Princeton fixes, bids on cars
By Jack Stephens
Published in News on July 6, 2005 1:45 PM
PRINCETON -- Cars continue to be a thorn in the side of Princeton Police Chief Eddie Lewis.
The town's newest auto, a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria with 44,000 miles, needed a new fuel pump. The chief told Tuesday night's monthly town board meeting that the part would cost almost $800.
But the chief said the car was still under warranty, and the dealership finally agreed to repair it for free. The car was to be returned today.
Lewis said his first bid for a used 2001 Ford Crown Victoria that is being sold by the Jacksonville Police Department was rejected. Princeton offered $9,500, about $1,100 less than the book value.
The chief then increased his bid to $10,100. The Jacksonville town board will meet again this week to consider the offer.
Mayor Don Rains said the 2005-06 town budget, while tight, was good for Princeton. Rains said he saw signs of growth in the small eastern Johnston County town with new subdivisions "that hopefully will add homes and businesses."
Then, in regard to the 2004-05 budget, Rains said that "the bottom line is a good bottom line."
Making his monthly remarks to the board, Rains also said the July 4 weekend was "an achievement for the community. It's a blessing that we have community-spirited events."
In other business, the board:
*Changed the job description for the assistant town clerk so that she can fill in, when needed, for Town Clerk Marla Ashworth. Assistant Clerk Kay Earp will be sworn in later. The board also accepted a job description for the new, part-time administrative assistant's position.
*Agreed to work with the state Transportation Department in moving five crepe myrtle trees and the welcome sign on West Dr. Donnie Jones Boulevard, where a cul-de-sac is planned for developer Dolan Baker's Princeton Commons subdivision.
*Passed an amendment to balance the final 2004-05 budget by shifting money within departments to pay for increased police costs and higher electrical costs at the sewer plant.
*Adopted a resolution to join the N.C. League of Municipalities insurance pool.
*Accepted a mutual aid resolution presented by Kim Robertson of the Johnston County Emergency Services office.
*Scheduled a joint meeting with the town Planning Board at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 1.