November 2008

By FRANK M. JOHNSON, Mayor, Town of Mt. Airy
As published Nov. 5, 2008

1. Shop and Dine Downtown. After more than a year, we are overcoming the effects of the fire. The Bohn Building and the new building, between Bohn and town hall, are close to completion. Two shops, Déjà Vu and Retro Metro, have already opened in the Bohn Building replacement. Others, including A Do or Die Salon and Day Spa, will be opening very soon, and Laurienzio’s Brick Oven Café should be reopening within weeks as well.

The rebuilding of the Watkins Building has begun within the last few weeks, and we look forward to that building being completed sometime during the Spring of 2009. Please be sure to shop downtown this holiday season – gift certificates will be available starting the second Saturday in November, which will also be the Holiday Preview sale.

2. Budget Planning with Reduced Revenues. On Oct. 15, the state made more than $300 million in budget reductions, and could be forced to take more steps before the end of the year. With the slowing economy, revenues are at smaller amounts than anticipated.

Although the town has always predicted revenues conservatively, some reductions are likely to have an effect on us as well. Initial estimates indicate that general fund revenues could be about $60,000 less for 2009 than anticipated, and perhaps a bit more than twice that amount less than was initially predicted for 2010.

At this point, while we will have to make adjustments, it does not appear that massive reductions in existing services will be needed. A first review of the budget line items, with input from staff, suggests that targeted reductions, rather than drastic cuts, will help balance the budget. This may mean reductions in some areas and withholding or delaying improvements in others.

While this approach will work for the town for this year and next – under current revenue estimates – further rounds in revenue reductions, which are possible, may cause major problems. The town has a tradition of being conservative in spending, which is helping at the present time, but in the event of further reductions the town could end up with few options other than raising revenues or making major cuts.

3. Friday Night Teen Center. The Friday Night Teen Center in the basement of town hall is focused on teenagers from 13 to 17, and is open from 7:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. As many as 40 teenagers have come through some evenings, and many stay the entire evening. There are several donated couches and chairs, a large screen TV, and a donated Playstation Two.

We are very thankful for volunteers Pat Rockinberg and Linda Brown for chaperoning. Donations have also been made by the Lions Club and the Senior Center’s 55-Plus Club. Adults who wish to volunteer some nights should contact me at frankmjohnson@verizon.net or at town hall, 301-/829-1424. Volunteers working with children are by state law required to have a background check, which the town will do for anyone volunteering.

4. Fire Code Upgrades. A task force headed by Planning Commission member Oscar Baker has been working on amendments to the town’s fire and safety code. This task force is working to help the Planning Commission consider upgrades to the town’s fire code, and was started a few weeks after the Sept. 2, 2007 downtown fire.

After much consideration of the desire and need to upgrade standards, but also avoid extreme approaches or create enforcement problems, the task force is completing its work. It will be recommending some upgrades to requirements for fire safety and sprinklers in commercial buildings, and fire alarms in residential. The State Fire Marshall, whose has also had a representative on the task force, has also agreed to assist with inspections where needed.

Many may remember that I was injured in a bicycle accident in mid August. I very much appreciate everyone who has offered concern, and I’m happy to say that I am continuing to recover from the injuries.

Please be sure to wear bicycle helmets if you ride a bicycle – I would probably not have survived my accident if I had not been wearing a helmet.