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409 During review of the letter, Commissioner Hamby stated it was his understanding from talking with Mr. Webster Medlin that a election by mail was planned to elect three directors for the Flowe's Store Volun- teer Fire Department. He noted that there are currently nine members on the Board of Directors and this election would be for three of those members. Mr. Rufus Kiser, resident of 896 Flowe's Store Road and Vice- President of the current Board of Directors for the Flowe's Store Fire Department, complained that the proposed mail-in election for three directors was unfair. He stated the current nine directors had been elected for a term of one-year and that he, as a member of the Board of Directors, had received no indication of which three of the nine direc- tors were to be replaced. Mr. Kiser also complained of the method in which kitchen equipment at the fire department had been sold and of the lack of public access to the records of the department. Ms. Mary Newell, resident of the community, complained of the recent sale of equipment by the department, the alleged $28,000.00 remodeling of the fire station, and the "arrogant" attitude of the firemen. She further complained that all of department's reserve money was being spent and that the citizens of the community had no handle on the department's funds. Ms. Newell also stated the contract for fire services was in the terms of a franchise and that the organization was becoming more of a business than a volunteer fire department. In conclusion, Ms. Newell stated the citizens need to be more involved in the department and that it was reasonable for the citizens to have to right to vote in matters regarding the fire department. Mr. Manuel Kiser, resident of the community, stated in his opinion the contract for fire protection services should be awarded and the money released only on the basis that nine directors be elected at a general election at the fire department after publication of a 30-day notice for the election. He objected to a mail-in election to replace three directors whom he stated were resigning. He stated the planned election should not be held until after litigation of the pending lawsuit filed by members of the community. In conclusion, Mr. Kiser complained that the public was denied access to the department's records. UPON MOTION of Commissioner Hamby, seconded by Chairman Lentz with Commissioners Hamby and Payne and Chairman Lentz voting for and Commis- sioners Barnhardt and Upright voting against, the Board agreed that the $250.00 monthly contribution and the amounts that have been withheld from the Flowe's Store Volunteer Fire Department be restored to them on the date of the special meeting of members, stated in the letter from Mr. Webster Medlin to be May 15, to elect three directors. The Board further stated that on the date the election is held the County Manager is authorized to distribute the funds to the fire department. The Board indicated that the execution of the fire protection contract with Flowe's Store Fire Department will be discussed and reviewed in the regular budget process of the Board. UPON MOTION of Commissioner Hamby, seconded by Commissioner Barnhardt and unanimously carried, the Board on second reading adopted the following amendment to the third paragraph of Section 5(a) of the Fire Protection Resolution. No absentee or proxy votes will be allowed, nor shall such election be conducted by mail. UPON MOTION of Commissioner Hamby, seconded by Chairman Lentz and unanimously carried, the Board set $1 million as the minimum amount of liability insurance specified in Section 5(e) of the Fire Protection Resolution to be carried by each of the volunteer fire departments. The Fire Protection Resolution as amended is as follows. FIRE PROTECTION RESOLUTION Whereas G.S. 153A-233 authorizes a county to maintain a fire department and provide assistance to incorporated volunteer fire depart- ments, and G.S. 153A-234 authorizes a county to employ a fire marshal, whereas the Board of County Commissioners of Cabarrus County has deter- mined that it is in the best interest and necessary for the protection of the citizens of Cabarrus County and their property (a) to encourage