Plymouth has a new budget that holds both the tax rate and utility rates steady, but it didn’t happen without conflict.

The main point of contention was $45,000 budgeted for the Allied Building’s bathroom.

The town leased that building to Quality of Life, ENC, starting October 1, 2024, with council consensus and a notation in the lease that Quality of Life would be responsible for all maintenance, repairs and upgrades. Town manager Joanne Floyd said she was asked to put the bathroom work in the budget, which she did after Public Works Director Mike Wright got estimates for the work.

Citizens have been vocal on Facebook about not wanting tax dollars spent on that building, primarily because of the lease agreement. But, only one person spoke up during a public hearing Wednesday morning, June 18, in opposition...