BC 2006 04 17 REGULAR - Laserfiche WebLink

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April 17, 2006 - Regular Meeting Page 576 As required by North Carolina General Statute 112C-117, the first quarterly report of SFY 2005-06 for piedmont Behavioral Healthcare (PBH) was included as part of the Agenda. The report outlined PBH's progress on the Local Business Plan and the services provided during the first quarter of SFY 2005-06. (I-3) Announcement of Settlement of Potential Litigation Claims The following Announcement of Settlement of Potential Litigation Claims was included as part of the Agenda: Cabarrus County has settled the claims of Cabarrus County against Hartsell and Williams, PA and its employees for a lump sum payment of $30,000.00. These claims for negligence and professional malpractice arose from the legal work performed by Hartsell and Williams, PA in defense of a retaliatory discharge claim by Doris D. Wright against Cabarrus County. Cabarrus County ultimately settled the claims of Ms. Wright against it, which were contested. The claims of Cabarrus County against Hartsell and Williams, PA were also contested. Approval of the terms of the settlement was made by the Commissioners in closed session as permitted by the Open Meetings Law. The settlement funds have been paid. Announcement of this settlement is made pursuant to the Open Meetings Law (NCGS~143-318.11). Commissioner Privette gave a historical account of the events that led to payment of a $130,000.00 settlement to a former Department of Social Services employee and the subsequent settlement of potential litigation claims against Hartsell & Williams, PA. He stated he opposed the settlement of $30,000.00 with the law firm. Chairman Carruth commented on issues associated with the case, including representation by the law firm, claims against Hartsell & williams, PA and the reasons for settling with the law firm. He also referenced a non- disparagement clause in the settlement agreement with the former employee. (J) GENERAL COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS Board Members encouraged citizens to vote election. The schedules for early voting and announced. in the May 2, 2006 primary the Candidates Forum were Chairman Carruth commented on the County's financial position over the past several years. He addressed the following: the use of fund balance to balance the County budget for several years prior to FY 2006; the need for the tax increase in FY 2006; and funds spent on the construction of new schools. Commissioner Privette commented on county, the continued approval of lots schools. the number of approved lots in the and the need to build additional Commissioner Freeman reported on the increasing number of foreclosures in the County. AS of March 15, he said there had been 297 foreclosures in 2006. (K) WATER & SEWER DISTRICT OF CABARRUS COUNTY No items of business. (L) CLOSED SESSION (if needed) (M) ADJOURN With there being no further business to come before the Board, Chairman Carruth adjourned the meeting at 9:41 p.m. j~ 3.~ Clerk to the Board