BC 2009 12 21 Regular - Laserfiche WebLink

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December 21, 2009 (Regular Meeting) Page 1753 Chairman White reviewed information relating to the Centralina Council of Governments (CCOG) membership. He advised a six-month notice is required for withdrawal of the membership and that annual membership is automatically renewable the first of July. He stated, in his opinion, CCOG is not keeping everybody's voice in the forefront. He spoke about the fact that the Blue Ribbon Committee has yet to convene. He stated if the Board decides to withdraw and things change in the interim, the Board can re-apply next year. He emphasized that the County is paying $38,000.00 annually and only receiving $23,000.00 worth of services. He noted the CCOG may have some benefits; however, there appear to be none as it relates to Cabarrus County. Commissioner Mynatt stated she attended the Department of Aging Board meeting today. She provided information discussed at the meeting relating to Aging board members' concerns that the department might lose funds if the County withdraws from CCOG membership. She advised she assured board members that this is not the case and that the County can still purchase CCOG services directly without being a member. She asked questions regarding other services the County could possibly purchase with the difference of the membership fee ($16,000.00). Chairman White advised the value of the services that CLOG provides can be paid on an hourly or group basis which amounts to $23,000.00. He informed the County never received a satisfactory answer from CCOG as to why the County is paying the extra $16,000.00. He stated if the County withdraws membership from CCOG, the County can still contract their services for grants and will not see any difference in service; and the County will actually be paying about $23,000.00 instead of $39,000.00. Commissioner Privette commented that Staff members have not indicated how CCOG has benefitted them and stated why pay for something that is not beneficial to the County. Commissioner Carruth advised he is an employee of the organization that provides property and casualty insurance to CCOG. He questioned whether he needed to recuse himself from the matter. Richard Koch, County Attorney, responded in the negative. Vice Chairman Poole advised County Staff can still get continued education through CCOG and purchase needed services. She talked about the possibility of the Blue Ribbon Committee commencing in January or February. She stressed the importance for the County to be a part of regional committees. She stated since the County's membership is through the end of June she will continue to go to the monthly meetings and will share information from the meetings. She requested the Board reevaluate the situation in six months and possibly plan to put it on the Agenda at that time if the County desires to remain a member. She noted the County is required to send notification to all municipalities and counties in the region of the County's intent to withdraw from CCOG membership. She informed CCOGs are set up by state and there are different COGS that represent different areas of the county. She stated, in her opinion, that it is beneficial for the County to have representation at the meetings. Commissioner Mynatt expressed concern about the timing of the membership withdrawal since the County's membership remains enforce for the next six months. She questioned if the Blue Ribbon Committee is formed before the County's membership expires, will the County have a seat at the table. She commented if the County is not in the group that is trying to make improvements, in essence, how will the County have a voice? Chairman White spoke about the many disgruntled members of CCOG and how CCOG should take this matter into consideration and see how everybody's voice can be heard. He concurred that there are a lot of regional efforts that need to be addressed such as air, pollution, and transportation, but does not see how CCOG is helping to lead the effort. Commissioner Carruth suggested it would be more cost effective if CCOG performed regional services for rural areas consisting of a lot of small counties and municipalities. He questioned, in addition to concerns about the Blue Ribbon Committee, what other issues does the County want to talk about on a regional level. He provided information on a couple of committees that promoted conservation, land-use management, or tried to coordinate collaborative efforts between all sixteen counties. He noted the only regional effort going on currently is the Carolina Thread Trail organization. He questioned whether it is necessary to have an organization as big as the CCOG to provide services for 16 counties; and can something of that magnitude