Results of the 2004 audit were presented to the Lincolnton City Council at its regular meeting held Monday, March 6, at City Hall.

According to CPA Steve Albertson, the audit was delayed due to the new accounting procedures instituted by the state. "It was a big change for the state, the city, and for me," he stated. "The first audit is done, and it was definitely the hardest. We are now well on our way to where we need to be at this point."

He projected that the 2005 audit should be ready by May.

In other comments, the CPA noted that the city is in good fiscal shape. "The city's water and sewerage fund is the strongest I've ever seen it. The department is self-supporting and even generated a little profit."

At the conclusion of 2004, the city's total assets were $8,089,620, with capital assets accounting for $7,142,865 of this figure. "During 2004, the city stuck to its original budget in all areas," said Albertson. "Although there were some minor adjustments within departments, no major departures were made from the original budget."

He went on to tell the mayor and council that one thing the city must do in 2006 is value the streets. "Then we can start depreciating roads and equipment like regular businesses do to show what assets are being used each year. As streets are paved or repaired, we will adjust the value to take these improvements into account."

In further remarks, the CPA said he found no material weaknesses during the audit. However, in order to comply with federal regulations, the city will have to redesign its letterheads to indicate that it is an equal opportunity employer.

In other business, Mayor Dwaine Biggerstaff encouraged individuals, churches, school clubs, and other organizations to sign up to take part in "Peachy Clean Day" by calling City Hall at 359-3239.

The annual clean-up day, which is set for Saturday, April 15, is being spearheaded by Councilman Guil Mattison and Jim Butler, code enforcement officer for Lincoln County.

In further business, the council:

Heard Mayor Biggerstaff give the Water Department Report in the absence of Superintendent Stanley Parton.

According to the mayor, water production decreased this past month, dropping from 11.6 mg (million gallons) in January to 9.5 mg in February.

He added that the haloacetic acid and trihalomethane levels were at an all-time low the first quarter of 2006. The city experienced a spike in these chemicals last year due to the high levels of chlorine that had to be added to the system to disinfect the new additions to the James Allen Reed Water Treatment Plant and the new water lines.

In a related item of information, Mayor Biggerstaff indicated that work will hopefully begin in April on additional improvements to the water treatment plant.

The project is being funded by a $500,000 grant and a $410,000 loan from the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority.

Included in the project are water line construction, fencing, additional windows, a chlorine system, and two new generators. "We've asked the General Assembly for the money to purchase one of the new generators - it's a good chance we may get it," said the mayor.

Was informed by Biggerstaff that the DOT will pave Joan Way under the Local Assistance Road Program (LARP).

Heard the mayor read a thankyou note from Thomas Bock, national commander of The American Legion. Bock visited Lincolnton recently and was presented with a key to the city by Mayor Biggerstaff.

An excerpt from the national commander's note is as follows: "I would especially like to thank you for the gift of the 'Key to the City' you presented to me. It is a great keepsake of my visit to your city and your thoughtfulness is deeply appreciated.

"Last and by no means least, I would like to thank your city and state for serving America and for supporting The American Legion's programs for veterans, children, and youth."

Discussed holding a planning session to give the group an opportunity to meet with various experts and discuss matters such as annexation, bid protocol, the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Joint Services Delivery Strategy, methods of financing city projects, issues related to the city's sewage system, and so forth.

It was agreed that the mayor will begin work on planning a retreat for

the council.

Was informed by Councilman for April 15 Robert Glaze that neighbors have been complaining about the narrowness of Elam Street and drivers speeding in the area.

The council explored several solutions including placing speed breaks on the street, establishing three-way stops on the street, and taking down any trees that infringe upon the right of way. The issue will appear on the agenda for the April meeting of the mayor and council after it has been determined just how much right of way the city has on the street and the matter has been discussed with the chief of police.

Heard Mayor Biggerstaff read a thank-you note from the family of Harry C. Stewart, a former Lincolnton mayor who passed away recently.

Agreed to take down the flagpole at the monument until the upcoming streetscape project has been completed. Apparently, the flagpole is rusting at its base which is causing it to lean.

The next regular meeting of the mayor and council will be held Monday, April 3, at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.