BC 1993 06 08 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

316 The Board of Commissioners for the County of Cabarrus met in recessed session in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Cabarrus County Governmental Center in Concord, North Carolina on Tuesday, June 8, 1993, at 5:30 P.M. Present - Chairman: Carolyn B. Carpenter Vice-Chairman: Kenneth F. Payne Commissioners: Jeffrey L. Barnhart Sue B. Casper Arne L. Fennel Also present were Mr. John V. Witherspoon, County Manager; Mr. Don Moorhead, Personnel Director; Mr. John Day, Budget Officer; and Mrs. Frankie F. Bonds, Clerk to the Board. Chairman Carpenter called the meeting to order at 5:35 P.M. Action on June 7 to Dispense with Informal Public Comments Commissioner Casper stated that she had made the motion on June 7 to dispense with the public comments segment of the regular Board meetings to allow more time for the Board to concentrate on County business, specifically the adoption of the budget. -Accordin§ to Ms. Casper, there have been items of extreme importance that the Board has not addressed in a timely manner. In conclusion, she reported that neither Chairman Carpenter nor Commissioner Payne had any prior knowledge of the motion made by her on June 7. 1993/1994 Budget Resolution Commissioner Fennel presented a "1993/94 Budget Resolution" which would maintain a tax rate of 58 cents and direct the County Manager and Budget Officer to reduce spending in the 1993-94 budget to balance it with a tax rate of 58 cents. He moved for approval of the Resolution and Commissioner Barnhart seconded the motion. There was lengthy discussion relative to the proposed Resolution. Commissioner Payne objected, stating it was the Board's responsibility to make the cuts to keep the tax rate at 58 cents. He further stated that increases in the school population and additional funds to complete the Coddle Creek Reservoir project necessitated a tax increase. Commissioner Barnhart objected to the current budget process and stressed the importance of a Five-Year Strategic Plan for Cabarrus County. He further stated the need for a work force analysis as well as Management Information Systems (MIS) strategy work in order to determine areas of County government that can be improved and streamlined. Also, Commissioner Barnhart expressed concerns regarding increases in salaries last year. Chairman Carpenter cautioned that it would be necessary to cut some service levels in order to maintain the tax rate of 58 cents. She questioned the Board's willingness to accept reductions in service levels which may be recommended. Commissioner Casper called the question; however, no vote was taken and discussion continued. Commissioner Payne asked for further review of the Kannapolis Schools Capital Program budget. He stated that Dr. Ed Tyson, Kannapolis City Schools Superintendent, had indicated that an additional $90,000.00 in funding is needed. This item will be discussed with Dr. Tyson. Commissioner Barnhart proposed the following amendment to the resolution under consideration by the Board: direct Mr. Witherspoon and Mr. Day to advise the Board of any major problems or "red flags" regarding proposed budget cuts and direct staff to prepare a Five-Year Strategic Plan by September 1, 1993. Commissioner Fennel did not accept the proposed amendment. Any major problems or concerns will be addressed at the time the recommendations to maintain the tax rate of 58 cents are presented to the Board. The Five-Year Strategic Plan will be considered as a separate issue. Commissioner Casper again called the question.