The Columbia Board of Aldermen on July 2 tentatively approved the design of welcome signs to be placed at the three primary highway entrances to the town.

Sign artist Jerome Bryant furnished black-and-white sketches for the board to consider. His price is $2,200 each for the three 7×3.5-foot signs, installed.

Barbara Fleming, who designed and painted the original signs about 15 years ago, also submitted plans. Her price is $1,121 each for painting, and the town would buy the plastic signs at about $500 each. Erecting the signs would also be a town responsibility.

Bryant and Fleming, both Tyrrell County residents, were not in attendance when town manager Rhett White presented the proposals and the board discussed them.

The Greater Tyrrell County Chamber of Commerce, which is to be featured prominently on the signs, is eager to participate in funding the project, perhaps at 50%, White said.

The local Lions and Rotary clubs probably would like to attach decals at the bottom of the signs, as before, and make “a nominal contribution,” White said.

The signs would be placed east and west of Columbia on U.S. 64 and south of town on N.C. 94.

Alderman Bryan Owens moved to accept Bryant’s design pending submission of a colorized rendering, and the board passed his motion without dissent.

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