By Lorraine Bennett
Staff Writer
The Hayesville Town Council gave its approval to extend the Quanassee Path behind the ballfields and near the recreation center. The 1,200-foot extension would run beside Town Creek ending near Spikebuck Mound and is subject to approval by the Clay County Board of Commissioners.
Councilwoman Lauren Tiger made the motion to fund the extension. Councilwoman Benita England offered the second. Mayor Joe Slaton said he had discussed the proposed project with Commissioners Rob Peck and Clay Logan. The town would fund the project.
In other discussion at Monday evening's meeting the town agreed to seek bids to re-roof town hall and complete any maintenance connected with the re-roofing.
"Better to re-roof before it leaks," England commented. Councilman Harry Baughn offered the motion with Tiger the second.
After considerable discussion the council voted to propose more than $13,000 in salary increases in next year's fiscal budget. The increases would cover five positions:
• Zoning administrator - $12,000 to $16,000.
• Town clerk - $12,900 to $14,000.
• Finance officer - $ 4,680 to $ 8,500.
• Mayor - $3,000 to $ 4,000.
• Town manager - $12,000 to $16,000.
Slaton said no salary increases have been approved in the past 15 years. In that time the cost of living has gone up about 33 percent. The salary increases would reflect increases of 25 to 33 percent. The town currently has combined the town clerk/finance officer positions and the mayor also functions as town manager. Separated positions might be necessary in the future.
The council noted that during previous administrations there should have been incremental salary increases along the way. Baughn observed how fortunate it was that "we have a zoning administrator and a clerk that were not motivated by money but by public service." He made the motion to increase the salaries by $13,320 in next year's budget to cover the five positions. England offered the second.
The increases will be presented in the town's initial budget for review next month.
Historic Hayesville Inc.'s Sandy Zimmerman told the council how the Master Gardeners' group has been working to beautify the front of Town Hall. She also discussed with the council the prospect of pursuing a Community Development Block Grant.
Zoning Administrator Ron Wallace said zoning compliance certificates have been issued to Claude and Martha Scisson for a new single family dwelling on Rivers Edge Drive and to Brad Alwine for a new single story office building at 879 Tusquittee Road.
He said no Planning and Zoning Board meeting was held last week and no Board of Adjustment meeting is scheduled during April.