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17nz <br />i <br />Office of the County Manager <br />Memo <br />To: Boazd of Commissioners <br />From: John Day, County Manager <br />Date: January 16, 2007 <br />Re: Proposed English Language Resolution <br />During discussion of Commissioner Privette's proposed English language resolution at <br />the January 8'~ agenda meeting, department directors were asked to describe how such a <br />resolution would impact the provision of county services. <br />In addition to designating English as the "official language" of Cabarrus County, the <br />resolution also requires the use of English in conducting all county business (see item # 4 <br />in the resolution). I interpreted. this requirement strictly, i.e., that the use of languages <br />other than English would not be permitted. The resolution was somewhat ambiguous on <br />this point, so I chose the more conservative, Dillian's Rule-type interpretation in my <br />request to department directors to assess the resolution's impact. If this resolution, or a <br />similar one, is adopted by the BOC, then I suggest elimination of this ambiguity to ensure <br />proper implementation. <br />Responses from most department directors are attached. Please note that using the strict <br />interpretation mentioned, there are some instances in which federal or state laws or <br />regulations would be violated (DSS, Elections, Transportation and Commerce, for <br />example). <br />In reading the department directors' responses, you'll also notice that most conduct some <br />business in languages other than English for pragmatic purposes, simply to carry out the <br />county's mission. <br />I hope you find this information helpful in your deliberations. <br /> <br />``~ <br />C~nhr N Au~e~ieae Mob <br />NA <br />Cabarrus County • 65 Church Street, SE • Post Office Box 707 • Concord, NC 28026-0707 <br />Phone: 704-920-21 0 • Fax: 704-920-2820 • www.cabarruscounty.us <br />-- ~-% <br />