GARLAND — After taking several steps to build a park in downtown, town officials are ready to receive some assistance.

During a recent meeting for the Garland Board of Commissioners approved to start a new fund for the Curtis D. Cain Memorial Park.

“I would like to have a pot to pull this money into so these businesses can make donations and do more than we’re able to do within our budget,” Commissioner Judy Smith said.

Garland Town Clerk/Finance Pamela Cashwell spoke with auditors who said that the town may receive donations and givers may report it on their taxes as a charitable donations.

The town would also be responsible for take actions such as setting up expense line items when something needs to be purchased.

“The only thing the town of Garland would be responsible for doing is a letter of acknowledgement when we receive either a cash donation or (equipment),” Cashwell said about providing document for tax purposes.

Smith and other supports are currently overseeing the 1.39 acres of land on South Bladen Avenue was donated by Connie Cain Rackley and was named after her father. Curtis D. Cain served the community as a former commissioner and was a business entrepreneur.

Last year, commissioners agreed to refurbish Head Start’s abandoned playground equipment. Many steps were involved in the renovation process. For the first phase of the project, the estimated cost is between $10,000 and $12,000.

In addition to adding playground equipment, some of the other long-range plans include a basketball court, picnic area and walking trail.

An official public opening is not set, but Smith said summer is a target.

Mixed drinks?

A resolution to sell mixed drinks at establishments in town is on the table.

Town Attorney Micheal Porter and Garland Commissioners briefly discussed on-premises alcohol sales during a previous meeting.

According to statutes, a city may hold a malt beverage or unfortified wine (alcohol volume 16 percent or less) election only if the county, where the city is located has already held such election. Population was another factor with Garland passing the threshold of 500.

Commissioners would be required to pass a resolution, which will be sent to the Sampson County Board of Elections for the next election.

Commissioner Ralph Smith made a suggestion to have a full board present before a decision was made. More details regarding the resolution are scheduled to be presented in the future.

Town Attorney Micheal Porter discusses town matters with commissioners from Garland.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_Garland-Alcohol-1.jpgTown Attorney Micheal Porter discusses town matters with commissioners from Garland.

By Chase Jordan

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Reach Chase Jordan at 910-249-4617. Follow us on Twitter at @SampsonInd and like us on Facebook.