Aberdeen leaders are moving forward with several Aberdeen cost-saving measures designed to reduce expenses for both the town and residents ahead of the upcoming fiscal year.
During a recent work session, the Aberdeen Board of Commissioners approved multiple financial changes involving utility payment processing, police vehicle leases, sanitation equipment, and traffic detours connected to upcoming infrastructure work.
New Payment Processor Could Save Aberdeen Thousands
One of the largest Aberdeen cost-saving measures involves switching the town’s water and sewer billing system to a new payment processing company called Paymentus.
Finance Director Butch Watson told commissioners the town is expected to spend roughly $463,000 this fiscal year on credit card processing fees connected to about 26,000 transactions.
Town officials estimate the new system could save Aberdeen approximately $153,000 annually based on budgeted costs and potentially more than $450,000 yearly based on projected transaction totals.
Residents may also notice slightly lower transaction costs. The town plans to move from a flat $5 processing fee to a percentage-based system, which officials estimate could save residents around $1 per billing cycle on average.
Once implemented for water and sewer payments, Aberdeen plans to expand the service to permitting, inspections, parks, and recreation payments.
Police and Sanitation Vehicle Leasing Approved
Commissioners also approved new leasing agreements for police and sanitation vehicles as part of the town’s broader Aberdeen cost-saving measures strategy.
The Aberdeen Police Department will lease three new vehicles through Jim Pattison Lease over a five-year period. Officials estimate the town could save roughly $20,000 during the lease term compared to previous agreements.
Meanwhile, the town approved a lease agreement for two new waste collection trucks equipped with automated side-loader arms. According to town officials, the updated equipment will improve safety for workers while reducing staffing needs and maintenance expenses.
Current collection trucks require three employees per vehicle, while the automated systems allow for single-operator pickup. Town leaders also noted concerns about sanitation workers nearly being struck by passing traffic during collections.
NC 5 Detours Planned This Summer
Drivers in Aberdeen should also prepare for temporary traffic changes later this year.
Sections of NC 5 between Saunders Avenue and Anderson Street are expected to close several times for utility relocation work tied to infrastructure improvements. Closures could last up to 14 days at a time.
Town officials say the work will begin after students at Aberdeen Elementary School leave for summer break and should wrap up before the new school year begins.
According to the town, the North Carolina Department of Transportation will coordinate with businesses along the affected corridor to ensure commercial deliveries can continue during the project.
The board also approved a resolution opposing proposed state legislation that would reduce local planning and zoning authority for municipalities across North Carolina.
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