Roanoke Rapids City Council Tuesday approved a spending plan for a $3.5 million allocation which was appropriated to the city in the state budget.
Of that money, $2.65 million will go to retiring the deed of trust with Bank of America on the Roanoke Rapids Theatre.
City Manager Kelly Traynham said after deducting the $2.65 million for the deed of trust, there will be around $850,000 left to use at the city’s discretion by June of next year.
She said the city will have to negotiate a grant contract agreement with the Office of State Budget Management to establish an allocation timeline for fund distribution either on a monthly or quarterly basis.
Traynham recommended that the $850,000 be used for the following purposes:
$250,000 to $300,000 to repair the city hall elevator
$250,000 to repair the roof and fire alarm system at Kirkwood Adams Community Center along with replacing carpeting and bathroom fixtures
$50,000 for site work which will be used as a supplement to a $75,000 Community Development Block Grant which funds restrooms and a bathhouse at Chaloner Recreation Center
$10,000 for a strategic city plan
$60,000 for a comprehensive development plan
$55,000 for demolition to address blighted areas of the city
Traynham said the city hasn’t updated its strategic plan in over 10 years. Its mission statement is one from 1990.
She said the development plan is important for grants and driving economic development.
While Councilman Wayne Smith said he had no problems with fixing the community center, the site work at Chaloner, or the demolition, he said he would like to see something go to updating the city’s software, particularly for the city being able to accept online payments. “We have people who come from out of town to pay fees for permits. It makes us look like a backwoods town.”
Tryanham recommended the software updates be drawn from the city’s share of American Rescue Plan funds. She said the UNC School of Government has scheduled a webinar for Friday to further discuss the American Rescue Plan.
