DOBSON — Town commissioners decided Thursday night to pursue grant money from the North Carolina State Energy Office that could pay for updates to the town’s aging water plant.

The town’s consultant, Paul Hensch, told the board that he had been in talks with the Surry League team that is trying to gain funding locally through the North Carolina Energy Efficiency and Conservation Grant Plan. Hensch said up to $16 million is available in “green” money that doesn’t require matching funds from the town.

“When the application process starts, we will be the first one in line,” said Hensch.

The Surry League is an organization that was formed three years ago when Dobson, Elkin and Pilot Mountain received $200,000 in grant funding from the N.C. Rural Center. The group has continued to meet for the purpose of gaining grant funding.

Michael Frazier, Dobson’s public works director, agreed with Hensch saying that if the town did get the grant money it could be used to replace outdated windows and lighting, helping make the water treatment plant more energy efficient.

Commissioner Gerri Martin made a motion to let Hensch represent the town in pursuing the grant money. Commissioner Clinton Dockery seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

The board also agreed to let Hensch represent the town to negotiate with Surry County to provide manpower and equipment for the county waterline extension project. The board agreed to have the town’s water committee meet before approaching the county’s water board on Nov. 13 and the county commissioners on Nov. 16.

Under the category of general town business, Hensch said he had gotten some complaints from residents about noise coming from Waste Management trucks that were emptying dumpsters around 4 a.m. Hensch said he had tried to contact the company, but got no response. The board agreed that Waste Management should voluntarily fix the problem, but if the company did not, the board would consider taking action.

Hensch reminded the board that the Surry Central Homecoming Parade would be held today at 4 p.m. on Main Street. He also mentioned the Dobson Fall Fest which starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday in downtown.

The board voted to change the dates of its November and December meeting because they both fall on holidays. Next month’s meeting will be on Nov. 19 and the December meeting, where newly elected town officials will be sworn in, will be on Dec. 10.

Contact Mondee Tilley at mtilley@mtairynews.com or at 719-1930.