Snow Hill Board Approves 2025–26 Budget with Focus on Transparency and Community Progress
"I’ve done everything that I wanted to do, and I’m proud of the workforce that I got. I’m really satisfied,” - Mayor Dennis Liles
On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., the Snow Hill Board of Commissioners convened at G. Melvin Oliver Town Hall for a budget workshop to finalize the 2025–26 fiscal year budget.
The board unanimously approved a $3,142,292 budget, comprising a $1,790,972 general fund and a $1,351,320 enterprise fund, with $719,825 allocated for water services and $631,495 for sewer operations. The session addressed critical community initiatives, including the School Resource Officer program, a new splash pad, renovations to the ABC building, and recreational facility upgrades. The meeting carried emotional weight as longtime Mayor Dennis Liles announced he would not seek re-election, marking a significant leadership transition for Snow Hill.
General Fund Revisions
Town Manager April Vinson began the budget discussion by outlining recent adjustments to the general fund. “There were some minor changes made to the budget, especially in the general fund, which was one removing your nonprofit organizations and your civic organization donations that put $10,000 back into the budget,” she explained. This strategic reallocation helped maintain fiscal balance.
The police department’s budget included a projected $50,364 grant, which Vinson described as a placeholder. “That’s just a projection because that money has not been received. If it does not come in as revenue, it does not get spent,” she said, underscoring the town’s cautious financial approach.
School Resource Officer Funding
The budget increased the School Resource Officer grant from the Greene County Board of Education to $60,334 to support a dedicated officer for local schools. Vinson noted, “They are working diligently to secure their funds. If it does not come in as revenue, it does not get spent.”
Mayor Pro Tem Rosa Wilkes clarified a prior statement about the program to address public concerns. “When I made a statement saying to get rid of the SRO, I wasn’t talking about getting rid of it. I was talking about giving it back to the Board of Education for them to be responsible for all of it,” she stated, ensuring her position was clear to the community.
Fund Balance and Miscellaneous Income
The general fund included $1,000 for miscellaneous income, which Vinson described as a catch-all. “That’s always something we put there because there’s something that typically will come in that doesn’t fit in some of those line items,” she explained. The board appropriated $216,343 from the fund balance, allocating $200,000 for the splash pad project and $31,500 for a vehicle purchase. While explaining the calculations, Vinson admitted a moment of difficulty. “I can’t talk and do this at the same time. I’ll get this right in a second. I’m sorry,” she said. She clarified, “So the 216,343, and then take away just 200,000 for the splash pad, that leaves 16,343, with 10,000 of that coming back into your budget.” This left only $6,343 needed to balance the budget.
Splash Pad Project Clarification
Mayor Liles addressed widespread misconceptions about the splash pad, a flagship community project. “I’ve seen people say we owe a million dollars on the splash pad. It was quoted at one time at four million. Now, there’s going to be a little bit more spending money, but it’s not going to be anywhere near what you’re looking at,” he said, dispelling exaggerated claims. He confirmed the town had spent $56,000 of its funds and praised the fundraising efforts of the board, Town Manager April Vinson, and Finance Officer April Williams. “This board, April one and April two, that’s what I call them, and myself. We’ve worked hard on this, and we knocked on doors, and we’ve done everything else we can, and we’ve done well,” Liles said. He expressed gratitude to specific contributors, stating, “Dianne, I want to thank you too, for the people, some of the ones you got,” acknowledging her role in securing donations. He added, “I’ve been writing thank you notes. These people tomorrow will know that, but I’m letting you know now, I appreciate those people.”
Enterprise Fund and Employee Support
The enterprise fund, unchanged from prior discussions, totaled $1,351,320, with $719,825 allocated for water services and $631,495 for sewer operations. These funds ensure continued investment in essential infrastructure. A 2.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment was included for all town employees, demonstrating the board’s support for its workforce.
Recreational Facility Upgrades
The board reviewed several community projects, balancing immediate needs with long-term fiscal responsibility. Town Manager April Vinson proposed a split air conditioning system for the mechanical building and restrooms at a recreational facility, citing a Vortex representative’s warning that “pumps and stuff do not work well under extreme heat.” She suggested extending the system to the restrooms, saying, “If you’re going to do that, we need to look at having it in the restrooms as well.” The board unanimously approved the proposal.
ABC Building Renovations
The ABC building, scheduled to close next week, was a key focus of discussion. Vinson requested $13,000 for energy-efficient windows and $7,473.04 for flooring, utilizing water and sewer funds. “They’re ready to move forward, but I can’t do anything until we have a building that is in our name,” she said, noting contractors’ readiness. She added that counters would be installed later once the building is fully acquired. The board approved, with Mayor Liles emphasizing the strategic planning involved. “We saved a lot of money. How we worked this out, and there was a lot of planning through that. There were three phases to that, and you’ll see that we saved the town a tremendous amount of money,” he said, expressing optimism about the building’s future role in the town.
Additional Community Enhancements
Vinson sought approval to replace a missing section of sod at the playground, which the board greenlit. She provided updates on completed purchase orders for a picnic area, two pickleball courts, and a workout station. Mayor Pro Tem Rosa Wilkes offered perspective on these efforts, stating, “There’s a lot of money involved, and there’s still a lot that’s got to be done, and has been done, with this amount of money. There are a lot of people who have said, like, why you ain’t got this or that? They don’t realize that things have to be done in phases, and everything can’t be done at one time, because it takes time.”
Mayor Liles’ Announcement and Commitment to Continued Service
In an emotional address, longtime Mayor Dennis Liles announced he would not seek re-election, concluding his term in December. “I will not be running next term. I’m going to continue to work through it until the end of December,” he said, noting that the filing period for the next election would occur in July. Reflecting on his leadership, Liles emphasized Snow Hill’s financial stability. “I love the town of Snow Hill, and I’ll say this to you, this place is financially stable. He sought confirmation from the board, and the manager asking, “Is it financially safe?” Vinson responded, “Yes, sir,” and the board echoed, “Yeah.”
Liles expressed deep gratitude to his team, particularly praising Town Manager April Vinson and Finance Officer April Williams. “I am really happy with my finance officer and my town manager. They really do good with numbers, and I’ve been lucky,” he said, crediting their diligent work for the town’s fiscal health. He added, “I just want y’all to know, I love this board, I love this town. I just think it’s time for me to move on and give it to somebody else. Give it some new eyes to maybe put forth a better future in Snow Hill. I’ve done everything that I wanted to do, and I’m proud of the workforce that I got. I’m really satisfied.” He concluded, “I told my board last week, and I’ve told my town manager, but I want to let you know publicly. I think it’s the right thing to do, and I’m saying thank y’all for everything that y’all have done for me, and I will stay here until December,” pledging to serve diligently until his term ends.
Budget Finalization and Auditing Contract
The board unanimously approved maintaining the ad valorem tax rate at $0.34 per $100 valuation for the 2025–26 fiscal year, ensuring stability for taxpayers. They adopted the full budget, covering essential government operations, and approved a $19,000 auditing contract with Barrow, Parish, and Davenport, consistent with the previous year’s cost.
Looking Ahead
The workshop concluded with a sense of accomplishment, having secured a balanced budget and advanced key community projects, including the splash pad, ABC building renovations, and recreational upgrades. As Snow Hill prepares for a leadership transition in December, the board’s transparent and strategic approach, built on Mayor Liles’ legacy of fiscal stability, positions the town for continued growth and community enhancement.
If I Wanted Curbside, I Would’ve Checked the Curbside Box
Now I ain’t one to raise a fuss. I try to let the small stuff slide. But when the same thing keeps happening over and over, you start to feel like maybe it’s not just you—it’s the system.
And that’s exactly what’s goin’ on with McDonald’s these days.
See, I’ve been using their app. One of the younger folks showed me how to work it, said it’d save time and make things easier. And I’ll admit, I took to it quick. I like the convenience—order on my phone, pay ahead, skip the line, rack up those reward points like I’m buildin’ up frequent flyer miles. And every time, I check that little box that says “Drive-Thru.” Because I’m in my truck, and I want to drive through. That ain’t a hard concept.
But I’ll be honest with you: nearly every single time I go, no matter what I order, they ask me to pull forward and wait in a curbside spot. I could order a black coffee and a single hash brown at 10:01 in the morning with nobody in line, and they’ll still tell me, “Can you pull up to spot number three?”
And it ain’t just me. I’ve noticed it happenin’ to a whole lot of other folks too. I’ve seen trucks, minivans, young families, older folks—all of ‘em directed to park like they broke some kind of unspoken fast-food traffic law. Doesn’t matter if the lot is empty or the grill’s cool—they’re sendin’ everybody off to wait.
And the thing is, this isn’t some rare fluke. It’s the new normal. I can’t remember the last time I actually ordered through the app, chose “Drive-Thru,” and got to stay in the drive-thru. It’s almost like the “Drive-Thru” box is just there for decoration now. Makes you wonder why they even bother askin’.
So there I sit, parked in curbside spot number three again, starin’ at a numbered pole and wonderin’ if I oughta start payin’ property taxes on it. And all the while, folks are walkin’ in off the street—didn’t order ahead, didn’t use the app—and they’re walkin’ back out with food before I’ve even unwrapped a straw.
Now here’s the truth: this ain’t about efficiency. It ain’t about keepin’ things movin’. It’s about numbers. When they ask you to move out of line, they can punch a button that says your order’s “complete”—even if your burger’s still sittin’ in the freezer. It makes their system look fast. Not be fast—just look fast.
It’s all smoke and mirrors. Fast-food theater. They’re not fixin’ the kitchen—they’re just workin’ the stopwatch.
So while they’re patting themselves on the back about some 42-second average service time, I’m out in spot number three checkin’ emails, starin’ at squirrels, and wonderin’ if this is just how life is now.
And I’m not bein’ unreasonable here. I didn’t ask for VIP treatment. I just want what was promised. If I take the time to use the app, do things the way they want me to, pick “Drive-Thru” like a good little customer, then I oughta be able to stay in the drive-thru. That’s it. Plain and simple.
Next time, I’m stayin’ put. I ain’t blockin’ traffic. I ain’t causin’ trouble. I’m just sittin’ in the spot I was told to be in, waitin’ for the food I already paid for. If they want me moved, they’re welcome to come out and make their case. I’ll be polite. But I won’t be movin’.
And don’t get me wrong—I’ll still go back. Not because I enjoy the hassle, but because those reward points won’t spend themselves. I got enough saved up at this point, I could probably trade ‘em in for a Big Mac, a large fry, and a gently used pocketknife.
But I’ll be watchin’. And waitin’. And sittin’ in that drive-thru like a man who checked the box for drive-thru—and meant it.
Because all I really want is for things to work the way they’re supposed to, you make a choice, and the business honors it. That’s just good manners. That’s just honest service. And that, friends, is the truth.