BY CAROL MOSLEY
Special to the Telegraph
In February, the Brooker Town Council received their audit report for the past fiscal year, ending Sept. 30, 2023. The report from Reddish and White was positive with no abnormalities to report.
The mayor had been advised that waiting until 2024 to apply for the competitive Community Development Block Grant would be wisest. So, at the March meeting, a required resolution was passed to adopt any policies necessary to be in compliance. They are policies that are mostly already in place. The grant amount, based on population, would be $600,000.
Then, details of CDGB implementation requirements were discussed. Mayor Gene Melvin pointed out that, if the funds were used to replace distressed properties, it would only allow for three to four mobile homes or maybe two new houses at today’s rates.
Attorney John Maines noted that obtaining the CDBG grant is a lot of work. It requires a grant administrator and a housing specialist. Nonetheless, it was determined that the town needs the help. Besides housing rehabilitation, the other project categories include neighborhood revitalization, commercial revitalization and economic development.
There was no public election for Brooker Town Council members, as there were no challengers to those currently holding seats. Melvin was retained as mayor. However, Vice Mayor Steve Acree nominated Sue Bennett to fill that position and she was voted in.
Fire Rescue Chief Ben Carter and County Commissioner Diane Andrews collaborated on submitting the paperwork to accompany the town’s legislative fund a fire station in Brooker. Funding for both a station and fire truck have been included in the state budget, pending the governor’s signature.
A fire station is especially important to the town due to the distance from the nearest station at Sampson City and because of the school now being opened again.
In January, Corp. Glen Ward from county code enforcement informed Brooker Clerk Charlene Thomas that the clean up on the Castner property needed to be completed by Feb. 14 or the power would be turned off. He said his hands would be tied at that point.
Castner informed the clerk that the task of clean up and removal of an old camper, despite her expense and efforts, was just too daunting. She indicated that she may have to sell the property, though she hated being faced with that necessity.
The council entered into negotiations with Castner and has agreed to purchase the property for $17,000. The town will take responsibility for the remaining clean up. The council’s decision was based on the fact that the property would be of value to the town at large.
The property could serve as the location for a new fire station.
Thomas said Castner seemed to take at least some comfort in knowing the property would serve a purpose for the town. An agreement has been signed and closing is set to take place before the end of March.
