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Badin will get a new Christmas tree for future celebrations thanks to a discount and partnership with Better Badin.

The tree will be about 22 feet high. The town and Better Badin plan to take advantage of a 33 percent discount available this month, bringing the tree’s total cost down to about $9,400. Better

Badin will pay for part of the cost, and the town’s portion will be two years of payments, each about $2,300, according to Town Manager Jay Almond.

The town’s holly has had a lot of growth, some of it “flimsy,” and needs trimmed back, according to Almond. While the town hopes the holly will do well with the trimming, the new tree would provide more options.

A new tree was not originally built into the budget, but Almond said he will look at the parks and recreation budget first to see what can be moved. If necessary, he will look at other options.

After the meeting, Badin Mayor Anne Harwood said it was possible that both trees would be decorated for the holidays.

Comments

Badin resident Dale Ward asked the town to better enforce the law in no parking zones.
Ward said he frequently sees vehicles parked in taboo areas, including directly in front of fire hydrants, adding he was concerned about hydrants being blocked during an emergency.

The council also heard from Sandy Selvy-Mullis, former publisher of The Stanly News and Press and new president and CEO of the Stanly County Chamber of Commerce. Selvy-Mullis introduced herself to the council and encouraged it to continue to send news and updates to the Chamber.

Sherrill Mullis, a Badin resident, repeated his concerns regarding dangerous trees he hopes to see trimmed or removed.

Other business

The council discussed the Uwharrie Regional Duck Calling Contest the town will host May 23-24. Better Badin plans to hold a small festival during the competition.

Almond said the town is still looking at two potential locations for the competition site. The area must be quiet and distraction-free.

The town is looking for sponsors and vendors, including outdoor and craft vendors.

Almond provided an update on the application to name part of N.C. Highway 740 as Lou Donaldson Boulevard. He is in communication with a liaison for the North Carolina Department of Transportation regarding the next step in the process, he said.

The contractor working on the Falls Road median will begin the work shortly following recent weather-related delays, according to Almond.

The council unanimously voted to appoint Steve Gray to the Board of Adjustments, and to appoint Ted Romaine as an alternate.

Imari Scarbrough is a freelance contributor for The Stanly News and Press.