By Matt de Simone
Buchanan Town Council approved a new water leak adjustment policy, formally adopted rental fees for Town Park and appointed a new member to the Planning Commission during its regular meeting Monday, while also receiving updates on the Buchanan Theatre renovation, the town’s finances and several ongoing projects.
Vice Mayor Jamie Manspile presided over the meeting in the absence of Mayor Sue Way.
Council first heard an update on the Buchanan Theatre renovation from Adam McBryde, chairman of the Buchanan Theatre Board of Directors, who said work continues to move forward despite minor delays.
“It’s going good,” McBryde said.
He said permits are expected to be finalized soon, allowing construction to begin on the rear of the building while interior demolition continues. Although the building currently appears “pretty bare,” McBryde said the project is nearing the rebuilding phase and remains on track for an opening early next year.
“We’re excited,” he said.
Council then unanimously approved a new water leak adjustment policy presented by Town Manager Tim Mack. The policy establishes a formal process for utility customers requesting billing adjustments after qualifying water leaks.
Under the policy, customers must repair qualifying leaks within 30 days, provide proof the repairs were completed and meet eligibility requirements before an adjustment is considered. Mack said the policy is intended to provide a fair and consistent process while encouraging timely repairs and protecting the town’s water system.
Council also approved the appointment of Cynthia Floyd to the Buchanan Planning Commission after current member Molly O’Dell volunteered to step aside to allow a new member to serve. Tristan Harris will remain on the commission until another volunteer is appointed to fill the remaining vacancy.
Council’s final action item was formally adopting a Town Park rental fee schedule that had previously been discussed during a work session but never officially approved. The policy establishes a $75 application fee, a $250 rental fee and a refundable $250 security deposit for qualifying rentals.
During discussion, Buchanan Schoolhouse developer Dominic Basile, participating by Zoom, suggested the town require renters to provide proof of insurance naming the town as an additional insured.
“They have to carry insurance,” Manspile said, noting the requirement protects the town if an incident occurs during an event.
The fee schedule prompted questions from a Buchanan Lions Club member, who asked whether the organization’s upcoming Movies in the Park event would be subject to the new charges.
“There’s some flexibility there,” Mack said, explaining he wanted to review the policy before committing to exemptions for nonprofit organizations.
Council member Shean Bowers suggested events already scheduled on the town’s calendar should not automatically be subject to the newly adopted fees since organizers had not anticipated the change. Council members agreed.
Manspile said the rental fees are intended to help offset maintenance costs associated with Town Park while creating a fair policy for all users.
“If we let somebody do it for free, then somebody else is going to want it free,” Manspile said. “We’re getting nothing back.”
The Lions Club member also asked about proceeds generated by events such as the Buchanan Carnival. Mack explained carnival revenue is deposited into the town’s general fund, with Manspile noting those funds help support town operations and reduce pressure for future tax increases.
In his monthly report, Mack said the town concluded the fiscal year in strong financial condition, with revenues exceeding expenditures in the general fund and meals tax collections continuing to perform well. Water and sewer revenues also exceeded expectations, although repair costs remained elevated because of ongoing infrastructure work. He noted those repair expenses have begun to decline in recent months.
Mack also praised volunteers and town employees for making this year’s Buchanan Carnival and Fourth of July festivities a success during his first year as town manager.
“I think it was a master class in community spirit,” Mack said.
He specifically thanked volunteers, town staff and council member Sissy Austin for their work organizing the carnival, adding that final attendance and financial figures will be released once they are compiled.
Among other updates, Mack said crews repaired a water line at Town Park, continued coordinating renovations at the Buchanan Theatre, installed flowers and American flags along Main Street and are replacing damaged flower arrangements throughout town.
He also said the town is investigating an electrical issue affecting the light over the swinging bridge after replacing the bulb failed to solve the problem.
Looking ahead, Mack announced plans to begin holding quarterly public listening sessions to improve communication between Town Hall and residents.
“I think it’ll be a great tool for us,” Mack said. “My goal with it is to build more trust.”
The sessions are intended to encourage community engagement, identify concerns before they become larger issues and improve communication between residents and town staff.
Council also briefly discussed the ongoing redevelopment of the former Buchanan Schoolhouse property. Mack said developer Dominic Basile is seeking feedback from council on the type of commercial tenant the town would like to see occupy an approximately 800-square-foot commercial space planned as part of the mixed-use development.
Basile suggested the space could accommodate a small coffee shop, market or seasonal retail business and said he would welcome a future work session with council to discuss ideas.
Before adjournment, Manspile commended town staff, volunteers and everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s Buchanan Carnival and other recent community projects, thanking them for their hard work and dedication.
