are 72 dry taps.
...continued on p. 6 Grins & Gripes ........................... 17 Letters/Opinions ....................... 18 Classifieds ................................. 19 Index of Advertisers .................23