The Town of Troutman's books got a clean bill of health from an independent auditing company; the town voted to limit the number of residents' dogs and Troutman could soon be home to a walking labyrinth.
These were some of the issues discussed at the Troutman Board of Aldermen's regular meeting Monday night.
Shane Fox, of the Hickory-based accounting firm Martin Starnes & Associates, told the board that he had conducted about 10 audits during the course of the year.
"And I can tell you, this is a very good one," he said.
Fox and the firm gave Troutman an "unqualified" rating — for the town's 2008-2009 fiscal year budget — which, he explained, was equivalent to an "A-plus."
He pointed to the town's general fund balance of more than $886,000 and noted that the figure was about $400,000 more than the town had on hand last year.
Fox also said the amount was equal to approximately 30 percent of the town's annual spending budget.
"The state looks for municipalities to keep at least 8 percent on hand — or enough to cover about one month of expenses," Fox said. "So 39 percent is very good."
Said Mayor Elbert Richardson about the audit: "I like it."
Also at Thursday's meeting, the board:
+ Approved an ordinance that limits the number of dogs allowed to live on a single piece of property to six.
The ordinance created a bit of controversy among some board members when Town Attorney Gary Thomas explained that the wording of the ordinance did not allow property owners to have more than six dogs inside their homes.
At Monday's pre-agenda meeting, Town Manager David Saleeby and others said that the town only wished to address an abundance of dogs outside homes.
Board members considered revising the ordinance Thursday so that it specified the outdoors but Thomas said such an ordinance would be hard to enforce.
The ordinance passed by 3-2 vote.
n Heard a presentation about a proposed playground and park plan that would involve the town entering a partnership with the First United Methodist Church of Troutman.
Among ideas being considered for the park is a labyrinth walking trail.
Gilda Pryor, of First United, explained what a labyrinth is.
"First of all it's not a maze," she said. "It's not something you can get lost in. It's a walk you take that can help clear the mind and lead to spiritual growth."
+ Heard from Police Chief Matthew Selves that one officer, Corey Richard, had been promoted to the rank of detective sergeant and that another officer had been hired to fill an open position.
"I'm happy that we are now back to full staff," Selves said.
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