BC 1993 06 21 - Laserfiche WebLink

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326 Ms. Kaye McLaurin of 710 Reubens Road submitted additional petitions in opposition to a tax increase. She reported that a total of 5,623 citizens had signed the petitions which had been submitted to the Board throughout the month of June. Ms. McLaurin supported the development of a Five-Year Budget Plan and stated the County's priorities need to be changed. Mr. Kenneth Ollo objected to the increase in funds budgeted for travel and asked that a policy be implemented for the Board of Commissioners and County Manager's Office to include the following items: (1) Full Board disclosure prior to out-of-county travel; (2) Disclosure of total travel costs including direct payments to travel agencies, etc.; (3) Submission of a brief detailed report in writing upon return from conference; (4) Elimination of in-county monthly travel allowance to Board members with adoption of travel allowance of 28 cents per mile; Elimination of $81,333.00 described as discretionary travel for Fiscal Year 1993-94; and Equal division of the Commissioners' travel budget of $15,000.00 among the five Board members. Dr. Dan Freeman, Cabarrus County Schools Superintendent, spoke in support of adequate funding for the schools. He stated that the following needs could not be met if the proposed budget cuts were approved: Computer technology resources, employment of additional high school science/math teachers, and necessary maintenance work such as the replacement of chillers at Concord High School and Central Cabarrus High School. Sheriff Robert Canaday urged the Board not to eliminate the Animal Control Department, stating it is a much-needed agency in the county. On behalf of the law enforcement officers and the County employees, Sheriff Canaday supported the continuation of the longevity pay program for employees. He stressed the importance of retaining employees, stating it is more expensive to recruit, select and train new employees. Mr. A1 Stanford, Cooperative Extension Director, spoke in support of the continuation of the 4-H After School Program which is conducted at a number of schools and day care centers in the county. Mr. Wayne Trexler, member of the Social Services Board and resident of 8551 Cottonwood Trail, reviewed the Simplification/Automation Project developed by the Social Services staff and suggested that other departments look at similar ways to streamline procedures and save money. He stated in his opinion the Board should evaluate real needs versus desired needs and prioritize the County's spending. Dr. C. H. Smith, Jr., Chairman of the Health Board and the Human Services Task Force, objected to funding for such capital projects as the Governmental Center, Airport, Coddle Creek Reservoir Project, and the Midland Sewer Project and associated cost overruns for the projects. He called for additional funding for human services, stating it is time for the County to put money "where the people are". Dr. Ed Tyson, Kannapolis City Schools Superintendent, expressed concern regarding funding for the schools system. He stated that the proposed 1993-94 funding for Kannapolis Schools was a decrease of approximately $117,000.00 ($97,000.00 for Capital Outlay and $20,000.00 for Current Expense) from 1992-93. He urged the Board to provide adequate funding to meet the needs of the schools. Ms. Eleanor Koski, Director of Aging, addressed the needs of the older adults in the community. She also read a letter from Mr. Wallace Hinnant, member of the Department of Aging Advisory Board, outlining his objections to the proposed elimination of funding for the in-home service worker at the Department of Aging and for the publication of the newsletter for senior citizens. Mr. Hinnant volunteered his services as an industrial engineer to study the operation of the county and to make recommendations for improvements. Ms. Betty Alston, Chairman of the Cabarrus Board of Education, addressed the needs of the schools. She requested that the schools get their fair share of funds in order to operate effectively and efficiently.