Bryan A. Marley

What are your top three priorities for enhancing economic growth opportunities throughout Hope Mills?

The biggest priority is to continue support of the newly created Economic Development Committee created by the Board.  Maintain good relationships and engage partnerships with local and area businesses who wish to bring investments to the community.  Lastly the updating of the Hope Mills Land Use Plan.

What are the most pressing issues facing Hope Mills, and how will you work to solve them?

Probably the biggest challenge is the rate of growth and infrastructure and maintaining working relationships between the town's Planning Department, Developers, DOT, and Utility Companies.  Second challenge is recruitment and retention of all town employees keeping them competitive in pay.  Third challenge I would have to say would be community/citizen involvement.  Growth - Continue to maintain those relationships and trust the recommendations of the town's Planning Staff.

Recruitment and retention - In FY24-25 Budget the board implemented a pay plan town wide based on the most recent recommendations of the most recent pay study.  This plan is a must to keep our qualified employees.  The board has budgeted for a overhaul to the audio and visual elements of the board room to improve viewing meetings online.  We have updated the website to make it more user friendly.  I would love to have more community involvement in board meeting attendance as well as serving on advisory committees to the board.  As always, I welcome the opportunity to have a conversation with citizens anytime.

What makes you the best candidate to represent Hope Mills?

As a Lifelong Resident and Five Term Commissioner in Hope Mills, I have a desire to serve the the citizens of Hope Mills.  As a former Full-time Employee of the Town and and now current Board Member I have a vast understanding of Local Government.  We have come along ways in Hope Mills and have many more opportunities on the horizon.  This has motivated to continue the journey and I would ask for the continued support to see that Hope Mills continues to progress.

Bonus question: Recent property revaluations have resulted in increased financial obligations for property owners within the Hope Mills town limits. The majority of property owners have experienced a substantial tax increase, averaging around 60%. If elected, what strategies would you implement to alleviate this financial strain on residents while maintaining the provision of essential services?

This budget year the board had to not only address the property tax revaluation, but also the county changing the sales tax distribution which resulted in a loss of 1.9 Million Dollars to the Town of Hope Mills.  As a tax payer myself, I understand the strain of taxes and how it impacts our day to day.  Hard decisions had to be made this budget year to avoid job loss within the town and maintain the current level of services while improving the town's emergency services to include fire and police protection.  Commercial growth is the major source of revenue for towns and municipalities in order to keep the tax rate down for the home owner.  Our Economic and Development Committee can address these issues and recommend actions for the board to take.  Also the town has a talented Planning Department to help guide smart growth within the town.