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March 18, 2002 Page 315 There being no one else who wished to address the Board, Chairman Freeman closed that portion of the meeting at 9:40 p.m. COMMISSIONERS DISCUSSION & RESPONSE TO INFORMAL PUBLIC COMMENTS (if needed) Commissioner Privette questioned the process for garnishing wages for delinquent taxes. Mr. Clifton advised that County staff members follow the statutory process for collecting unpaid property and vehicle taxes as well as ambulance bills. The Tax Administrator will prepare a report summarizing the collection process. REPORTS Comments on Recent News Article in THE INDEPENDENT TRIBUNE - Frank Clifton, County Manager Mr. Clifton commented on the March 15th news article (~Frills Come Before Services, Critics Say") in THE INDEPENDENT TRIBUNE regarding the elimination of positions at the Department of Social Services. The article attributed the following quote to Ms. Sandra Russell, Adult Services Program Administrator of the Cabarrus County Department of Social Services: ~I've served both parties, and I agree with Republicans on some issues, even though I am a Democrat. But in this instance, I just can't support what the Republicans are doing." He stated the reporter (Amy Wadsworth) had advised him the quote was by the Chairman of the Democratic Party and the paragraphs had been moved around during the editing process. According to Mr. Clifton, Ms. Wadsworth has apologized to Ms. Russell and indicated she will request that a correction be printed. Mr. Clifton also addressed several issues impacting the County, including the impact of the State's budget problems on local governments, the different levels of government and the services such as Medicaid that are mandated by Federal and State government. He also commented on the Expo project that began two years ago and the community input that was received during the planning process for that facility. Chairman Freeman asked for clarification as to how many County employees were laid off at the Department of Social Services. Mr. Clifton explained there were 96 slots/positions eliminated from the County budget. This included 20 contracted positions though an employment agency or other group. Six full-time and three temporary County employees were laid off through a ~reduction in force". All other positions had been vacant. He reported that the State and Federal money was not there to fund the programs and support the positions. Chairman Freeman reported that a number of counties throughout the state have sent resolutions to the Governor asking for the release of funds to local governments. He stated that Cabarrus County is not the only county in the state that has laid off employees. Closed Session - Personnel UPON MOTION of Vice Chairman Carruth, seconded by Commissioner Privette and unanimously carried, the Board moved to go into Closed Session to discuss a personnel matter as authorized by North Carolina General Statute 143- 318.11(a) (6) . UPON MOTION of Commissioner Fennel, seconded by Vice Chairman Carruth and unanimously carried, the Board moved to come out of the Closed Session. No action was reported from the Closed Session. RECESS OF MEETING There being no further business to come before the Board, Chairman Freeman recessed the meeting at 10:15 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, 2002, at the Kannapolis Public Works Operation located at 1401 Bethpage Road in Kannapolis. Clerk to the Board