BC 2013 03 18 Special Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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March I8, 2013 (Special Meeting) Page 1445 level. He also stated determining the physical location of internet -based businesses complicates siting them for taxation purposes. Nonemergency Medicaid Transport Pam Dubois, Deputy County Manager, advised the Cabarrus County Transportation Department runs efficiently and provides many services to citizens. She expressed concern over the privatization of Medicaid transportation adversely affecting the transportation services offered to others. County Manager Mike Downs stated the County's transportation system is one that runs well. He also advised the customer service provided to citizens is a factor. Representative Ford expressed preference for an option allowing counties flexibility to choose, and thereby leaving the decision up to local elected officials. Reopening Mount Pleasant Prison Representative Pittman introduced the topic of reopening the Mount Pleasant prison, which is currently unused. Vice Chairman White advised as a result of the prisons' condition the Department of Corrections would have to grandfather in the prison in order to be ADA compliant. He stated if the Mount Pleasant prison was operated as a satellite facility, it would cost $1 million per year to operate and $1 -$2 million to get it operational, since it currently does not have air conditioning. He also stated with the new jail facility, there is not yet a need for additional space. County Manager Mike Downs advised that other uses for the facility are being considered, but it does not currently present itself as financially prudent. Neighboring counties, Rowan and Stanly, are not in need of additional jail space. Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Jonathan Marshall, Deputy County Manager, stated if extraterritorial jurisdictions are removed, the County would need some time to rezone the affected properties. Representative Ford advised that in some cases the extraterritorial jurisdiction is much larger than the town itself. He stated with changes to the annexation laws, maintaining the extraterritorial jurisdiction is not as important to towns as in prior years. Consolidation of Votinq Districts Vice Chairman White introduced the topic of consolidation of voting districts. Pam Dubois, Deputy County Manager, stated the consolidation would have fewer locations open on Election Day, but enable 3 -5 large precincts to be open for a longer period of time prior to Election Day. She commended the success of One Stop Voting in the most recent elections, but stated that more facilities would provide greater flexibility for voters. She added that uniformity of hours would be an important factor in the future. Volunteer Fire Departments The Board and Legislative Delegation generally discussed volunteer fire departments, retaining and recruiting volunteer firefighters and the donation of fire department equipment, per statute. General Comments Commissioner Morris advised the topic of "100 school systems for 100 counties" was discussed at the NCACC 2013 Legislative Conference. He added that such changes would have a negative financial impact on Cabarrus County. General discussion followed concerning how school systems receive funding. Mike Downs, County Manager, inquired if there were plans to designate revenues to keep inspectors for the local health board. Vice Chairman White added that restaurant inspections involve a large amount of time; however the majority of the collected fee goes to the state, rather than staying local.