The Spruce Pine Town Council has passed their 2024-25 budget that comes in at almost $3 million. Besides regular budget items the town faces an aging water and sewer system that has had frequent problems over the past few years. With that in mind, council members have agreed to increase the water and sewer rates a small amount to keep up with rising costs of maintenance. For minimum water users the cost will rise one dollar, both inside and out. For over 2000 gallons, cost is up 50 cents per thousand and over 500,000 it will be $2 per thousand gallons extra. Deposits for water and sewer will require an additional $50. Cemetery plots are also increasing by $250. According to Town Manager Darlene Butler, the town has secured a $775,349 grant from the Golden Leaf Foundation to replace water line along Highway 226. However with inflation additional funding is needed for the project and is being sought from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
