Semester 3

Prosper are now closed

Prosper is a mining town in the northeast of Crocker Country. United Coal Company’s Mine No.3 (known as Hellpit) announced that the mine will close in two weeks for an indefinite period. It is because of a shutdown in manufacturing nationwide.

Historically, Prosper is a mining town that has 909 people since the deep-shaft coal mine was opened in 1901.

It has provided a major source of employment for the town’s people that brought at least 800 people especially people from other town. The town council employed 1,000 people. The shaft is a quarter-mile deep, the deepest in the state.

But then in 1980, when Prosper was incorporated and became eligible for coal tax revenue, its budget has risen from $40,000 to $300,000. $125,000 was dividing into severance tax monies and federal matching money for capital improvement.

Some tax money will continue to dribble in as stockpiles of coal are depleted, but Wilma Foster, the city clerk, foresees a cutback for the fiscal year, which starts in 30 days, to $60,000. “That will cover essential services like police protection and utilities at city hall and at the new ball park,” she adds.
Mayor Lester Jenkins informed that “With the mine closed, our revenue is just about gone.”

Council Ed Barnes announced that most of the coal money went into building projects. “And we’re got the city hall and the park paid for, so at least we’re not in debt.” He will talk about a new budget at its meeting tomorrow night.

Company president Wilson Standridge stressed “We hope to see an increase in demand, but until we do, the mine will remain sealed.”