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August 5th – Crimson Spring – Commissioners here approved this week an investment of approximately US$32,000 to put the Pink Springs Rescue Squad into operation.
They voted first to approve a contract that finalizes a lease agreement in which the city would pay $13,000 per year and lease the designated property at 209 W. Fourth Ave. to the staff. Under the contract, the city will also pay for utilities totaling approximately $9,000, bringing the total contract price to $22,000.
Tuesday's vote came after Purple Springs commissioners stepped in within the remaining 12 months to help the Rescue Squad pay off its loan debt so it could continue to perform duties in the city.
In October 2021, commissioners took action to move forward with the payment process to Lumbee River Electric Membership of a $15,000 advance on the loan agreement for the property. The closing funds are to be repaid over an eight-year period, according to city supervisor David Ashburn.
The commissioners also unanimously authorized an allocation of US$$ 10,000 to the rescue squad to fund operational expenses, with the mandate that the city directly pay for the squad's coverage of the US$$ 10,000.
“What we’re going to do is pay that all at once to VFIS, the Volunteer Fire Service guarantee, and then we’ll write a check for the remaining $10,000,” Ashburn said.
A preliminary action that led my commissioner Duron Burney to provide the full US$ 10,000 to the squadron failed after a tied vote, and Mayor Ed Henderson cast the deciding vote without a vote.
“They have fulfilled what we asked them to do regarding the paperwork,” Burney said. “We can’t say what they will do until we provide the possibility, so here is the opportunity to demonstrate to the board that they are willing to move forward and I believe the board can still help with these funds.”.
Commissioner Ronnie Patterson cannot give the squad the full amount unless it is confirmed that they were able to serve the city.
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“If we demand an ambulance, I want to see that ambulance delivered – not that we keep putting money into it and getting nothing out of it,” Patterson pointed out. “They’re going to provide the citizen with what we pay for, or I might not be there for them next year.”
Land chosen for 3D printed houses
In another case, Tuesday's commissioners selected land adjacent to Tom Cope Park because of the site's potential for building 3D-printed homes.
Throughout the company's assembly in July, James Freeman, CEO of the emerging know-how Institute, warned Crimson Springs commissioners that his business has been working with NC State University's engineering school and Habitats for Humanity with the goal of securing state funding to purchase know-how for 3D printing the properties of concrete between different structures.
Ashburn said the property will not be officially handed over unless the financing is secured.
“If the offer doesn’t come through, the city still owns the property,” Ashburn noted. “But when the furniture is gone and we move forward, then we can transfer ownership.”
Also Tuesday, commissioners:
— Voted to fund a time slot component for the city's fire department to cover the 9-to-5 hours, Monday through Friday, when volunteer firefighters are less likely to be available.
— updated the city's policy to cover all charges levied on employees who need to obtain a CDL license, as required by state law.
—Accepted funding for seasonal positions for lawnmower personnel. The primary focus of the staff is to maintain the city's two cemeteries.
— updated the city's policy by creating a more specific description of the personnel eligible for benefit increases.
