News Details (Posted: February 6, 2007):

Towns use special sessions to plan year

Full Description:

In a new year, moving forward with municipal matters causes some governing bodies to retreat.

More than a half-dozen Brunswick County towns have held or are holding retreats to set spending and program priorities for the coming year, plan capital projects and discuss issues they're likely to face.

The retreat gatherings span anywhere from several hours to almost three days, ranging in price from less than $100 to more than $1,000. As official public meetings, retreats are open to any members of the public who want to sit in.

The Southport aldermen decided to hold their annual retreat March 10 at the Hood Building in downtown Southport. Costs of the retreat, to be held on a Saturday, are low - less than $100 - to meet across the street from City Hall. The room is regularly the board meeting room for Dosher Memorial Hospital trustees.

Regina Alexander, Southport city clerk, said the aldermen's retreat costs hardly any tax dollars.

A retreat agenda, still being compiled, will likely include discussion of new park projects in town and development issues.

"We get the meeting room for free, and we'll have a lunch at our retreat. It might cost $50 for an all-day retreat. We get a lot accomplished, and don't have $25, two-hour lunches," she said.

Source: wilmingtonstar.com