BC 1991 04 22 - Laserfiche WebLink

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112 The Board of Commissioners for the County of Cabarrus met in recessed session at the Cabarrus County Agricultural Extension Center in Concord, North Carolina, on Monday, April 22, 1991, at 6:00 P.M. Present - Chairman: Billy J. Simmons, Jr. Commissioners: Carolyn B. Carpenter William G. Hamby, Jr. Kenneth F. Payne Absent - Commissioner: Jeffrey L. Barnhart Chairman Simmons called the meeting to order. The Board received the annual "Report to the People" from representatives of the Agricultural Extension Service. Chairman Simmons recessed the meeting for the Board to travel to the Governmental Center to meet with members of the Cabarrus County Board of Education. Chairman Simmons reconvened the meeting at 7:50 P.M. in the Multi-Purpose Room at the Governmental Center. Board members present for that portion of the meeting in addition to Chairman Simmons were Commissioners Carpenter and Payne. Also present were Mr. Michael M. Ruffin, County Manager, and Mrs. Frankie F. Bonds, Clerk to the Board. Members of the Cabarrus County Board of Education present for the meeting were Ms. Betty Alston, Mrs. Dorothy Simmons, Mr. Lewis Williams, Mr. Samuel F. Davis, Jr., Mr. Don Hoyle and Mr. Harold Hartsell. Also present was Dr. Jesse Register, Superintendent of Schools. Ms. Betty Alston, Vice-Chairperson, presided in the absence of Ms. Kaye Amos, Chairperson. In his introductory remarks, Chairman Simmons briefly reviewed previous informal discussions relative to possible alternate methods of financing schools. Such alternate methods included a supplemental tax for the schools, a local legislative act to modify the statutes to allow the school boards to set the tax rate, and the possibility of giving the school boards full responsibility for funding the schools as they desire. In conclusion, he commented that the two boards were considering possible alternate funding methods at this time as a means to protect future schools funding. Ms. Betty Alston requested comments from other Board members relative to a supplemental schools tax. Commissioner Payne stated in his opinion the schools should have the authority to levy taxes. Also, he indicated he would have no problem in raising taxes to support the schools. Commissioner Carpenter stated in her opinion the school board knows more about the needs of the schools and the supplemental tax would make the school board more accountable to the public. Mr. Sam Davis expressed his concerns about levying a supplemental tax or granting taxing authority to the Board of Education. He stated in his opinion that the supplemental tax could create a problem as it would be in addition to the funds already appropriated to the schools. Mr. Davis also questioned the effect of the supplemental school tax on current funding by the county. In regards to the establishment of a separate taxing authority, he commented on the danger of the Board of Education and the Board of Commissioners competing for the same tax funds from the same set of taxpayers if the Board of Education is granted taxing authority. Mrs. Dorothy Simmons commented on the State's problems in funding the schools and stated the need to consider creative ways to confront these problems as well as make a school board more accountable to the public. In addition, she pointed out that the supplemental tax would guarantee a certain amount of funding for the schools and would help to make the public more aware that the Board of Education is responsible for managing the schools budget. Ms. Betty Alston stated that the Board of Education would discuss the alternate funding methods at its next meeting and let the Board of Commissioners know of its decision regarding a supplemental tax. The Board of Education voted to adjourn its meeting at 8:40 P.M. upon a motion by Mr. Williams and seconded by Mr. Davis. The Board of Commissioners took a short recess at that time. Chairman Simmons reconvened the meeting of the Board of Commissioners in the Commissioners' Conference Room at 8:50 P.M. There was lengthy discussion relative to the Recall legislation introduced by Senator Fletcher Hartsell. Several amendments were proposed by members of the Board. UPON MOTION of Chairman Simmons, seconded by Commissioner Payne with Chairman Simmons and Commissioners Payne and Carpenter voting for, the Board