WINDSOR – The more things change the more they stay the same.

The prospective budget for the town of Windsor has a near $2 million increase, but reflects little change from the previous ones in the Bertie County town.

The proposed 2005-2006 budget would increase to $8.2 million from $6.3 million a year ago.

&uot;Most of the increase is because of the prison,&uot; Interim Town Administrator David Overton said. &uot;The budget reflects the grants and expenditures for extending water and electric power to the prison.&uot;

Of the nearly $2 million increase, $1.3 is directly related to the private prison being constructed on Cooper Hill Road.

While the total figures changed, much of the budget is unchanged from the one presented a year ago.

The tax rate for the town will remain at 16 cents per $100 valuation and there are no increases in fees for the town.

The budget does allow for the lease-purchase of a new fire truck at the cost of $250,000.

Also included in the proposal is the adding of a drainage system adjacent to Hofler Street in the town and the building of new boat slips at the Cashie River. The cost for the former is $220,000 and the later will be budgeted at $65,000.

The Windsor Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on the 2005-06 budget during their June 9 meeting with no one speaking at the hearing.

The Board will hold a budget work session at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 21. After discussing the budget, the board will have the option of adopting the budget.

In other business, the board:

* tabled appointing two members of the Board of Adjustment;

* held a public hearing to consider financing with Wachovia Bank;

* tabled accepting property from Three River’s Oil Company; and

* reported the town had given a 1994 Ford to the town of Powellsville.