Mills River – The Mills River City Council convened recently to discuss several key agenda items, including updates on the park accessibility project and FEMA-related recovery efforts. The meeting began with a motion to approve the agenda, which was unanimously accepted, setting the stage for a productive session focused on community concerns and local governance.
Park Accessibility Project Update and Community Engagement
Town Manager Matthew McKirahan provided updates on the park accessibility project, highlighting local students’ contributions. “We are in the final stages of the project. If you have a moment, check out the great job the students at Henderson County have done on the walkway,” he will state. The grand opening is set for July 22nd.
McKirahan will also discuss adjustments to the park’s shade structure, ensuring it provides effective use in the afternoon. He expresses optimism about the project’s completion, stating, “By our next meeting in August, we hope to see work done back there. The community will be excited.”
In related news, Mills River has broken ground on a new inclusive playground at Mills River Park, funded by a $263,000 Accessibility for Parks Grant. It will feature a hillside slide, spinner, climbers, and an accessible pathway.
Nicole Sweat, director of Parks and Recreation, said, “This playground is where every child, regardless of ability, can play and connect.” While construction proceeds, the existing playground will remain open, with updates available on the town’s website.
Mayor Shanon Gonce noted, “This expansion is a step in making our park more inclusive. We’re excited for the future development next to Mills River Park.”
FEMA Work Update and Financial Implications
In addition to the park project, the McKirahan reported on ongoing FEMA-related work, including storm debris removal efforts. “We’re going to keep that running as the projects continue to move forward and continue to update that through our social media,” he assured attendees. The city launched a new website, milsriver.gov, to provide residents with timely updates on FEMA projects and recovery efforts.
In addition the Town Manager detailed the progress made in storm debris removal, stating that most of the mulch had been cleared and that further vegetative debris would be removed in the coming weeks. He noted, “Progress is slow but nonetheless, we’re hopeful to have people see dirt moved very soon.” This commitment to transparency and communication is crucial for maintaining public trust in local governance.
The financial implications of these projects were significant. The council also reviewed the end-of-year property tax collection statement presented by Kristen Rintoul, the Tax Collector. The report indicated a collection rate of 99.55%, slightly higher than the previous year’s rate of 99.53%. Rintoul explained that this high collection rate reflects effective tax collection practices and supports future budgeting for city projects.
The council unanimously accepted the tax collection statement, which reported a total adjusted levy of $3,807,690.24. Rintoul emphasized the importance of transparency in tax collection processes, stating, “High collection rates may positively impact future budgeting and financial planning for city projects.” However, she also acknowledged potential challenges such as public misunderstanding regarding tax assessments.
Furthermore, the council adopted Resolution 2025-21, which authorized Rintoul to collect taxes for the upcoming fiscal year at a rate of $0.17 per $100 valuation. This resolution is essential for compliance with North Carolina law and establishes clear authority for tax collection activities. Rintoul noted that while this process aims to streamline operations, there are risks related to taxpayer objections and legal challenges.
As the meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, it was evident that the Mills River City Council remained committed to addressing community concerns while ensuring effective governance. The updates on both the park accessibility project and FEMA recovery efforts highlighted a proactive approach to enhancing local infrastructure and fostering community engagement.