Jones, Sieger share new year plans - Wayne-Wilson News Leader, Fremont, NC

03 January 2008 — Reducing utility costs for citizens and increasing business in the area top the list of goals for leaders in Fremont and Pikeville as they reflect on the year ahead.

Fremont Mayor Devone Jones listed finishing the town’s ongoing sewer project as the primary goal for the town. In addition to easing inconveniences around construction barriers in town, the completion of the project will hopefully lead to a reduced sewer cost for citizens.

The project aims to reduce inflow and infiltration of rainwater into the sewer system. The infiltration leads to more water being sent to Goldsboro than the citizens pay for, which then creates an increased cost to the town. That cost filters down to the citizens.

Mayor Jones says that the project will hopefully allow the town to reduce rates for the citizens. In addition, he said he wants the town to look at other ways to further reduce both sewer and electrical rates for citizens.

Another way the town hopes to reduce sewer cost, said Mayor Jones, is by re-opening the sewer spray field. That would allow the town to apply wastewater to land in town, and would reduce the town’s dependence upon sending their sewer to Goldsboro.

The board recently approved applications for grants to cover the $900,000 price tag on the project, and hope to begin work later this year.

A third major goal for Fremont, said Mayor Jones, is attracting businesses to the area, specifically along the I-795 access points in town.

He said he would like to get a group of people together from the northern part of Wayne County to examine the industry potential in the area, and work together to help attract businesses to the area.

In addition, he said he knows the police department will continue to work on dealing with crime and gangs in the town.

“They’ve made some progress, but there’s still work to be done,” he said.

The Board of Aldermen will hold a work session on January 12 to further plan their goals for the upcoming year. The board will ride around town examining the municipality, and will then hold a work session at town hall to plan the board’s goals for 2008.

Down the highway in Pikeville, Mayor Herb Sieger has similar goals for his town.

The board has hopes of brining business along their part of the 1-795 highway, but also wants to focus on anticipated growth within the town limits.

Mayor Sieger actually anticipates a literal expansion of town limits this year, as he says that the town is currently negotiating several voluntary annexations.

The town will also finish a renovation of town electrical equipment within the first 90 days of the year, said Mayor Sieger.

The renovation will replace old transformers, and when the work is completed, the new equipment could translate into consumer savings.

Mayor Sieger said the new equipment will reduce power loss, and will also accommodate for future growth in town.

Due to recent staff challenges in town hall, Mayor Sieger said that the town will not be able to complete a grant application for funds to improve the community park. However, he said he would like to see some work done to the park this year and in future years.

“I would like to see the gym and cafeteria come down, and really have the park be converted to a decent park,” he said.

Overall, he said, it looks like a good year for Pikeville. He added that he feels that the return of Kathie Fields to the position of town clerk will help the municipality get off to a good start.

Outlooks for Eureka and Stantonsburg will be in next week’s edition.

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Issue of 3 January 2008

Wayne Wilson News Leader
113 N. Wilson St., PO Box 158,
Fremont, NC 27830
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