An interesting question about spending is shaping up in Wendell, where the town manager has told the commissioners the town needs $840,000 worth of repairs and renovations to town hall. Problem is, the town only expects $28,000 in new revenue for the fiscal year, according to Eastern Wake News.
Mayor Tim Hinnant asked town staff to produce a “must-list” for renovations to Town Hall. He noted roof repairs, new insulation and a new heating and air conditioning system as top priorities. Those upgrades together would cost an estimated $148,000.
There’s a huge difference between $148,000 and $840,000, particularly for a small town like Wendell. Kudos to commissioners for balking at a potentially significant encumbrance on taxpayers without a lot more research and cost/benefit analysis.