The Down East Seniors Club held its Aug. 24 meeting at the Blind Center of North Carolina in Washington. President Ed Hamrick led the meeting. Chip Ide led the singing of “God Bless America,” and Charlie Mike Smith gave the invocation. Dick Paul provided humor.

Member Bobby Roberson, who is the Washington city manager, reviewed the cost of some of the city’s programs. Then he introduced Matt Rauschenbach, finance director for the City of Washington. Rauschenbach covered many items in the city budget. The largest income item is property taxes, followed by sales taxes. The only longterm debt the city has is the construction cost of fire station No. 2. This will be paid off in 10 years. The rate the city pays for electric power will be stable through 2020. There are plans to improve stormwater drainage soon. The city tax rate increased by 2 cents per $100 valuation this year to finance a new police station for which the city is looking at two possible sites.

Stewart Rumley won the 50/50 drawing.