BC 2006 06 05 WORK SESSION - Laserfiche WebLink

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June 5, 2006 - Agenda Work Session/Recessed Meeting Page 634 approving supplemental funding for Building 3000 on the south campus and pledge of support for the workforce development site training center to be opened in Kannapolis. Further, Mr. Foley requested a pledge of support from the Board for expansion of the cosmetology center at the Cloverleaf Plaza in time for the fall 2007 semester. Estimated costs for the expansion total $54,700.00 and have been deferred until FY 2007-08. The FY 2007 budget request included increasing costs for utilities, addition of one housekeeping position at the Cloverleaf Plaza site, carpet replacement on south campus and upgrading the energy management system on the south campus. Robert Keeney I RCCC Chief Financial Officer I commented on the funding that is to be provided by the State for RCCC's participation at the North Carolina Research Campus. Further, he stated his availability to answer any questions the Board may have concerning the proposed FY 2006-07 budget. UPON MOTION of Commissioner Privette, seconded by Commissioner Carpenter and unanimously carried, the Board endorsed the plans by Rowan- Cabarrus Community College to expand the cosmetology center at the Cloverleaf Plaza in Kannapolis. Grant Funding for Staffing Volunteer Fire Departments Bobby Smith, Emergency Management Director, reported the Board of Directors of the Cabarrus County Firemen I s Association unanimously voted to request the Fire Marshal's Office to seek funding of $450,000.00 to provide a grant of $30,000.00 to each of the volunteer fire departments for staffing purposes. This grant would provide assistance to volunteer fire departments to provide certified personnel to respond to fire and medical emergencies within the district. He said County staff reviewed the budget request and offered a funding solution of a fire service district tax. He said there was little support from the Association for the fire service district tax. Chief Ed Phillips, Allen Volunteer Fire Department and President of the Cabarrus County Firemen's Association, asked the Board to reinstate the $450,000.00 line item that was removed from the County Fire Marshal's budget for staffing one person per station throughout the County. He commented on the reduced number of volunteers and said the addition of one staff person would ensure that at least one fire apparatus would respond in a timely manner from each department. Mr. Smith responded to questions regarding the departments hiring full-time or part-time personnel. standards for the number of hours worked in a week would it would be at the discretion of fire departments to hire time employees. volunteer fire He said minimum be established and full-time or part- John Day, County Manager, commented on the equity issue involved in taxing city residents to benefit non-city residents and a change in policy as to how fire protection services are funded. He said County staff proposed to create a fire district overlay with a one-half cent tax that would meet the needs of the volunteer fire departments. The district would exclude the municipalities with municipal fire protection such as Concord, Harrisburg and Kannapolis. There was a general discussion on the assistance provided by volunteer fire departments to municipal fire departments on an Uas neededU basis. The Board also discussed the options for providing the requested funding, i. e. , individual fire district tax, establishment of a new umbrella fire district with a tax rate of one-half (1/2) cent or addition to the General Fund. Chairman Carruth asked Board Members to consider the best the budget request and for the liaisons to contact Harrisburg, Kannapolis. way to fund Concord and Mr. Smith reported representatives from departments were present to request a rate increase. three volunteer fire Chief John Jenkins, Enochville VFD, requested a two-cent fire district tax increase to fund two part-time positions during workdays, 7: 00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Chief John Hilfirty, Jackson Park VFD, requested a one-half cent fire district tax increase to cover operational and maintenance expenses. He said the 26-year-old fire truck has become a maintenance issue and the department is purchasing a new fire truck. Further, he commented on the loss of revenue due to annexations by the City of Concord.