BC 1994 06 06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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134 Water and Sewer District Meeting Chairman Barnhart convened the meeting of the Water and Sewer District in conjunction with the Board of Commissioners meeting. proposed FY 1995 Cabarrus County Budget Public Hearing - 5:30 P,M, At 5:30 P.M., Chairman Barnhart stated that this was the date and time for the public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 1994-95 Annual Budget. Mr. Witherspoon gave an overview of County government and its operations. Mr. Day reviewed the proposed FY 1994-95 budget, listing the new expenses included in the budget along with other recommended spending options. Sheriff Robert Canaday reviewed the proposal to add a new patrol squad, including the six deputies currently assigned to the Cabarrus Memorial Hospital and two additional deputies. Mr. Aubrey Attkisson, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Director, reviewed EMS Study Council recommendations to work toward a response time of eight minutes for ambulance calls. He specifically addressed the spending option calling for the placement of a Quick Response Vehicle (QRV) in the Midland area. At 6:28 P.M., Chairman Barnhart opened the public hearing on the proposed budget for input from the audience. Ms. Peggy Cleveland, Executive Director of the Cooperative Christian Ministry (CCM), asked that funding to that agency be restored from $8,000.00 to $10,000.00. She described CCM as the "agency of last resort" for persons in crisis situations. Mr. Wayne Trexler called for the County to streamline its operations. He suggested the combining of departments and the merger of the Cabarrus County Schools and the Kannapolis City Schools as a means to save money. Mr. Sherill Laney gave a lengthy presentation regarding the need to start generating funds for school construction and other infrastructure needs. He asked the Board to establish new sources of revenue for county capital needs and to set up an "Infrastructure Enterprise Fund". Revenues to this fund would be generated by the following: (1) Merger of the Kannapolis City Schools and the Cabarrus County Schools with savings from the elimination of redundant school administration. If Kannapolis School system does not wish to merge, suggest that it establish a school tax district. (2) Increased permit fees for residential construction by $2 per square foot for all new homes with the only exception for the elderly claiming the one-time capital gains exemption. (3) A one percent (1%) real estate transfer tax for all residential and business transfers except family gifts or direct inheritances. (4)A one cent (1¢) tax increase included in the FY 95 budget for the Muddy Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. (5) An additional five cents (5¢) from any savings found during budget deliberations or from new taxes. Dr. Ed Tyson, Kannapolis Schools Superintendent, asked for increased school funding and urged the Board to consider the needs of both school systems. He reemphasized the dilemma of the Kannapolis Schools if the proposed budget is adopted with a $180,000.00 decrease over last year's current expense funding and a $98,000.00 decrease in capital outlay funding. Ms. Millie Hall, Chairman of the Kannapolis Board of Education, spoke in support of funding for the schools. She stressed the importance of a child's education and asked that the Board not forget Kannapolis City Schools during budget deliberations. Ms. Debbie King described her personal experience with the Cabarrus Victim's Assistance Network (CVAN). She asked the Board to continue its financial support of CVAN.