New Hanover County Commission talks travel budgets

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — New Hanover County Commissioners met today, and one item on the agenda was commissioner travel spending.

Commissioner Woody White brought up a proposal to limit commissioner travel expenses to $2,000 per commissioner per year. White also suggested that tax dollars not be spent on things like charity events and gala functions. At least three members of the board were opposed to his plan.

“My feedback from taxpayers is universal, they think that we need to be very cautious and deliberate in how we spend their money,” White, a Republican, said.

Commissioner Rob Zapple, a Democrat who opposed the plan along with fellow Democrat Chair Jonathan Barfield and Republican Vice Chair Beth Dawson, explained that the information gathered from attending conferences and meetings is incredibly valuable. He also said that he is in favor of  increasing the budget in that area.

“What I am convinced is the absolute positive things that happen when we attend conferences both at the state level, local level, regional level and national level,” Zapple said.

The current budget is set at just more than $21,500 a year and is flexible to be used by the commissioners and county clerks.

Nothing was voted on today, however both sides agreed that there is some common ground between them, and they will continue the budgeting conversation.