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March 17, 2003 Page 77 Mr. Day briefly reviewed discussions held during the February 17tn Board meeting concerning the one-half percent local government sales and use tax and the County's projected shortfalls of $5.6 million in FY 2004, $12.5 million in FY 2005 and $11.5 million in FY 2006. He stated that expenditures are exceeding revenues and discussed various short and long-term solutions that could help address the problem. Further, Mr. Day presented a list of potential cuts totaling $5.2 million if the County eliminates the non- mandated services of Parks and Recreation, Libraries, Cooperative Extension, Veterans Services, Aging, Planning, Zoning, Erosion Control, Community Development, Soil and Water and Animal Control. He reported that $4.5 million in revenue is anticipated in FY 2004 from the one-half cent sales tax if it is effective July 1, 2003. Ms. Pam Dubois, Finance Director, commented on the reduction in revenue since 2000 and the increase in such expenses as education, debt service, economic incentives, Medicaid, Department of Social Services and the Health Alliance. She stated that the County's surplus is going away. The following Resolutions were included in the Agenda: (1) Mt. Pleasant Town Board - Resolution of Support for the Approval of the One-Half Cent Local Government Sales and Use Tax for Cabarrus County; (2) Concord City Council - Resolution of Support for the Approval of the One-Half Cent Local Government Sales and Use Tax for Cabarrus County; (3) Resolution of the Kannapolis City Board of Education; (4) Cabarrus County Board of Education Resolution Cabarrus County Commissioners Funding Options; and (5) Harrisburg Town Council - Resolution of Support for the Approval of the One-Half Cent Local Government Sales and Use Tax for Cabarrus County. At 9:30 p.m., Chairman Freeman opened the public hearing on the proposed Resolution to preserve the current combined state and local government sales and use tax at six and one-half percent by levying the third one-half percent local government sales and use tax effective July 1, 2003. The Public Hearing Notice was published in THE INDEPENDENT TRIBUNE and THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER (Cabarrus Neighbors) on March 2, 2003. Reverend Roland Jordan, resident of Lore Street in Concord, spoke in support of the one-half cent sales tax. He stated the sales tax revenue is needed to fund education, jobs and a new jail. Ms. Christie Yoder, resident of Yorktown Street in Concord, spoke in support of maintaining the sales tax at six and one-half percent effective July 1, 2003. She stated in her opinion the one-half percent sales tax would not be a burden to the County's citizens and is needed to fund schools, water and the new jail. Further, Ms. Yoder said that the sales tax would help to provide programs to children from the poorer communities. Mr. Heath Ritchie, resident of Concord, stated it is important that the County keep the one-half cent sales tax in place. He stated in his opinion the one-half cent would not be a burden to the citizens and the County could not afford to give up any opportunity for revenue. Mr. F. A. "Jack" Rankin of Concord supported the one-half cent sales tax. He said the County needs the source of income and stated in his opinion the County should implement the sales tax rather than increase the property tax. Mr. Edward Scott of Concord spoke in favor of the one-half cent sales tax. He stated the County needs more money and that the property tax would have to go up if the sales tax is not approved. Mr. Thomas Hill, representing the Cabarrus Chapter of Citizens for Sound Economy, stated he opposed the one-half percent sales tax based on principle because it would hurt the poorest of people. Mr. Mike Helms opposed the one-half cent sales tax, stating the County should be run as a business and that cutbacks in the number of employees should be made. He stated in his opinion a new jail is not needed and questioned the assistance that some persons receive from the Department of Social Services. Mr. John Cox, Chief Executive Officer of the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce and speaking on behalf of the business community, encouraged the Board to adopt the one-half cent sales tax. He stated adoption of the tax is in the best interest of County government and the local business community.