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March 18, 2016 (Recessed Meeting) Page 2668 <br />Representative Pittman said he would rather see the funds go to <br />education than transportation and expressed support for the goal. <br />Chairman Morris commented on retail activity in Cabarrus County, <br />stating this option is an attractive alternative for citizens as opposed to <br />an increase in property taxes. <br />Senator Hartsell stated options are useful and appropriate. He <br />commented on a study being undertaken on school funding formulas. <br />There was further discussion regarding sales tax redistribution. <br />Support legislation, regulations and funding that would preserve local option <br />and authority where needed to deploy community broadband systems and ensure <br />community access to critical broadband services. <br />Chairman Morris commented on broadband service access in the county. <br />Representative Ford stated in his opinion, this should remain a private <br />industry. He advised some municipalities have gotten into this, and not only <br />is it a losing venture, but millions of dollars have been lost trying to keep <br />up with technology. <br />Representative Pittman expressed agreement with Representative Ford's <br />comments, but he also expressed mixed feelings, stating this can be looked at <br />as providing service to citizens. He said he is willing to give it more <br />consideration. <br />Senator Hartsell commented that broadband is becoming an essential <br />utility. He stated it is essential to have availability of broadband in <br />rural areas to have any impact on an economy at all. He expressed <br />flexibility on this issue. <br />Commissioner Shue expressed agreement with Representative Ford's <br />comments that it should remain a private industry. <br />Commissioner Mynatt expressed agreement with the aforementioned <br />comments on this issue. <br />Chairman Morris announced Commissioner Poole was unable to attend the <br />meeting due to a work related commitment. <br />General Comments from Representatives <br />Chairman Morris requested updates from the representatives on what they <br />think the issues will be going into the short session. <br />Representative Pittman briefly updated the Board on his fight against <br />Common Core and his bill, waiting in the Senate, to protect auto salvage and <br />metal recycling dealers. Representative Pittman commented that Senator Rucho <br />indicated further potential income tax reductions, and Mr. Pittman added his <br />support for an end to all personal and corporate income tax. <br />Representative Ford commented on tax reform; raises for state <br />employees; insurance premiums; and the quarter cent sales tax. <br />Senator Hartsell concurred with Representative Pittman's and Ford's <br />comments regarding what is likely to occur in the short session. He stated, <br />theoretically, the short session is for budget modification and not much <br />else, but recent events may make the session longer than anticipated. <br />There was also discussion regarding funding ratios for the lottery; <br />moving transportation maintenance costs to counties; restructuring of mental <br />health; and substance abuse treatment. <br />Vice Chairman Honeycutt left the meeting at 8:51 a.m. <br />Adjournment <br />UPON MOTION of Commissioner Mynatt, seconded by Commissioner Shue and <br />unanimously carried, the meeting adjourned at 8:56 a.m. <br />f <br />Megan t, Clerk to the Board <br />