Red Springs to get $6.1 million for improvements to water, sewer and flood mitigation projects

Dec. 8—RED SPRINGS — Commissioners here learned Tuesday of funding approved in the state budget which will allow the town to make improvements related to water and sewer systems and food mitigation.

Two new grants were approved as part of the state budget, which include $3.1 million for water and sewer improvements and $3 million for stormwater management related to Little Raft Swamp, according to town Manager David Ashburn.

"I thank you for the work that you've done on this," said Mayor Edward Henderson.

The town has been working on securing funding for two and a half years for the improvements.

"This is one example of something moving slowly," Henderson said.

Henderson thanked legislators, Ashburn and everyone who had a part in helping the town secure the funding.

Ashburn is unsure of the timeline on receiving funds, however, the town has been completing paperwork on the $3.1 million grant.

He also said the town previously secured a $20,000 preliminary grant to help develop a base stormwater management plan, so it could apply for the $3 million grant.

"It's going to take a little while before it happens," Ashburn said.

He did say that water is now being filtered through the new system, which is a conclusion of the water plant project.

Henderson said he was pleased to see the state's help in funding the plant.

In other matters, the board was told the trash truck purchase they previously approved went to the lowest bidder at a cost of $202,550.

Commissioners approved Tuesday using funding to pay for a new truck for the Electric and Street department to replace the 17-year-old truck that has several issues including motor issues. Funding came from the reserve funds of the department.

Also approved by commissioners was a new record retention schedule, which contains state guidelines regarding the disposal of records.

Commissioners also heard that the Red Springs Police Department will use a Governor's Crime Commission grant in the amount of $24,441 to purchase two new VIPER radios and a digital fingerprint machine according to Red Springs Chief of Police Brent Adkins.

"Again this is a big deal for this small department," Adkins said.

The department is seeking more grants for more equipment like four additional radios, the police chief said.

Also during the meeting, Robeson County Superior Court Judge Tiffany Peguise-Powers administered the oath to Mayor Ed Henderson and commissioners Murray McKeithan, Neal Lea'Kes and newcomer Ronnie Patterson.

Patterson took the seat of Elma Patterson, and was elected to serve as mayor pro tem. He retired from the Red Springs Police Department with 30 years of service in 2020.

"Thank you all, citizens and I thank you all for voting for me ... and I promise you I will be a voice for all the citizens," Ronnie Patterson said.

Henderson thanked Elma Patterson for her "hardwork, sacrifice and dedication" during her time on the board.

Patterson said she would be working for the Red Springs Arts Council and chamber of commerce.

"I thank God for allowing me to come this far," she said.

"...And my cousin Ronnie, I love you, and I do appreciate you taking this position and I want you to take it further than I have taken it so far with the help of all the others here," Elma Patterson added.

Ronnie Patterson introduced several people in attendance including Hoke County Sheriff Roderick Virgil and several others in other law enforcement agencies. Robeson County Commissioners Faline Dial, Wixie Stephens and Judy Sampson also attended the meeting, along with relatives of the mayor and Ronnie Patterson that filled almost every seat in the commissioners' meeting room.

Lea'Kes thanked voters for giving him a stamp of approval and reelecting him to the board.

He said he would "ensure that this town moves forward on a positive note."

Also on Tuesday, Mary Richardson and Jamaica Campbell spoke during the public comments section of the meeting.

Richardson is running for the seat of Robeson County district court judge and Campbell for the Robeson County Clerk of Superior Court seat.

"I'm running on justice and fairness for all," Richardson said.

"I currently work in the public defender's office," Campbell said.

Campbell said she is a candidate who cares and hopes to make a positive change.

Commissioners asked residents to help clean up trash in the town, consider getting vaccinated, and continue to take precautions against the coronavirus.

"I just want you to stay safe and have a happy new year," Henderson said.

The board took no action after emerging from closed session.

Reach Jessica Horne at 910-416-5165 or via email at [email protected]