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June 15, 2004 Page 501 (D) INFORMAL PUBLIC COMMENTS Chairman Freeman commented on the proposed FY 2005 Cabarrus County Budget and recent discussions regarding a tax rate decrease. He reported he had asked the County Manager after a budget session last week to look at some ways the County might reduce the tax to relieve some of the burden on County taxpayers. However, Chairman Freeman stated that at no time had any Board member said the County was going to close any offices or cut any positions. He also commented on the closing of Pillowtex in 2003 and the impact the closing had on all County residents, including over 800 foreclosures since last August and an unemployment rate of 7.1 percent. Chairman Freeman also called attention to State mandates and stated the need for local residents to call their legislators. At 7:20 p.m., Chairman Freeman opened the meeting for Informal Public Comments. He stated each speaker would be limited to one and one-half minutes and that comments regarding the proposed budget should be made at the public hearing to be held later in the meeting. Ed Burns of Concord expressed concern about the proposed three-cent tax reduction and stated the Board is ignoring the recommendations of the County Manager. Marti Soltis of Kannapolis supported school funding, the 56-cent tax rate and the assistant principal positions. Steve Cochrane of Barrier Store Road objected to the proposed refinancing of the County's debt at a variable interest rate. Charlie Williams stated support of the Veterans Services office and asked that the office remain open. Dot Camp of Concord spoke in favor of school funding and the assistant principal positions. She opposed closing the Veterans Services office. Reid Smith of Rockwell stated support for keeping the Veterans Services office open. He said it was hard for the older citizens to pay their taxes. Fred W. Buchta of Peppercorn Lane spoke in appreciation of the Veterans Services office. J. V. Lowe, Sr., of Midland spoke in appreciation of the Veterans Services office. Roger Kanouff of Concord spoke in appreciation of the Veterans Services office. He suggested that the County freeze pay raises and promotions and cut salaries. Ed Furr spoke in support of veterans and military retirees. Dr. Eric Atkinson supported funding for the schools and stated any reduction to the school system would cut into the funding for the magnet school. David and Julie Hicks of Ridge Drive spoke in support of funding for the school system and the School for Environmental Studies (SES). Joe Turner of Concord stated support of funding for education and the library system. Theresa Austin of Harrisburg spoke in support of school fundin9 and the School for Environmental Studies. There was no one else to address the Board, and Chairman Freeman closed that portion of the meeting at 7:50 p.m. (E) OLD BUSINESS (E-l) Revised Subdivision Ordinance - Conduct Public Hearing and Consider Adoption of Revised Ordinance (E-2) Zonin~ Ordinance Text Amendment (Street Trees and Sidewalk Requirements) - Conduct Public Hearing and Consider Adoption of Text Amendment