BC 2016 03 18 Recessed Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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March 18, 2016 (Recessed Meeting) Page 2667 The Board of Commissioners for the County of Cabarrus met in recessed session for a meeting with the local legislative representatives in the Multipurpose Room at the Cabarrus County Governmental Center in Concord, North Carolina on Friday, March 18, 2016, at 8:00 a.m. Present - Chairman: Stephen M. Morris Vice Chairman: Diane R. Honeycutt Commissioners: Grace M. Mynatt Lynn W. Shue Absent - Commissioner Elizabeth F. Poole Also present were Mike Downs, County Manager; and Angela Poplin, Deputy Clerk to the Board. Representatives Carl Ford and Larry Pittman were also present. Senator Fletcher Hartsell joined the meeting electronically by conference call. Commissioner Poole and Representative Linda Johnson were unable to attend the meeting due to work related scheduling conflicts. Call to Order Chairman Morris called the meeting to order at 8:05 a.m. and welcomed attendees to the meeting. 2016 Legislative Short Session Goals and Key Points Chairman Morris stated each year the NCACC (North Carolina Association of County Commissioners) puts together an agenda. Each year, he said, counties try to meet with their local delegation to discuss these legislative issues. Seek legislation to repeal the statutory authority under NCGS 115C- 431(c) that allows local school_ boards to file_ suit against_ a county board of commissioners over county appropriations for education. Chairman Morris and Commissioner Shue expressed support for the goal, advising this situation occurred in Cabarrus County a couple of years ago. Chairman Morris also commented on the good relationship the Board of Commissioners currently has with the Cabarrus County Board of Education. Commissioner Mynatt questioned, if successful in this goal, what remedies would be available for school boards who do not have a good relationship with their county commissioners. Representative Pittman expressed support for the goal, stating when one portion of the government sues another, the taxpayers lose. Representative Ford also expressed support for the goal. Chairman Morris advised the NCACC has regional meetings across the state where the results of these meetings are discussed. He stated Cabarrus County will be hosting a district meeting on April 7th. A brief discussion followed regarding opponents to the goal. Senator Hartsell expressed support for the goal stating the idea of litigation between counties and schools is not a good one. He added that there needs to be some form of formalized mediation, not arbitration, to formally air differences. Seek legislation to authorize local option revenue sources already given to any other jurisdiction. Chairman Morris stated the primary issue for Cabarrus County right now is funding capital needs for school construction. He commented on new development and growth in the county and the current quarter cent sales tax. Mike Downs, County Manager, advised that counties are seeking flexibility in the use of the sales tax. He commented on finding alternative ways of funding schools. Representative Ford expressed support for the goal, stating counties should have the option.