HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93009_1436 (2)matter to be reviewed in the upcoming budget.
Health Insurance: Chairman Haire requested that health insurance
for the commissioners be reviewed in the upcoming budget.
DINNER MEETING KITH LEGISLATORS
BLACK ANGUS RESTAURANT
JANUARY 17, 1997
6:00 P.M.
Immediately following the session at the library, all of the
commissioners met for a dinner meeting at the Black Angus
Restaurant at 6:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss
legislative matters with:
Senator Jim Phillips
Senator James Forrester
Representative Frank Mitchell
Representative Robert Brawley
Media representatives, Audrey Montgomery and Nancy Baker also
attended the meeting along with county staff: Joel Mashburn, Susan
Blumenstein, and Jean Moore.
NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ASSOCIATION GOALS (NCACC): A
copy of the recently passed NCACC legislative goals was shared with
the legislative representatives. opposition was voiced by the
commissioners on 1) the land transfer tax 2) Public education
funding/BASIC Education (this is because it is felt some Of the
enrichment classes, e.g., dancing, etc., takes away from vital
elements, i.e., reading/math, 3) low -wealth funding. Commissioner
Stewart said she felt the formula to judge low -wealth funding
needed to be reviewed by the legislators. Commissioner Boone added
that 71 out of 100 counties were listed as low wealth. Iredell
County is not considered in this group and it is felt Iredell
subsidizes other counties. The commissioners also voiced
opposition to additional charges in reference to obtaining
concealed weapon permits.
The commissioners voiced support for Catawba County's
resolution in reference to certificates of need. Senator Forrester
said the larger counties (Mecklenburg) would fight the resolution.
Representative Mitchell said he understood legislation might be
presented abolishing certificates of need.
TRI -COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH: A discussion was held on the present
composition of mental health boards of directors. Senator Phillips
mentioned the composition was written because of the vested
interest of people with mental health problems, e.g., substance
abuse, etc. Representative Mitchell said he would try to write
some legislation on the board composition. Commissioner Johnson
said the Tri -County Board of Directors had some well-intentioned
individuals; however, it is difficult for them to make rational
decisions on what programs should be offered.
All four of the delegates said they would support the
abolishment of the Tri -County Mental Health Authority.
LIVESTOCK FACILITY: Mitchell advised he had been trying to talk
with the Governor about releasing the money for the livestock
project. This is a $7-8 million project, and $735,000 (planning)
has been appropriated.
ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Haire thanked the legislators for their
visit and adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m.
Approved: �192 ! e -
Clerk to the Board
JAN 171997 605