I have fond memories as a young adult of saving money from my part-time jobs for things my parents could not afford. This meant giving up my dream sports car, name-brand clothes, attending college away from home, and other things I may have had an immediate desire to have to reach my goal.
Back in 1984, that goal was to find a full-time corporate administrator job with a college education program that would allow me to attend at night. It took 3 ½ years to obtain my B.S. Business Degree and years of hard work to pay the loan back. I must admit that I had to toot my own horn for all I had accomplished. Experiences like this one taught me that goals are within our grasp when we work hard and exercise financial discipline.
The Mocksville Board of Commissioners will hold their annual budget retreat on Saturday, February 15th, from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Mocksville Education Building (201 Salisbury Street, Mocksville). The meeting is open to the public. This will be the Board’s third budget retreat that embraces a Strategic Plan.
A Strategic Plan with a well-defined Mission, Vision, and Goals is essential for controlled and thoughtful growth in the Town of Mocksville. It also looks beyond immediate needs and proactively positions the organization for future success. Tying the annual budget to a long-term vision with goals and actions that transcend the annual budget is how we will turn dreams of a better future into reality for Mocksville.
The retreat will provide the Board of Commissioners with a wealth of information, including current and future economic development trends, revenue projections, and recommended capital improvements. The Board will receive updated Objectives, Goals, and Actions tied to the Strategic Plan and hear directly from Department Heads regarding needs for FY2025-26. Staff will also brief the Board on recruitment and retention strategies to attract and keep the best Town employees. The morning presentations will include viewing current equipment that needs replacing in Public Works, Parks and Grounds, and the Fire Department.
This is only the first public meeting in the FY2025-26 budget process. The budget will be discussed at our regular monthly Board of Commissioner meetings on February 4th (Non-Profit Presentations), March 4th (1st Draft and Department Head Requests), April 1st (2nd Draft and Adjustments & Corrections), May 6th (Proposed Budget & Manager’s Message) and June 3rd (Public Hearing / Adoption of Budget Ordinance).
We encourage the public to attend these meetings to learn more about what your government does in the community.
I wish you and your families a happy, prosperous, and fulfilling 2025.
Lynn Trivette
Interim Town Manager