BC 2013 06 17 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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June 17, 2013 (Regular Meeting) Page 1593 36797307- 9821 -GEN Bldg &Reno GEN -CCHS 1 $779,942.00 1 $1,649.001 $778,293.00 Chairman Poole advised Mr. Witke the parking area at the Northwest Cabarrus High School Gym has been damaged by equipment during construction and further advised the area would be an appropriate project for reallocated funds. (G -5) County Manager - Adoption of the FY 2014 Cabarrus County Budget - Public Hearing 6:30 P.M. Chairman Poole advised the process to adopt the budget began in January. She indicated the Board has received a handout with a list of changes Board members requested to the budget. Vice Chairman White commended staff for their efforts with the budget. He then MOVED to withdraw the financial contribution of $26,000.00 from the Arts Council. He clarified the reason behind his motion being the in -kind contributions the County already provides to the Cabarrus Arts Council, estimated at a total of $241,819.00. Commissioner Measmer seconded the motion. He also commended staff for their efforts with the budget and expressed support of the budget, with the exception of added staff for the Department of Social Services. He further acknowledged additional staff is needed, due to the increased demand for services in conjunction with federal and state mandates. Commissioner Burrage expressed opposition to the proposed removal of $26,000.00 from Arts Council funding. He further expressed opposition to the overall budget growth. Commissioner Morris expressed opposition to the proposed removal of Arts Council funding, stating, that eliminating those funds will eliminate a position as well as programs. He stressed the importance of historic preservation and commended staff on the budget. The MOTION carried with Chairman Poole, Vice Chairman White and Commissioner Measmer voting for and Commissioners Burrage and Morris voting against. Chairman Poole opened the public hearing at 7:34 p.m. The Public Hearing Notice was published on May 8, 2013 in The Independent Tribune. The Public Hearing Notice was also posted on the County's website ( www.cabarruscounty.us ) on May 8, 2013 in accordance with Article 2, Administration, Section 2.1 (Use of Electronic Means to Provide Public Notices) of the Cabarrus County Code of Ordinances. Del Eudy, Town of Mt. Pleasant Mayor, stated an increase of 4 cents in the rural area fire tax rate was requested at the work session. He advised the request was not favorably received and it was suggested to request a reduced 2 -cent increase for the rural area fire tax rate. He advised the money would be used for additional staffing during peak hours as well as the purchase of a tanker. Randy Holloway, Fire Consultant to the Town of Mt. Pleasant, stated a 2 -cent increase in the rural area fire tax rate will generate nearly $74,000.00, which would fund an additional staff person during peak hours (Monday - Friday), a critical time for volunteer response. It would also fund annual payments for a tanker as well as water points supplies to aid in the reduction of the ISO rating. Fire Chief Robert Earnhardt, Mt. Mitchell Volunteer Fire Department (VFD), advised his department is seeking to increase their budget to pay for additional staffing and equipment. He also stated, he has been searching for and locating ponds to use as water points to aid in the reduction of the ISO rating. With there being no one else to address the Board, Chairman Poole closed the public hearing. Chairman Poole spoke in support of a fire tax rate increase of 2 cents for the Mt. Pleasant rural area fire tax district. She also expressed concern that adequate contributions are not being provided by the Town of Mt. Pleasant to the fire service for town residents. She expressed support for a fire tax rate increase of 2.5 cents for the Mt. Mitchell fire tax district. She also reviewed items of interest on the proposed budget.