Campbell to host City Council Budget Strategy Session

Buies Creek, N.C.-Upgrading Dunn’s waste water treatment plant and sewer system, improvements to Tyler Park, a practical solution for some old school property-these are some of the projects under consideration for Dunn’s 2009-2010 budget. On Friday, Feb. 5, city council members, administrators and department managers will convene at Campbell University for a budget planning and strategy session. The session, which is open to the public, will take place at 8:30 a.m. in Lynch Auditorium of the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business.

Dunn Finance Director Mark Stevens said the university is the perfect venue for the session.

“Campbell is really a huge asset to the county,” Stevens said. “I think it’s a great location for the city to discuss its vision and strategies for the future and great for the students to see how city government operates.”

Dr. Benjamin Hawkins, dean of the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business, is especially pleased with the city’s decision to meet at Campbell.

“Over 30 managers from all facets of city government will convene here,” Hawkins said. “This is a chance for our business students to observe just how much government is run like a business.”

Mayor Oscar N. Harris will call the session to order and Stevens will deliver the Mid-Year Financial Report. Other items on the agenda include discussions of the city’s code of ethics by City Attorney P. Tilghman Pope and uses for the Old Harnett High School property by Harris and City Manager Ronnie Autry. An update and timetable for the city’s wastewater treatment project and downtown development will be delivered by City Engineer Ed Powell and former Mayor J. Dal Snipes; curbside recycling; plans to update Tyler park; and city ordinances dealing with animals and birds, solid waste management, weedy/wooded lots and other issues will also be discussed.

“We are inviting some students and faculty members to attend and, of course, the public is also invited,” Hawkins said. “This is an excellent opportunity for everyone to see government in action.”