HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93009_1285 (2)CONTRIBUTION OF FIBER OPTIC CABLE: Susan Blumenstein advised
that 1,402 feet of cable had been donated by Commscope of Hickory,
NC. The material will be used for computer communications between
the Inspections/ Plnng/ Zoning offices and the data processing
office. It was requested that a letter of appreciation be mailed
to the Commscope office.
663 -SCHOOLS: Commissioner Stewart asked the Board's position
on the alternative school.
Commissioner Boone said he was in favor of the general idea a
few years ago; however, the Iredell-Statesville School System was
not receptive at that time. The proposal currently presented is
very expensive. Mr. Boone said he didn't understand why local
money had to pay for the staff since there are 11 staff positions
paid by state/federal funds. In addition, the school would cost
around $13,000 per student. He mentioned he would be in favor if
less had to be used in local money.
Commissioner Johnson agreed and said that 16 or 17 staff
members was a little much.
Commissioner Boone stated he felt more security or resource
officers were needed instead of so many staff members.
Commissioner Madison said that he was in favor of the original
concept, but what had been presented was a "Cadillac solution with
a Chevrolet budget." He mentioned he would, however, like to see
the discipline problem handled.
The county manager mentioned that some money could be given to
the school system to start up the program. Commissioner Stewart
concurred with this suggestion.
Commissioner Johnson said he questioned how long productive
people had to be taxed in order to take care of the unproductive
segment of society. He mentioned that he saw a symptom of a
problem, and the problem was so many single -parent homes. "You do
not fix moral problems with money."
Commissioner Boone said he felt the Board should wait on the
final outcome of the General Assembly.
600 HEALTH/HOME HEALTH: Commissioner Madison reminded the
Board that the County had a windfall in the amount of $1.3 million
from the home health sale. He said he felt the taxpayers should
benefit from this transaction. Mr. Madison proposed a two -cent tax
cut for 96-97. Next year the two cents would be added back to the
tax rate. Mr. Madison said he felt if the money was put into the
fund balance it would be spent.
Commissioner Boone said he had a problem with lowering and
then raising taxes next year. He said the County could sustain a
one-half cent decrease for four years, and he would be agreeable to
this idea.
Commissioner Johnson said that since the County had recently
inherited a $22 million debt (school bond) that he could not
support the tax reduction.
Commissioner Madison asked again to give the two cents back to
the people. He mentioned that it would not raid the fund balance.
He also mentioned that the economic condition of the County was
good for two reasons: (1) transportation system and (2) the low
tax rate.
Commissioner Stewart said she felt the taxpayers expected the
County to have a solid, financial, operating base.