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230 <br /> <br />School Christmas Tree Decorating Contest Prizes <br /> <br /> UPON MOTION of Commissioner Payne, seconded by Commissioner Casper with <br />Commissioners Payne, Casper and Carpenter voting for and Chairman Barnhart and <br />Commissioner Fennel voting against, the Board approved $7,000.00 to be used for <br />prizes in the annual tree decorating contest. <br /> <br /> Commissioner Fennel opposed the use of tax money for the contest. Also, <br />Chairman Barnhart stated for the record: <br /> <br />I think the Christmas tree contest is good and the participation has <br />been pretty good. It is something the schools look forward to, but <br />I still have a problem putting that kind of money directly into <br />something, especially when it is something directed for computers <br />and like that. We don't know which class is going to win or even if <br />they have the capability to use what they are going to get. I just <br />think it should go through the technology program. I would much <br />prefer something besides that. <br /> <br /> Commissioners Casper and Carpenter spoke in support of the funding for the <br />contest. Commissioner Carpenter pointed out the contest rules state that the <br />equipment purchased must fit into the technology plan for the schools. <br /> <br />Discussion of Performance Audit <br /> <br /> Chairman Barnhart briefly reviewed the draft "Request for Proposals" (RFP) <br />for a performance audit for the County. The draft RFP called for a bid to look <br />at all County departments as well as costs for the areas of Sheriff, Social <br />Services, Emergency Medical Services, and Health. He asked the Board members as <br />well as the candidates to review the RFP and offer comments. <br /> <br />Proposed Local Option Sales Tax Bill <br /> <br /> Mr. Witherspoon presented suggested elements to go into a bill for an <br />additional one percent (1%) local option sales tax. His proposal included <br />provisions for the use of sales tax proceeds for schools and other infrastructure <br />needs as well as for the payment of debt service. <br /> <br /> Commissioner Casper reported that the Legislative Goals Committee of the <br />North Carolina Association of County Commissioners had agreed to recommend that <br />the sales tax be designated solely for capital improvements for schools with <br />possible expansion for other capital projects at a later date. <br /> <br /> There was general agreement that it would be in the Board's best interest <br />to support the recommendations by the North Carolina Association of County <br />Commissioners. However, the proposed sales tax legislation will be discussed <br />further at a later date. <br /> <br />Reports and Recommendations by the County Manager <br /> <br />Mr. Witherspoon presented reports and recommendations as follows: <br /> <br /> !. Thoughts on a County Economic Development Pro~ect. Outlined choices <br />that need to be addressed relative to what the County can-offer to assist new and <br />expanding businesses. <br /> <br /> 2. Proposal Re: Animal Shelter. Suggested plans for a new animal shelter <br />with the eventual merger of the City and County Animal Control. The plan included <br />the request that Concord donate 10 acres of property and fund up to one-third of <br />construction cost. The County would build, equip and operate new shelter at a <br />cost not to exceed $500,000.00. The City and County would agree to develop plan <br />to merge control within five years. <br /> <br /> 3. What to Do with Old Buildings on Union Street. Options included (1) <br />Do nothing; (2) Demolition; (3) Offer for sale; and (4) Historic preservation <br />with possible uses of elderly housing or office building. <br /> <br /> <br />