Water rates up 5%
BY CAROL MOSLEY
Telegraph Staff Writer
HAMPTON — The “old business” of the Hampton City Council meeting for May addressed the accomplishments since the April meeting.
Wayne Hilton of Josh Davis Swamp Cutters said that 100 yards of specialized new mulch was added along with reshaping of the ballpark. To the delight of the council, Dar Pro Solutions delivered and installed two new bleachers, instead of the one that was anticipated as a donation, and even poured a new pad for them to sit on. The new security system has also been installed to prevent the kinds of destructive activity that have taken place in the past.
Hilton said there is an issue with four-wheelers causing damage and suggested that a rail fence might be a deterrent. The council approved an expense of up to $5,000 for materials so that Hilton can get started on construction. If the fence doesn’t work as a deterrent, the hope is that identifying the violators using the new security system will put an end to the problem.
The new business began with Clerk Mary Lou Hildreth relating the results of the water rate study, which resulted in the Council agreeing that a 5% increase in water bills is reasonable. The increase will take effect on Aug. 1.
Next was a presentation and request for salary increase from city bookkeeper Merri Lee Hornick. She informed the council that she has been very conservative in requesting raises over the eight years of managing the financial books for the city. Hornick said she spends about 38 hours per month keeping the accounts in order and working closely with the clerk to produce informative reports.
She asked for a $2 per hour raise from $32 per hour to $34. She also requested one hour of personal time for every 20 hours worked. The council expressed appreciation for Hornick’s work and approved the increase as requested.
Hildreth approached the podium to address the Council and pointed out that she wears many hats in her position and is much more than just the clerk. She addressed her additional responsibilities as administrator and, in fact, also serves as grant writer for the city. Hildreth produced a list of grants received since 2014 along with some that are currently pending.
She said she is dedicated to the successful management and future potential of Hampton. Hildreth works about 25-30 hours per week and now makes $33 per hour. She requested an increase of $5, raising her salary to $38 per hour.
The council agreed that Hildreth fills numerous important roles and that her grant writing skills have been crucial to accomplishing the city’s goals. They also expressed appreciation for her management of the general city business. Her request was approved by all members in attendance.
