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Assessed value dropping in Cloverdale
CLOVERDALE -- During the June regular meeting of the Cloverdale Town Council, Clerk-Treasurer Cheryl Galloway reported that the recent total assessed value rate of the town had come in at $10 million, the exact amount that the rates have dropped in the last five years.
Assessed value rates are measurements of real estate value used to calculate property taxes. In a letter to residents Clerk-Treasurer Galloway handed out at the meeting, she explained what their decline means for Cloverdale residents.
"It means our town is getting less money to put into our roads and sidewalks," she wrote. "It means the budget for the police has been cut, again, and the ability to help the Fire Department in purchasing gear is not there, and taking care of hazards such as dead trees that threaten resident's property. All this funding comes from taxes."
Clerk-Treasurer Galloway went on to say that the 113 vacant properties within Cloverdale are significant contributors to the rates' chronic decline, and Cloverdale has advertised the properties to businesses like Totally Whole Business Partners and the Roachdale Revitalization Cooperative Alliance in hopes that they would be interested in flipping them.
"Our historic downtown businesses have been affected because the curb appeal is not there," she wrote. "This council will do anything to open doors to support businesses in this community. If you need help opening a door, our door is always open."
While other efforts -- like seeking a Revitalization Grant, installing a small rest park and a horse park, and marketing the town on Facebook and Cloverdalein.com -- are already being pursued, Clerk-Treasurer Galloway plans to ask the council to consider approving a flat wastewater fee on all properties that have been vacant for an extended period of time.
As a last resort, she said the town would inspect each property and, after offering owners a chance to improve its value, would purchase it for demolition.
"This town council and I will continue looking for ways to improve our lives as citizens of this quaint little community we call our home," Clerk-Treasurer Galloway concluded. "We ask for your understanding, help and volunteering."
In other developments:
-- The council tabled a decision to accept a settlement in litigation involving payment of a $3,000 utility bill from the former Midway Motel. Larry Fidler moved to accept $3,000, but was not seconded. Gary Bennington suggested settling for the cost of water and sewer penalties at a total of $3,001.79, but ultimately the council could not decide on a dollar amount and how the payment would be received.
-- The council approved payment of $1,144 to a mediator.
-- The council approved the new accounting charges set at $600 per month in a 4-1 vote with Gary Bennington abstaining. The previous charges were $380 per month.
-- Clerk-Treasurer Galloway reported that she is currently seeking cheaper health insurance for the town.
-- The council tabled a request, received in a May 9 letter, for $2,200 from the Putnam County Animal Care and Control until the next council meeting on July 12.
-- The town has officially purchased property at 900 South to be used for a horse park at a cost of $40,000. The town is currently seeking suggestions for a name.
-- The council approved installing a new water line at the intersection of Water Street and Hurst Street at a cost of $4,025. The existing line has been repaired six times, which Attorney Alan Yackey said would make the town liable for any damages resulting from another break.
-- The council approved moving the water treatment plant security gate back at a cost of $3,700. The purpose of the move is to improve access to the water pump for users, who pay a fee. The board also approved adopting a water-use swipe card for the users.
-- The council approved vacating an east-west alley between Summerfield Nursing Home and Marathon Gas Station.
-- The council approved Ordinance 2016-3, which concerns time periods for vehicle storage and other matters, and Ordinance 2016-4, which clarified Town Code on permit requirements, fees and charges. Ordinances can be viewed at www.cloverdalein.com.
-- The council approved leaving U-Drive off of Logan Street as a two-way. The council had considered making it a one-way, but survey participants voted against it in a 14-3 vote.
In other business:
-- The council approved the June claims at a total of $280,438.43, which is a $68,000 decrease from the May claims and a $26,000 decrease from the January-June average of $306,000 per month.
The next town council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 12 in the Town Hall. A public hearing to address questions and concerns about the Revitalization Grant application process will be July 13 at 6:45 p.m. in the Town Hall.