HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93010_1082RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO GOVERNOR EASLEY'S BUI )GET
WHEREAS, Governor Mike Easley's proposed budget for the 2003-2005 biennium
impacts county governments by more than $78 million; and
WHEREAS, Easley's budget redirects the state Public School Capital Funds
(approximately $59 million) into the state's general fund. These funds earmarked to assist for
the payment of school construction; and
WHEREAS, Easley's budget also includes a proposal to reduce class sizes for second
grade, which combined with the state's rapidly increasing school enrollment population, puts
more pressure on counties to build schools; and
WHEREAS, Easley's budget also repealed the hold harmless payment to local
governments for revenues that were lost last fall when the state eliminated $95 million in
reimbursements for repealed local taxes; and
WHEREAS, Easley's budget does not address Medicaid effectively. Medicaid is the
second largest, single budget item for most counties and now exceeds local spending for
education in some North Carolina counties. North Carolina is one of only two states that
mandate county participation in Medicaid services. North Carolina counties are required to pay
15 percent of the non-federal share. Medicaid costs for North Carolina counties increased $57
million over last year's budget, or $420 million statewide; and
WHEREAS, Governor Easley's budget increases overall state spending by over $500
million more than last year when county budgets continue to decrease by reducing and
eliminating services.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iredell County Board of Commissioners
goes on record as opposing the Governor's proposed budget and implores, that he, Governor
Easley, develop and adhere to a balanced budget between available revenues and required
expenditures for services remanded by the citizens of North Carolina and stop penalizing local
governments for the state's financial problems.
Adopted this the 1" day of April 2003.
800 -Megahertz System Update: Chairman Johnson said that on
March 28, 2003, he toured and inspected an 800 mhz radio system in Rowan County.
He said that while in Rowan County, he learned that under North Carolina laws,
counties were given the ability to reserve a section of tower space. Johnson requested
the staff to review the county's ordinance to determine if this provision was included,
and if not, to bring a proposal for its inclusion at a future meeting.
COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT: County Manager Mashburn reported that
in conjunction with the new library project, demolition of the Bryant building and the
bookmobile building was occurring. Mashburn said the owner of the dry-cleaning
business had not vacated, and the staff would probably have to issue a mandatory date
for the premises to be empty. He said the groundbreaking for the library was scheduled
for June.
In reference to the government center in Mooresville, Mashburn said the project
was approximately two weeks behind schedule due to a drywall problem. He said an
occupancy date for the building would probably be in August.
ADJOURNMENT: OTIO by Chairman Johnson to adjourn the meeting
at 8:25 p.m.
VOTING: Ayes - 5; Nays - 0.
Approved: /�Lvo3 A�Clerk
the Board
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