BC 2015 03 13 Meeting in a Box - Laserfiche WebLink

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March 13, 2015 (Meeting in a Box) Page 2312 A brief discussion followed regarding school funding, funding formulas, and state funding distributions for schools. Seek legislation to restore the statutory requirement that 40 percent of the net lottery proceeds be allocated to counties for school capital needs and increase the annual appropriation of lottery funds until the 40 percent is roc +ter ®,a Representative Johnson expressed the need for a state bond for education. Representative Ford stated he would like to see more lottery proceeds coming back to the school systems. Senator Hartsell stated he opposed the lottery and would support a bill to repeal it. He stated, in his opinion, the lottery is an inefficient revenue raiser. Support the current model of public mental health administration, ensure adequate state funding for services and facilities at the local level, and structure appropriate county participation in governance. Ben Rose, Human Services Director, advised access to mental health can be difficult at times. He also briefly addressed challenges within the system. Support continued state funding of Medicaid and su2port efforts by the state to provide healthcare access for all citizens. Representative Ford commented briefly on the growth of the Medicaid program and its impact both on the state and local level. Mike Downs, County Manager, advised the overall message from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners is, if the state expands Medicaid, it should do so with state funds, not local funds. Support legislation, regulations and funding that would preserve local option authority where needed to deploy community broadband systems to ensure community access to critical broadband services. County Manager Mike Downs explained this goal relates to rural counties versus urban counties and the ability to make sure school systems have the same opportunity and access to technology. Representative Johnson announced the goal will be completed this year. Oppose unfunded mandates and shifts of state responsibilities to counties. Representative Ford expressed support for this goal. Seek legislation for greater flexibility in county government use of 911 funds and protect current funding streams. County Manager Mike Downs advised the legislature is moving in the right direction in regards to this goal. He expressed concerns that it does not appear there will be any new revenues to support this goal. Provosed Bill to Redistrict the Cabarrus Countv Board of Commissioners Representative Pittman advised he and Representative Ford drafted a bill to create six area districts and one at -large voting district for the Board of Commissioners. He advised Wednesday is the deadline to file local bills and requested feedback from the Board. County Manager Mike Downs asked if the bill would include expanding board membership to seven members. Representative Johnson stated it had not been decided yet because they were waiting to hear from the County. Commissioner Mynatt expressed concerns that districting would limit quality candidates residing in the same districts since only one candidate could be selected to represent each area voting district. She also expressed concerns regarding the timing of the bill. Commissioner Honeycutt commented under the current system any qualifying resident can run for county commissioner, making representation as broad as those who run for the office. She also expressed concerns that