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January 6, 2003 Page 4 done by Bullock Smith & Partners concerning improvements to the fairgrounds; and agreed to meet in conjunction with the Convention and Visitor's Bureau for discovering ways to better utilize the hotel/motel tax. BUDGET FORECAST - TARGETED AREAS FOR REDUCTION Cooperative Extension Personnel Mr. Day reviewed the Memorandum of Agreement between Cabarrus County and the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service for sharing the costs of the local extension agents. He reported that a Family and Consumer Science Agent position and a 4-H Agent position are currently vacant. Mr. Day proposed a formal arrangement between the County and State to freeze the Family and Consumer Science Agent for an indefinite period of time. Ms. Debbie Bost, Cooperative Extension Director, explained the State had abolished the Family and Consumer Science Agent position in November 2000, but must reinstate it as a result of the Memorandum of Agreement. However, she stated this would be at a cost to another county and could possibly involve the sharing of a position with Union County at some time in the future. Ms. Bost advised that the 4-H Agent position is the priority position to be filled at this time. UPON MOTION of Commissioner Carruth, seconded by Commissioner Privette and unanimously carried, the Board agreed to freeze the Family and Consumer Science Agent position in the Cooperative Extension office until such time the State opens up funding for the position and the County has money to fill the position. ARENA AND EVENT CENTER ISSUES Midway Contract Mr. Day distributed a summary of Bid Responses from the following companies for the contract for midway rides and shows for the Agricultural Fair: Amusements of America; Deggeller Attractions, Inc.; and Powers Great American Show. He reported that the Cabarrus County Agricultural Fair Board met this morning and recommended Deggeller Attractions. UPON MOTION of Commissioner Privette, seconded by Commissioner Carpenter and unanimously carried, the Board awarded the contract for the midway rides and shows at the Cabarrus County Agricultural Fair to Deggeller Attractions, Inc. for a three-year term and authorized the County Attorney and Interim County Manager to negotiate the contract on behalf of Cabarrus County. Arena and Event Center - Event Staff Mr. Day discussed the possibility of establishing a pool of event staff to work at the Expo rather than continuing the current policy of using staff from a temporary employment agency. He explained that this would save money as well as eliminate the need for the continuous training of new personnel. Board members questioned the use of church and civic groups as well as school band and athletic groups to work at the Arena as fundraiser projects. Mr. Chappuis reported that there are current opportunities for these community groups at the facility. He also responded to a number of questions concerning current Expo staff and the marketing of the facility. The marketing position is now vacant with two employees having served in the position during the past several months. UPON MOTION of Commissioner Privette, seconded by Vice Chairman Suggs and unanimously carried, the Board authorized the recruitment of part-time event staff for the Expo and agreed to look at ways to better market the facility. TAX SOFTWARE UPDATE Ms. Jean Kennedy, Director of Information Technology Services, presented an update on the status of property taxation software. She stated that COTT Systems and Intelligence Information Systems (IIS) are currently working to develop software. Ms. Kennedy reviewed the pros and cons of each system and recommended that the County defer making a decision on the purchase of the software package for one year to allow both companies to fully develop their CAMA (computer assisted mass appraisal) package.