The Walnut Cove Board of Commissioners held a Special Meeting at the Walnut Cove Senior Center on May 25 to receive input from citizens wishing to comment on the proposed town budget for the fiscal year of 2010-2011.

“I am appalled as a lifetime citizen of Walnut Cove that you all would consider this proposed budget. In our economic times, I don’t understand where you folks are coming from,” said Barbara Grubbs.

Grubbs vocalized her concern regarding the possible garbage rate adjustment. Currently 508 residents pay $11 per month. The cost increase would be $3.61 which would raise customer’s bills to $14.61. Kiser Waste Management out of Germanton presently holds the contract that provides trash pickup within the city limits of Walnut Cove. Kiser placed a bid that would lock in the current rate for the next three years.

“If Kiser’s rates aren’t going up, why are you all charging people more,” asked Walnut Cove resident Nancy Duggins.

Town Manager Homer Dearmin explained that there hasn’t been a raise in taxes since 2000 and it was necessary to implement a rate or tax increase. Dearmin also cited that Kiser’s three-year contract was locked in and guaranteed not to rise regardless if gas prices go up.

The town currently subsidizes waste expenditure with tax dollars and believes that there is a need to cut services or raise rates to stay afloat. Charging residents for the actual cost of the service will allow tax dollars to go towards other departments, services and initiatives.

“The harsh reality is that there won’t be money to spend if the town continues on the path it’s on,” Dearmin said.

Mayor John Hodgkin added, “We have to be forward thinking. We have to put our town on solid footing.”

Another area of contention was the proposal of a 1.5 percent increase in salary to city employees.

“There are people who don’t know if they’ll have a job next week, and you’re talking about handing out raises,” Grubbs said.

Dearmin defended his position by explaining that employees have not had a cost of living adjustment in three years and have recently seen a significant rise in health insurance prices.

“As an employer, I think it’s socially responsible, and I believe we need to remain competitive with other agencies,” Dearmin stated.

The proposed budget would allot .75 percent to each employee and an additional .75 percent based on employees who meet or exceed performance standards.

Before adjourning the meeting, Commissioner Sharon Conaway requested to spend additional time reviewing the proposed budget.

“I’ve done my homework and there are questions here that are still unanswered. I’m not going to approve a blank check,” Conaway said.

Mayor Hodgkin replied that the meeting was set up for the public, and Conaway’s questions could be discussed at the upcoming June meeting.

“It’s my responsibility to know how the money is being spent, and it’s not adding up. There are areas that can be cut,” Conaway said.

Conaway voiced her concerns regarding town improvements, maintenance, equipment and equipment purchases.

Conaway added, “I also do not support the garbage increase.”

The proposed budget for the fiscal year is available for public inspection between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, in the Walnut Cove Town Hall located at 208 W. Third Street.