The exact look of Hayesville's 2021-22 budget will largely depend on timing.
The Hayesville Town Council council approved a motion to repave Sanderson Street during the monthly meeting on May 10, adding to a short list of projects that have been passed but are not yet underway. The council already gave the OK to drainage repairs on Curtis Street and the installation of an electric vehicle charging station during the April meeting.
"All three of those are approved projects at the moment, but none of them have actually happened yet," Mayor Harry Baughn said. "We'll see whether they get in this budget here before June 30 or not. If we don't spend the money this year, we'll have to do a budget amendment to spend it in next year's budget."
The council elected to move forward on a public hearing for the 2021-22 budget, which will be held prior to the start of the regular June meeting.
Baughn was also mindful of the end of his tenure as mayor in November. He said he has budgeted for new office furnishings and a new computer, pointing out that he has been using the same laptop that he received when he came into office almost eight years ago.
"It's going to be interesting to see who files for town council," Baughn said. "The only one I know of for mayor right now is a gentleman that I'm throwing my weight and support behind and that's Joe Slaton, who's been our mayor pro tem to fill in when I was absent. I'm very thankful and I think he's been doing a fantastic job and I definitely want to throw my support behind him."
Other notes from the May town council meeting:
• The council awarded $4,500 in grants to three local non-profits within the city limits. Each organization will receive $1,500 a piece. The Peacock Playhouse asked for funds for a security system, the Historical and Arts Council for the revitalization of the botanical garden, and the Clay County Communities Revitalization Association for enhancements to the historic courthouse square.
• The council voted to hold a public hearing in June about Planning and Zoning Board amendment regulations, including whether to adjust the town's 35-foot height ordinance to 40 feet to match Clay County's ordinance.
• Baughn said the county's newly-adopted Residential Park Development Ordinance will likely guide Hayesville's own future regulations in those areas.
• The council elected to extend its period of accepting bids for city janitorial services.
• The council approved a motion to pursue a bike/pedestrian grant.