On tap Tuesday at ILM City Council

Tuesday, June 15, City Council meeting, 6:30 p.m. at City Hall
Items of interest on the agenda include:

* Ordinance defining where internet sweepstakes can be located.

The proposed ordinance recommends that internet sweepstakes businesses can be located in commercial areas of the city, but must be at least 1,000 feet from churches, schools, day care facilities and other electronic gaming establishments, as well as away from major gateways into the city, such as North 3rd Street. Like many cities across the state, Wilmington has faced a proliferation of sweepstakes machines since they became legal last year. There is currently a moratorium on opening new sweepstakes businesses that is scheduled to end this month.

* Final approval of the 2010-11 budget. Highlights of the budget:
o The city is facing a third year of budget shortfalls and this year recommends a 3.75-cent property tax increase to help offset a $5.7 million deficit. Core services are maintained in the $84 million budget, but construction and maintenance costs are reduced and another 18 positions eliminated. While there are no furloughs or pay cuts for staff, benefit cuts will remain in effect, there are no pay raises, and health insurance costs will increase.
o The city’s current tax rate is 33.25 cents per $100 and is recommended to increase to 37 cents per $100. Wilmington’s tax rate is the second lowest of all large cities in North Carolina and has only been raised by 1 cent since 1999. Even with the increase, it would remain the second lowest tax rate of large cities.
o The median home price in Wilmington in 2009 was $185,000; A 3.75-cent tax increase on a home valued at $185,000 would cost an additional $5.77 a month.
The full recommended budget can be accessed on the city’s website at wilmingtonnc.gov.

INFORMATION FROM A NEWS RELEASE SENT TO THE WWAY NEWSCHANNEL 3 NEWSROOM…