BY CAROL MOSLEY
Telegraph Staff Writer
HAMPTON – After months of negotiations, the city of Hampton has secured a contract for a $25,000 purchase of the Victory Baptist Church property on C.R.18.
The city is in need of a new well and this was the most advantageous location for placement.
The original asking price was $35,000 which was countered by the city at $23,000. The parties agreed to a $25,000 final price with a $5,000 deposit to secure the deal until the process is completed.
An environmental review will be conducted that must be approved by Fish and Wildlife Services.
The budget was on the agenda with the inclusion of a quarter-mill increase in the property tax rate to 1.75 mills, which will yield $22,019 in revenue. An increase was necessary to meet climbing operating costs across the board.
The mayor and council members got pay raises to $250 and $200 respectively. City Clerk Hildreth noted that eight years ago the general and water fund budgets was around $250,000 but are now $2.2 million, primarily increased due to grant funding.
Hampton has many grants currently in the works. Two $50,000 recreation grants would fund upgrades and provide amenities to City Park and Bobbie Sheppard Memorial Park. No matching funds would be required for either one. A recent park safety inspection was conducted and received a good review.
The city was granted a $1,000 Florida Municipal Insurance Trust award. Other important grants pending relate to cybersecurity and community planning technical assistance.
