The Mayor and Board of Commissioners for the Town of Blowing Rock met in special called session on Monday, May 19, 2003, at 4:00 p.m. Present were Mayor J. B. Lawrence, Commissioners Barbara Ball, Terry Lentz, Keith Tester, Rita Wiseman, and David Wray. Also present were Town Manager Scott Hildebran and Town Clerk Barbara Beach.

The purpose of the meeting was to hold a budget work session. Mayor Lawrence called the meeting to order. Mr. Hildebran reviewed sources of revenue for the General Fund and Water Fund. He also reviewed General Fund and Water Fund expenditures. Council members discussed the proposed budget for each department for fiscal year 2003-2004, suggesting changes and/or reductions to certain line items.

Mayor Lawrence called for a recess at 6:15 p.m., and then he left to attend a prior commitment. Mayor Pro-tem Lentz reconvened the meeting at 6:25 p.m. Members discussed giving a cost of living raise of 3.5% to all employees. Members continued discussion of the proposal, but no final action was taken on the draft budget. Council had advertised for another budget work session to be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2003, and they will conduct further review at that time.

There was no further business and Mr. Lentz adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m.

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Barbara G. Beach, Town Clerk