BC 1994 05 31 - Laserfiche WebLink

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126 Mr. Tommy Earnhardt of the Northeast Volunteer Fire Department stated that a 1985 EMS study had recommended the placement of an ambulance in both the Kannapolis and Midland areas. He questioned the failure to provide these ambulances as well as the adequacy of a QRV for the Midland area. Mr. Earnhardt suggested that the Midland Community residents work together to build an ambulance facility such as the one built by the Mt. Pleasant area residents. Currently, the Midland Volunteer Fire Department has offered to lease/rent space in its facility to house the QRV. Chairman Barnhart opened the meeting for comments from the public. He asked for input regarding the spending options which were presented by Mr. Day. Mr. Jeff Allman, Mt. Pleasant Fire Chief, spoke in support of the EMS Study Council's recommendations and called for adequate funding of all emergency services. He expressed concern regarding the ambulance standby process which frequently results in the relocation of the ambulance from the Mt. Pleasant community. In addition, Mr. Allman supported the staffing proposal for the Sheriff's Department and asked for an increase in the $250.00 monthly stipend to the volunteer fire departments. Mr. Tommy Earnhardt stated in his opinion there are gross inequities in the operating budgets of volunteer fire departments throughout the county. He suggested the levy of a county wide tax for fire service in order for the funds to be distributed more equitably. Ms. Susan Lee, President of the Coltrane-Webb School Parent's Association, supported additional schools funding for both current expense and new facilities. She complained of such problems at Coltrane Webb as early lunches at 10:30 A.M., inadequate classroom and playground space, insufficient number of restrooms, and the existence of potential fire hazards. Ms. Lee stated her willingness to pay increased taxes to fund the schools. Ms. Zenobia Fleming also addressed the problems at Coltrane-Webb School. She stressed the need for school funding in order to educate the children in the county. Mr. J. B. Baugh spoke against additional funding for education, stating that new school buildings are not needed and that the Mt. Pleasant High School building should not have been demolished. He stated in his opinion that the schools waste money and fail to do an adequate job in educating the children. Ms. Louise Baugh opposed additional taxes to fund new school facilities. She also expressed concerns regarding persons who receive assistance from the Department of Social Services. Ms. Geri Slusher, parent of a Mt. Pleasant Elementary School student, supported additional funding for the schools. She complained of the absence of a cafeteria at the elementary school and reductions in technology funding. Ms. Pamela Linker, parent, spoke in support of funding for the schools. She specifically expressed concern regarding reductions in technology funding. An unidentified speaker stated the need to do something for the schools, but called for long range planning for school facilities. She supported an impact tax as a method to raise money for the schools. Mr. Carl Earnhardt stated his willingness to pay additional taxes for the schools. Stating that the taxes on houses are insufficient to fund education, he stressed the need for new industries in the county. Mr. Earnhardt also supported the Sheriff's request for additional personnel. Chairman Barnhart thanked the audience for their attendance and input. He recessed the meeting at 8:40 P.M. until 6:30 P.M. on Thursday, June 2, 1994, at the Masonic Lodge on Highway 601 in Midland. Clerk to the Board