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123 The Board of Commissioners for the County of Cabarrus met in recessed session at the Harrisburg Fire and Rescue Building in Harrisburg, North Carolina on Thursday, May 26, 1994, at 6:30 P.M. Present - Chairman: Jeffrey L. Barnhart Vice-Chairman: Carolyn B. Carpenter Absent - Commissioners: Sue B. Casper Arne L. Fennel Kenneth F. Payne Also present were Mr. John V. Witherspoon, County Manager; Mr. John Day, Budget Officer; and Mrs. Frankie F. Bonds, Clerk to the Board. Chairman Barnhart reconvened the meeting. A quorum was not present; however, Chairman Barnhart announced that a summary of the public input would be provided to those members who could not attend the meeting. Commissioner Fennel had a death in the family; Commissioner Payne was out of town on business; and Commissioner Casper had another commitment. The Honorable Carl Parmer, Mayor of the Town of Harrisburg, extended a welcome on behalf of the Town of Harrisburg and the Harrisburg Fire and Rescue Squads. Mr. Witherspoon gave an overview of County government and its operation. Mr. Day reviewed the proposed FY 95 budget. He listed the spending options which were not included in the FY 95 budget. These options are set forth in the minutes of May 23, 1994 on Page 121 of Minute Book 24. Sheriff Robert Canaday reviewed the proposal to establish a new patrol squad. Mr. Aubrey Attkisson reviewed the recommendation by the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Study Council that the County work toward a goal of an eight- minute response time for 90 percent of the emergency calls. Chairman Barnhart opened the floor for comments from the public. Mr. Dick McMillian of Sunnyside Drive in Concord spoke in support of additional funding for the schools in order to maintain the level of education and to relieve overcrowding. He stated in his opinion the children moving into the county should not be deprived of an adequate opportunity for education. Mr. Harvey Morris, Assistant Chief at Odell Volunteer Fire Department, endorsed the eight minute response time for emergency calls. He indicated that an additional unit in the Kannapolis area could possibly help serve a section of the Odell Fire District. Mr. Richard Shaw, Harrisburg Elementary School Administrator, spoke in support of funding for school facilities and expressed concern regarding the decrease in schools current expense funding. He stated that mobile units can provide classroom space but pointed out that a large increase in the number of students places a burden on such school support services as the cafeteria, restrooms, media center and learning lab. Mr. Scott Padgett, Principal of Beverly Hills Elementary School, supported funding for the schools, stating a decrease in per pupil expenditures will negatively affect the students. He commented that increased funding is necessary to provide additional classroom equipment and to meet the technology needs of the schools. Mr. Padgett cautioned that a decrease in the quality of education would hinder the economic development efforts in Cabarrus County. Mr. Mike Brown, President of the Harrisburg Fire and Rescue, addressed the need for the eight-minute response time. He indicated he would support an increase in taxes if it would result in a lower response time for emergency calls. Ms. Stephanie Delaney of Stallings Road in Harrisburg urged the Board to support education and increase per pupil expenditure. She complained of