Lansing Aldermen adopted their 2009-10 budget Monday evening following a report from the finance officer, Cherita Cozart, who informed the board that she would be making a presentation at the July meeting about water/sewer rates. The town will need to increase water rates, she said, because the system revenue is not meeting expenses.

Cozart also recommended several amendments to the budget to meet expected expenses. This included an increased amount for the water/sewer system in anticipation of repairs and maintenance. The budget for 2009-10 totals approximately $80,000.

The board of aldermen conducted a special meeting and public hearing for the budget, but no comments were received from the citizenship. A discussion of the water rates will take place at the July 13 meeting.

After the budget discussion, the board welcomed Shane Duncan sworn in as new alderman to fill the seat vacated by Dot Shupe who resigned recently due to health problems.

“I hope to serve the town well. I look forward to it,” Duncan said, following his oath of office conducted by Mayor Jason Ring. A native of Creston, Duncan has lived in the Lansing community for the past 16 years. He is a mechanic working with NWA Auto Sales and Blue Ridge Boxwoods.

With the appointment of a new alderman to fill a vacant seat, Lansing will have all five aldermen seats up for election in the November municipal elections. Filing period for the town elections opens Monday, July 6 at 8 a.m. and closes Friday, July 17 at noon. For information, contact the Ashe County Board of Elections office at 846-5570.