BC 1991 12 09 - Laserfiche WebLink

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397 a balanced facilities package across the county. Options to address these needs included the establishment of year-round schools, the cloning of architectural plans, the leasing of outside facilities to provide short-term relief, the establishment of magnet schools, and the regulation of class size. In regards to fiscal considerations, Commissioner Simmons reported that his group had agreed that pay-as-you-go financing was not practical in meeting the facility needs. He listed such fiscal considerations as establishing business partnerships, delaying the bond issue until next year, using lease/purchase arrangements to meet short-term needs, establishing impact fees to fund construction of schools, levying a two-cent gross receipts tax on entertainment, and dividing the bond issue into smaller pieces. The action agenda as identified by Group E included planning from the bottom up with the involvement of chamber groups, municipalities, County government, schools, and public citizens in the planning process. Dr. Hartgen summarized the reports from all groups for the areas of discussion as follows: (1) (2) (3) (4) Needs Justify what is needed and essential; monitor the population growth and condition of facilities; keep promises from last bond issue; and place classroom size and academic issues as top priority. Options to Address Needs Maximize the use of funds and investment in facilities; plan for multiple use of buildings and land; examine the building process (i.e. cloning, land reservation, refurbishment); and get businesses and the community involved. Fiscal Considerations Be prudent in considering a bond issue and/or other funding options; develop proper size of financing package which has value in balance with need; create package that makes sense to the voters; and use tax money to satisfy multiple needs by consolidating needs in time, space, and location. Action Agenda - Initiate independent review of plans; continue work with a task force or committee; and take the "bare bones" need approach. In conclusion, Dr. Hartgen stressed the importance of being very prudent in the planning process and stretching each dollar to the fullest extent. Recommending a full explanation of the last bond issue and the use of that money, Dr. Hartgen emphasized the need to continue an active effort in developing a program for the schools. Finally, he strongly urged cooperation with businesses, schools, governments, and public citizens working together to achieve the goals for the schools. Mrs. Alston questioned Mr. Hartsell about the possibility of establishing toll roads in North Carolina as a means to fund public education. Stating that the State is not currently studying plans for such a program, Mr. Hartsell advised Mrs. Alston that any funds generated by such a toll program would in all likelihood be reverted to the highway system. Chair Amos thanked the participants for attending the meeting and sharing ideas. She urged continued discussion by those present and with others in the community. The meetings of the Cabarrus County Board of Education and the Kannapolis Board of Education were adjourned by each of the respective boards. Chair Carpenter recessed the meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Chair Carpenter reconvened the meeting of the Board at 8:50 P.M. UPON MOTION of Commissioner Barnhart, seconded by Commissioner Simmons with Commissioners Barnhart, Simmons, and Hamby and Chair Carpenter voting for and Commissioner Payne voting against, the Board voted to go into executive session to discuss pending litigation and to consult with counsel. UPON MOTION of Commissioner Barnhart, seconded by Commissioner Payne and unanimously carried, the executive session was adjourned. No action was reported from the executive session. UPON MOTION of Commissioner Simmons, seconded by Commissioner Hamby and unanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned. Clerk to the Board