An earlier report that the Comptroller of the Treasury says Brownsville can’t qualify for a tax anticipation loan is not accurate. Responding to an e-mail inquiry from the Brownsville Press and Brownsville Radio, John Dunn of the Comptroller’s office wrote “…Brownsville may continue to operate under a continuation budget; however, after August 31, the Comptroller’s Office will not approve any debt or tax anticipation notes (TANs) for a municipality that has not passed a budget ordinance.”
Dunn told Brownsville Radio Wednesday that he meant that after August 31, the loan approval would only be considered if a budget was in place. Before August 31, the Comptroller will consider the loan even without an adopted budget.
Last week Mayor Bill Rawls promised a new budget proposal, but has yet to present it. He said today that he plans on presenting a budget one day next week.
Yesterday Mayor Rawls was confident that the loan isn’t really necessary, “I was prepared to operate without it (loan),” Rawls said. “It was a safety net…we’ve been reducing spending” he commented.
“I am making sure any dollars due the city have been paid,” Rawls said. The mayor has commented several times that other accounts, including the town’s Solid Waste Fund, owes the General Fund cash. The mayor admits, however, that he doesn’t have precise accounting assuring there is enough money to pay bills and payroll until new property tax income begins flowing after October 1. He says it takes about $500,000 monthly to fund city operations.
During a budget workshop session held June 29, town fathers learned that cash in Brownsville’s general fund was dangerously low. Since then they have been unable to set a budget or precisely determine the town’s cash position. The year-end 2017 audit, now months past due, has still not been delivered.
Clinton Neal, Haywood County’s Solid Waste Director and County Farm Supervisor, has resigned. His last day on the job will be August 31
Neal, who has been a Haywood County employee since February 2003, became the Solid Waste Director in June 2005 and was tapped by the Haywood County Commission to manage the county farm in 2011.
His responsibilities include managing the landfill, garbage pickup and recycling, any county farm labor, selling wood and hay on county property, and maintaining tornado safe spaces and county property.
During his 15 years with the county, he oversaw $40 million in special projects.
Earlier this month, his bid for Haywood County Mayor was unsuccessful.
He did not say what his plans are only that he has “… several opportunities…” he is considering.
