May 2008

By FRANK M. JOHNSOH, Mayor, Town of Mt. Airy
As published May 7, 2008

I again thank the Messenger for including this report.

1. The New Budget. The proposed budget for the town will continue to reduce taxes. This year the municipal property tax rate is proposed to be reduced from 17.4 cents down to 16.5 cents. This should result in some actual dollar savings for residents, and reflects the fact that our town government does benefit from a variety of revenues, including strong income tax revenues, interest on investments and state shared revenues.

This is also only possible by being careful with expenditures. Water and sewer rates will also remain unchanged for this year under the budget proposal.

2. Water Development. The town is moving forward on well testing in the Gillis Falls area. The wells need to be tested to ensure that there is no negative effect on groundwater levels in the area. While a 72-hour test had positive results, the town will be taking an additional and somewhat unusual step of going through a full 90-day test.

This is to provide more protection for any properties with private wells in the area but also to ensure the town makes a good investment if the wells are developed. The additional testing simply ensures better protection for all.

3. Water Conservation. Even as we take steps to enhance our water supplies, the reality remains – and will remain, no matter what the solution – that our water resource is not unlimited. But this isn’t just an issue for our town.

Conserving water is increasingly a priority for everyone on public water systems, no matter what the source of water – and not just during the summer, though it’s during summer that water use increases.

4. Free Water Conserving Items at Town Hall. Water conserving faucet aerators for bathrooms, kitchen and showers are available at town hall without charge for in-town businesses or residents. Just let us know where, in town, they will be used so that we have a record.

In addition, we are working with Citizens for a Green Mt. Airy to make more rain barrels available. More than 100 were provided last year. Most were sold at $20 to in-town residents, and we plan to have more available this year at the same price (about half or less of the actual cost). Call town hall now to reserve yours – we need only your name, address and phone number.

5. Water Conservation Tips. It is possible, through careful use of water, to save on the resource as well as save on water bills. Please do not use broadcast sprinklers outside, as they are one of the most wasteful uses of water.

If you need to water outside, consider a sprinkler hose, which uses a fraction of the water and does a better job at deep root watering that most plants need. In addition, be sure to only run the dishwasher and laundry machine with full loads.

It is also suggested to not let the water run when brushing your teeth or washing dishes. Just by being careful with our water use, we can

6. Tourist Center at Town Hall. Mt. Airy’s Town Hall is intended to be used to benefit the community. Starting this month, the front area of town hall will, in cooperation with downtown merchants, be used as an information center for anyone interested in our downtown or area businesses. If area businesses have pamphlets to put on display, please let us know.

We’ve also made arrangements with downtown business owners to keep the vestibule area of town hall, which serves as the information center, open during the day on the weekends.

7. The Mt. Airy Mayfest is coming, on Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18. The Mayfest will be open Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Juried crafters, vendors and good food will join downtown shops in offering many choices for shoppers. A children’s section, with rides and games, will also be available.

During that time Main Street will be closed, but the Civil Air Patrol will be available to show the detours that will be available.

Parking will also be available at the Carnival Grounds, with a shuttle bus bringing attendees into downtown.