BC 2016 05 16 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

May 16, 2016 (Regular Meeting) Page 2740 7. We are also requesting additional employees within our Human Services department to address the increase in volume of applicants as a result of changing Federal regulations, the necessity to maintain reasonable caseloads, staff morale and, most importantly, the safety and well -being of their clients. Cabarrus County continues to trend in a positive direction. As our population races towards 200,000 people, it is now, more than ever, vital that our elected officials and appointed staff continue to discuss important issues and identify ways to collaborate on solving these problems in the most efficient and effective manner. Economic development efforts must continue to move forward. We strive to combat the 4.9% unemployment that exists in our county, look to increase the average wage of jobs available throughout all of Cabarrus County, and maintain an ad valorem tax rate that is able to fund the programs and services needed and expected by our citizens, without creating an undue financial burden on our businesses and citizens. In closing, I would like to thank the Board of Commissioners for their willingness to lead our community and to provide staff the opportunity for innovation in providing the programs and services that our citizens need and demand, all while achieving superior positive results. I also thank and commend County staff at all levels, as they truly work hard every day to meet the demands of our great county and its citizens. I would specifically like to the thank Pam Dubois, Senior Deputy County Manager; Kristin Jones, Senior Budget Analyst; Becky Crabtree, Accountant; Susan Fearrington, Finance Director; Jonathan Marshall, Deputy County Manager; Kyle Bilafer, Infrastructure and Asset Management Director; and Lundee Covington, Human Resources Director, for their time and efforts throughout the past six months in preparing this budget. Chairman Morris advised budget meetings will be held May 24, 2016 and May 26, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room in the Governmental Center. He stated the meetings are open to the public and encouraged the public to attend. UPON MOTION of Commissioner Poole, seconded by Vice Chairman Honeycutt and unanimously carried, the Board scheduled a public hearing on the proposed FY17 Cabarrus County budget for Monday, June 20, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as persons may be heard. (G--8) Pl.anninq and Development — Soil and Water — North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Elund Grant Award and Purchase Contract for Suther Wet Prairie Natural Area Dennis Testerman, Senior Resource Conservation Specialist, displayed a photograph of the Suther Wet Prairie Natural Area and presented a history of the prairie. He then requested acceptance of the award of a $531,000.00 grant with a $249,000.00 match from Cabarrus County to purchase a 77.6 acre parcel that includes the regionally significant Suther Wet Prairie Natural Area. He stated this natural area will be transferred to the Plant Conservation Program in the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for designation as a state nature preserve and permanent conservation. He advised the Board authorized the grant application and match in January 2015. He also responded to questions from the Board. UPON MOTION of Commissioner Shue, seconded by Commissioner Mynatt and unanimously carried, the Board accepted the grant award and approved the contract between Cabarrus County, Cabarrus Soil and Water Conservation District and the North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund; and authorized the County Manager to execute the contract on behalf of Cabarrus County, subject to review or revisions by the County Attorney. By the same vote, the Board approved the required budget amendment and revision to the Small Projects Capital Project Ordinance. Date:5 /3/2016 Amount:$531,000.00 Dept. Head:Kelly Sifford Department: 460 Fund 17 Internal Transfer within Department 17 Transfer Between Departments /Funds 0 Supplemental Request