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110 <br /> <br /> Mr. Walters (County Fire ~Marshal) reviewed the profile that had been <br />prepared for each fire department in the County. The information included <br />current district valuation, number of members, vehicles/equipment, call <br />response data, revenues, etc. The departments were as follows: Allen, Cold <br />Water, Concord, Enochville, Flowes Store, Georgeville, Gold Hill, Harrisburg, <br />Jackson Park, Kannapolis, Midland, Mt. Mitchell, Mt. Pleasant, Northeast <br />Cabarrus, Odell, Poplar Tent, Richfield-Misenheimer and Rimer. <br /> <br /> Mr. Downs discussed current difficulties that the volunteer fire <br />departments are experiencing, including membership, funding, equipment <br />replacement, low response numbers during daytime hours and changes in <br />districts due to annexations. He listed the following alternatives for the <br />Board's consideration: (1) Make no changes in the existing process; (2) <br />Create five municipal districts and a County-supported district; (3) <br />Consolidate several existing districts; (4) Establish paid personnel within <br />the existing departments; and (5) Create a universal County fire tax. <br /> <br /> There was brief discussion regarding the emergency services study as <br />presented by Mr. Downs and Mr. Walters. It was generally agreed the Board <br />should meet with fire department representatives after members have had the <br />opportunity to read the study. This meeting is expected to occur in <br />September. <br /> <br /> Chairman Fennel questioned the Corning incentive agreement that <br />included the Midland fire district tax. He reported Mr. Joe Monastra, Plant <br />Manager for Corning, had indicated the company would pay their share of the <br />fire tax. Mr. Clifton stated the best way for Corning to handle that issue <br />would be to make a direct contribution to the fire department. <br /> <br />Economic Development Corporation <br /> <br /> Chairman Fennel introduced discussion of increased funding for the <br />Economic Development Corporation. <br /> <br /> UPON MOTION of Chairman Fennel, seconded by Vice Chairman Carruth and <br />unanimously carried, the Board increased the FY 2002 appropriation to the <br />Economic Development Corporation by $50,000.00, including $30,000.00 to pay <br />for a study concerning private sector involvement and $20,000.00 for existing <br />programs. <br /> <br />General Discussion <br /> <br /> There was general discussion about the FY 2002 budget, including the <br />possibility of delaying new positions for several months, uncertainty about <br />State reimbursements, capital outlay projects, potential budget shortfalls <br />for FY 2003 and the need to maintain an acceptable tax rate as well as an <br />acceptable level of services. <br /> <br /> Mr. Clifton reported a list of adjustments to the proposed FY 2002 <br />County Budget would be available at the June ~8th Board meeting. <br /> <br />Closed Session <br /> <br /> UPON MOTION of Chairman Fennel, seconded by Commissioner Freeman and <br />unanimously carried, the Board moved to go into closed session to discuss the <br />acquisition of real property as authorized by North Carolina General Statute <br />143-318.11(a) (5) and to discuss a personnel matter as authorized by North <br />Carolina General Statute 143-318.11(a) (6). <br /> <br /> UPON MOTION of Chairman Fennel, seconded by Commissioner Suggs and <br />unanimodsly carried, the Board moved to end the closed session. <br /> <br />No action was reported from the closed session. <br /> <br />Recess of Meeting <br /> <br /> There being no further business to come before the Board, Chairman <br />Fennel recessed the meeting at 9:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Monday, June 4, <br />2001, in the Multipurpose Room at the Governmental Center. <br /> <br />Clerk to the Board <br /> <br /> <br />