Wilmington Council votes to delay construction projects

Wilmington City Council members have approved more budget cuts.

They voted to transfer nearly $4 million from construction project funds to the city’s general fund. That means several projects that were slated for this fiscal year will be delayed.

Affected projects include improvements to Dawson and Wooster Streets, street paving and sidewalk improvements, and constructing right turn lanes.

Some council members say they don’t want to delay the projects, but it’s necessary to balance the city’s budget.

“We are tightening our belts to the pain of ourselves,” Councilman Ron Sparks said in the meeting. “By not doing these projects and saving the budget, means that when we do go to do these projects, it’s going to be higher.”

Tuesday night’s vote accounted for about half of the city’s $8 million shortfall. Another $4 million was saved by making cuts in several city departments.