Martinsville City Manager Aretha Ferrell-Benavides presented the first draft of the FY 2024 – ‘25 annual operating and capital budget proposal to the members of the Martinsville City Council on April 9.
The theme of this year’s budget is “Moving Martinsville towards infinite opportunities, and soaring for excellence,” Ferrell-Benavides said.
The proposed general fund revenue amounts to $37,913,281. The overall expected revenue for the city is $78,111,656. This proposal does not include any grants, which would be considered as they are received.
In the proposal, Martinsville City Schools would receive $5,542,637, with Operations/infrastructure proposed at $2,379,520, and $8,445,052 for Public Safety.
“As we started our school funding, we realized that several years we may not have transferred the full amount,” said Ferrell-Benavides. To combat this, the school system would be placed on a quarterly system of transfers.
Keith Holland, director of Community Development, discussed the readoption of amendments to the Nuisance Code Ordinance. The amendment was proposed on February 13 and adopted at the February 27 meeting. Due to an internal error, an earlier version of the document from November 2022 was attached. Holland advised the board to consider a second reading of the current version to place the document in the consent agenda, and approve it once again to clear up the mistake.
This amendment covers the excessive growth of grass and weeds on vacated property. Grass that has grown more than ten inches when eighty feet of the street line. The amendment also gives guidelines for standing water on property that may attract insects, proper garbage disposal, and the placement of indoor furniture and appliances outside the home.
The West Piedmont Planning District Commission requested an option agreement for seven properties with Martinsville Housing and Redevelopment Authority: 744 Lot W. Fayette St Lot 1 & 2, 740 Lot W. Fayette St A, B, C, D, 732 Lot W. Fayette St E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, 730 Lot W. Fayette St, 115 Lot Beaver St, 113 Lot Beaver St, and 111 lot Beaver St. The land would be used to build between five and seven homes to increase the amount of affordable housing in the city. Multiple funding sources would be used to complete the project. These houses will be exclusively offered to homebuyers at or below 80 percent of the area’s median income.
No funds for the project have been requested from the city.
Sean Campbell, housing programs director for the WPPDC, explained the main target for affordable housing would be seniors., because “there is a lack of senior housing in Martinsville.”
The council also heard from the Arts & Cultural Committee which asked members to consider adopting a mural and public art policy that allows the committee to be responsible for proposed art in the city and make recommendations for placements.
The issue of the stoplight being removed was discussed by the council.
Aaron Rawls, vice mayor, said he has driven through the city since the change.
“I think there are two lights that have to come back,” he said of Church and Bridge streets and Main and Bridge streets. Those are two intersections where it’s difficult to see oncoming traffic if vehicles are parked along the side of the road.
Rawls explained that he believes tweaks are needed, but Uptown has become safer to walk already. The traffic control change is still ongoing, and data is being gathered to determine the best solution.
Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce also presented the Grow MHC Awards to five local businesses that completed the entrepreneurial boot camp. Infinite Memories and Décor received an award of $3,000, What’s Your Sign received $4,995, Meek’s Recycling received $7,000, Oakstone Health and Nutrition received $7,366.25, and Access Therapy received $10,000.
In other matters, the council:
*Honored retirees from the first quarter.
*Recognized employees who are eligible for Service Awards.
