PRINCEVILLE — The historic town of Princeville's future is still a work in progress.

The town was buried by Hurricane Floyd's floodwater, and residents can either rebuild or the town can repair the dike. The federal government will not do both.

At the town meeting Monday night, officials voted to allow residents to apply for the federal buyout program.

However, Della Perkins, Princeville's mayor, is not sold on selling out.

"Please have faith, have patience and believe in us, and I guarantee you, I'm not running 24-7 just to be running," Perkins said.

Residents have until mid-December to submit applications for the buyout program, but town leaders still have to decide if they'll officially participate.