Greetings from BRCA 28605!
June 6, 1944, Remembered:
We want to begin our messaging today by honoring all our veterans but especially our D-Day survivors and those heroes we lost that day and over the years. Eighty years ago, today the largest amphibious operation in history landed in Normandy, France. The historic invasion included 7,000 ships and landing craft and 195,000 naval personnel from eight Allied countries and almost 133,000 US troops. More than 4,000 Allied troops lost their lives on that day. We honor all of those that helped save our freedom.
From BRCA
Summer Concert Series
Music In The Park
Harris Brothers at Broyhill Park
173 Lakeside Dr
June 13th 5-7 PM: Free Event
BRCA Survey Closes June 15th
The annual BRCA Priorities Survey will close on June 15th. Responses have been strong so if you haven’t, please complete our survey. The lead priority dominates the results, we will publish the complete results after the survey closes.
A Few Thoughts About the Proposed BR Proposed Budget
Some thoughts from our Vice Chair Janie Sellers on the Proposed Town Budget for Fiscal Year 2025
- The Town’s new fiscal year begins July 1 and Town Manager Shane Fox has presented a proposed budget to the Town Council (the YouTube video of his presentation and a copy of the proposed budget are available on the Town’s website https://www.townofblowingrocknc.gov/home).
- The Council has scheduled time for public comments and their own discussion of the budget at their regular meeting at 6:00 pm on June 11 at Town Hall.
- As proposed, the budget is balanced and is intended to maintain or improve service levels to Town residents and visitors.
- The budget includes 2.5% cost of living raises for all Town employees plus additional 10% increases for public safety personnel (fire and police). This is after 5% COLA and, for most employees, 4% incentive plan raises in fiscal 2024.
- Increases for public safety are based on data comparing with other regional and resort town departments. Still trying to fill two police officer positions.
- No new full-time positions have been added; 1 additional part time at water plant.
- The primary source of funds to pay the increased expenses is a 1 cent (or 2.6%) increase in property taxes. The 1 cent increase will raise $172,000 for the Town.
- Property taxes are the source of 59% of the Town’s budgeted income (after subtracting the $3.3 million of occupancy and sales tax revenues that the Town is contractually obligated to transfer to Watauga County).
- The Town’s tax base has grown only sightly (1.7%) in the past year. It grew dramatically (35%) when Watauga County did the revaluation in 2022. The next revaluation is scheduled for 2027.
- Personnel (salaries and benefits) are the Town’s largest expense, with nearly $7 million budgeted for the new year. This is about half of the Town’s total expense budget, including capital outlay and debt service.
- Blowing Rock Academy is being continued. The Town operates it to provide childcare for young children of Town employees at a favorable cost. This unusual benefit is expected to help the Town recruit and retain employees.
- Town General Fund debt currently at $10 million; will decline to about $5 million by 2030. Potential for bond issue on the ballot in November 2025. Capital planning underway.
- Water and sewer rates also proposed to increase by 5% ($4/month on average bill). The need there is cost of materials, chemicals. USDA Debt is coming at favorable rate. Proceeds are for Mayview lift station and other upgrades.
From Town of BR
The Horse Show
The Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show kicks off this week with the Saddlebred shows! Competition begins Thursday, June 6 and continues through Sunday at the Blowing Rock Equestrian Preserve on Laurel Lane, just a mile from Main Street. Admission is $10 per day (cash) Kids 12 and under admitted free Parking is in the field next to the show Concessions are available Attendees may leave and return throughout the day The Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show is over 100 years old! Details at brchs.org. |
Day Out With Thomas
Day Out With Thomas at Tweetsie Railroad begins on Friday! Expect to see plenty of young families in town for the event through June 16. Advance tickets are required, and train ride times are selected at ticket purchase. Tweetsie is currently open Thursdays through Sundays.
Horseshow Dates:
Saddlebred Division: June 6-9
Hunter/Jumper I Division: July 23-28
Hunter/Jumper II Division: July 31-August 4
| Upcoming Fourth of July Celebration |
| Blowing Rock goes all out for the 4th of July! This year the parade and festival will be on Saturday, July 6th. The lineup of the days activities are as follows: 10:00 – 11:00 am: Parade 11:00 am – 1:00 pm: Surefire Bluegrass Band 1:00 pm: Games 1:30 – 3:00 pm: Shelby Rae Moore 3:30 – 7:30 pm: Soulution Band The parade takes place on Main St. Blowing Rock, and the rest of the activities take place at Memorial Park. Dancing is encouraged! See website for details! On behalf of all of us at BRCA we sincerely appreciate your financial support and your ongoing engagement. Thank you for following us. We also want to welcome our new members; we welcome you to BRCA. We will see you next Thursday June 13th from 5-7 PM with cart and cooler at Broyhill Park! Make it a great weekend! Tom Barrett VP & Executive Committee |