BC 1991 05 17 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

141 The Board of Commissioners for the County of Cabarrus met in recessed session in the Commissioners' Conference Room at the Cabarrus County Governmental Center on Friday, May 17, 1991, at 8:30 A.M. Present - Chairman: Billy J. Simmons, Jr. Commissioners: Jeffrey L. Barnhart Carolyn B. Carpenter William G. Hamby, Jr. Kenneth F. Payne Also present were Mr. Michael M. Ruffin, County Manager; Mrs. Cynthia Eades, Personnel Officer; Mrs. Diane Seaford, Budget Officer; and Mrs. Frankie F. Bonds, Clerk to the Board. Chairman Simmons called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M. Commissioners Barnhart and Hamby were absent for the beginning of the meeting. Chairman Simmons expressed concern relative to recent news articles in The Concord Tribune regarding the Board of Commissioners and such items as the proposed Fiscal Year 1991-1992 budget, the removal of an alleged "cap" on legal fees, and Board travel expenses. He objected to the publishing of "rumors" in the newspaper and stated there was no truth to the article that the Board planned to terminate the employment of the County Manager at its meeting on June 3. Mrs. Cynthia Eades, Personnel Officer, reviewed the recommended Pay Plan Adjustments and recommended new positions for the 1991-1992 Fiscal Year. In addition, she discussed the performance evaluation system which began January 1, 1991. She noted that 53.8 percent of the employees had received merit increases during the first four months of the program. Board members expressed concern regarding the high percentage of merit increases, and Ms. Eades advised them that the system would be closely monitored during the year to determine appropriate changes. Chairman Simmons opened the budget oversight hearings. Mr. Bob Farris, Environmental Health Supervisor, reviewed the work of the secretary for that unit and asked that the Board approve a new clerical position to help meet the increased workload demands. The Board asked that the compensatory time be closely monitored for the current employee. Ms. Lila Fister, Home Health Supervisor, asked that the Board consider the line items for Consultants as well as Furniture and Equipment for that agency. She stressed the need for adequate funding to provide marketing services to promote the agency, indigent care services, and possible Medicare cost settlements. In addition, Ms. Fister asked for funding to purchase secretarial stations as well as a mailing machine and other office equipment. The Board asked that the agency consider the use of the mail service provided by the General Services department. Commissioner Barnhart arrived at 10:30 A.M. and was present for the remainder of the meeting. Mr. Rick Payne, Recycling Coordinator, asked that the Board approve the funding for a new roll-off truck at a cost of $85,000.00. According to Mr. Payne, the 1979 vehicle currently being used is unsafe and needs extensive repairs. Board members discussed new tipping fees for the Landfill. A motion made by Commissioner Payne and seconded by Chairman Simmons to set the tipping fee at $26.00 per ton effective July 1, 1991 was withdrawn after discussion. Commissioner Carpenter proposed the sharing of such equipment as a tub grinder, skidder, and straw blower with surrounding counties. Board members by consensus agreed for Commissioner Carpenter to pursue this idea and bring a proposal back to the Board for consideration. UPON MOTION of Chairman Simmons, seconded by Commissioner Carpenter with Chairman Simmons and Commissioners Carpenter, Barnhart, and Payne voting for, the Board moved to go into executive session for consultation with counsel regarding pending litigation. Chairman Simmons recessed the meeting for the Board to travel to Meric's Restaurant for the executive session and lunch. Commissioner Hamby joined the Board for the executive session. Chairman Simmons reconvened the meeting in the Commissioners' Conference Room following lunch. UPON MOTION of Chairman Simmons, seconded by Commissioner Barnhart with Chairman Simmons and Commissioners Barnhart, Carpenter, and Payne voting for, the executive session was terminated. No action was reported from the executive session. Mr. C. Richard Russell, Director of Management Information Systems, reviewed the requested budget for that department. He objected to the $50,000.00 recommended by the County Manager for a management study of that department.