BY MILES LAYTON
HERTFORD — The Hertford Town Council will meet Monday evening to consider appointing a new member to fill the seat left vacant by the death of longtime Council member Rhonda Waters.
The appointment is one of several key items listed under “New Business” on the agenda for the council’s July 28 work session, which will be held at 6 p.m. at the Horace Reid Community Center at 305 W. Grubb Street.
Waters, who had served on the council for years and was a familiar face in Hertford’s civic life, passed away earlier this summer. Her death created a vacancy that must be filled by a majority vote of the remaining council members. Monday’s meeting could bring clarity on who will step into the role, though the process could extend beyond one session if consensus is not reached.
In addition to the appointment, the council is expected to address several items related to the upcoming Indian Summer Festival, a popular local event that brings residents and visitors to downtown Hertford each year.
First, council members will vote on a proposed street closure to accommodate the festival’s activities. Second, they will consider an ordinance that would allow the sale of alcohol in the downtown Main Street area during the event, a change that would be facilitated by DTH, a local hospitality group. If approved, this would mark a shift in town policy and could draw increased foot traffic and revenue during the festival.
Council will vote Monday on a pair of budget amendments for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. One amendment shifts $3,061.34 within the streets department due to a price change in a budgeted truck purchase. Another moves $2,000 from sewer professional services to cover travel and training costs for water department employees attending C-well certification classes.
While the agenda lists no items under “Continued Business,” new matters—including the vacant seat appointment and festival-related decisions—are expected to generate discussion.
A manager’s update, council reports and concerns, and announcements will round out the meeting before adjournment.