BC 2014 06 16 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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June 16, 2014 (Regular Meeting) Page 2091 Terminate /reallocate all funding for Wallace Park - -$1.8 million has been appropriated to build a new park at the Cabarrus /Union county line. With almost half a billion dollars in debt and hundreds of millions of dollars of additional debt potentially in the county's future, it is irresponsible to fund a new park. Reduce contribution to EDC by $332,000 - Economic development in Cabarrus County is exceptionally important. However, the structure currently being used is not an acceptable structure for the taxpayers of Cabarrus County. Under the current structure, Chamber of Commerce employees are shared with the EDC. This structure cannot be maintained for three primary reasons. 1) The Chamber of Commerce both locally and nationally, has become a political entity. Speaking of immigration reform, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Tom Donohue recently said "If the Republicans don't do it, they shouldn't bother to run a candidate in 2016," On a series of other political issues and races, the chambers nationwide are using funds to influence races. Tax dollars cannot be provided to an entity so closely tied to political issues. 2) Just two and a half years ago the Cabarrus Chamber had mismanaged its budget to the point it had to sell its facility and layoff employees. Putting an entity with such recent financial struggles in charge of several hundred thousand dollars of county funds is troubling. 3) information provided states that the Chamber uses EDC funds to subsidize Chamber activities and expenses. It is very concerning that taxpayer funds could be being misused, particularly in light of the recent financial struggles of the Chamber. Note: Commissioner Oesterreich provided copies of the aforementioned amendments to the County Manager's proposed budget to the Board, media and Clerk to the Board requesting the following pictures be included in the record: Vice Chairman Burrage commented on his preference to have staff review the information in the handout. Chairman Poole stated a second to the motion is needed in order to move forward for discussion. Following a brief discussion, Vice Chairman Durrage seconded the MTION. Chairman Poole expressed her intent to vote against the motion citing neither she nor staff has had time to review the proposed motion in detail. ;4oro D% 16 = -