BC 2004 06 08 RECESSED - Laserfiche WebLink

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June 8, 2004 Page 492 Social Services Jim Cook, Director of Social Services, introduced Robert Mathis, Chairman of the Social Services Board, and Sandy Russell, Deputy Director. He commented on the events of the past year associated with the closing of Pillowtex and the assistance provided to the displaced workers. He distributed a number of charts showing comparisons between activities in 2003 and 2004 and the increases in the caseload for Public Assistance, Children's Services, Medicaid and the number of children in foster care. Mr. Cook requested that 17 Social Worker III positions (Pay Grade 69) responsible for Child Protective Service Investigative Assessments and Case Planning and Management be upgraded to the new classification Social Worker - Investigative/ Assessment and Treatment (Pay Grade 71). He stated the Office of State Personnel had recommended a pay grade of 71; however, the preliminary budget showed that the County Human Resources Director had recommended Pay Grade 70. The Board took no action on Mr. Cook's request, and staff will review the issue. Solid Waste Management Rick Payne, Director of Waste Management, presented the proposed budget for the Landfill and Waste Reduction programs. There was brief discussion regarding cardboard recycling, white goods and the construction and demolition landfill. General Discussion Upon completion of the review of the proposed budget, Mr. Day requested direction as to the preparation of additional information or changes to the budget. There was lengthy discussion regarding the proposed FY 2005 Cabarrus County budget and the tax rate. Issues addressed by the Board included the following: (1) Past use of the fund balance to balance the County budget; (2) County Manager's recommended tax rate of 56 cents and his projection in the Budget Message that 33 County positions would have to be cut for each one cent tax reduction; and (3) County and State funding responsibilities for schools. Chairman Freeman commented on the difficult economic times (417 foreclosures thus far in 2004 and the 7.1 percent unemployment rate) and the need to educate children, take care of senior citizens and keep libraries open. Vice Chairman Suggs expressed concern that the 56-cents tax rate would cause persons to lose their homes and supported a three-cent reduction with no job losses or reductions in school funding. Commissioner Carpenter stressed the need for the County to be financially sound and the importance of maintaining the County's bond rating. Commissioner Carruth cited the Board's responsibility to be fiscally responsible, opposed the use of the fund balance to balance the budget and outlined potential consequences of cutting the tax rate. Commissioner privette objected to the use of County funds for assistant principals and stated the need to hear comments at the public hearing prior to making any decision about the FY 2005 County budget. Mr. Day commented on the impact of reducing the tax rate, including the potential for layoffs by the County and the school system, and the use of the fund balance. He stated reductions totaling almost $4 million would be necessary to reduce the tax rate by three cents. Mr. Day asked the Board to consider if it is more important to have a tax rate lower than 56 cents or to have funding for the library, senior center and the schools. He assured the Board that no citizens would lose their home because of a 56-cent tax rate. Recess of Meetin~ UPON MOTION of Commissioner Privette, seconded by Vice Chairman Suggs and unanimously carried, the Board recessed the meeting at 10:20 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Monday, June 14, 2004, at the Cabarrus County Governmental Center. Clerk to the Board