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HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93009_2204 (2)Thompson said the letter was just for a fire truck MOTION by Commissioner Johnson to authorize a letter of endorsement for Monticello Volunteer Fire Department regarding the lease purchase of a new truck. VOTING: Ayes - 5; Nays - 0. REQUEST FROM N.C. GENERAL ASSEMBLY REPRESENTATIVE FRANK MITCHELL FOR AN OFFICIAL RESPONSE REGARDING A SEWER COMMITMENT FOR THE PROPOSED NEW PRISON TO BE LOCATED IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA: Joel Mashburn, the county manager, said correspondence received from Representative Mitchell indicated that if Iredell County had any interest in trying to attract the new prison being proposed by the Department of Correction, a $400,000 commitment needed to be made for utility extension. The current prison site is large enough for the new facility, but it does not have adequate utilities for the sanitary needs. According to letters from Rep. Mitchell, the proposed facility would be built on state-owned property, by the private sector, and then leased to the state. The current 120 bed medium custody (inmates are allowed on road crews) prison is due to close in October 1999. The proposed new facility would have capacity for nearly 1,000 inmates and would be a close -custody facility (inmates would not be allowed to leave the premises). Commissioner Stewart said she felt the residents near the Hwy. 21 site, as well as the general public, should be offered an opportunity to express opinions on the matter. She mentioned that citizen input was important, especially due to the size of the proposed new prison, the fact that it would be close -custody facility, and the fact that an elementary school was in close proximity. Commissioner Fortner agreed with Stewart. Mashburn said he didn't know when the state had to make a final site determination. He said the Hwy. 21 property would not need rezoning. A public hearing would not be necessary, but if the board wanted to receive public comments a hearing could be held. Commissioner Johnson read the following excerpt from House Bill 168, "The Secretary of Correction may enter into contracts with private for-profit or non-profit firms for the construction of three close security correctional facilities totaling up to 3,000 cells." Johnson said he understood from Chis that the state could build its own facility. He said that if a $400,000 commitment occurred, there first needed to be a clear understanding on whether or not the facility would be a for- profit entity - - where the county's tax money could be regained. Commissioner Bowles added that the commercial clients near the Hwy. 21 site needed to be contacted about financial participation. Chairman Haire said Rep. Mitchell had informed her that two property owners had been contacted, and they were willing to contribute $200,000 ($100,000 each). Mashburn said he understood, from the commissioners' comments, that the project would have to generate taxes before the county would be interested. If it is found that it will generate taxes, a public hearing will be conducted for citizen comment. Should the county find out the prison will not generate ad valorem taxes, the matter will be dropped. (A public hearing would not be conducted.) Attorney Pope noted that some organizations classified as non -profits did pay taxes. Chairman Haire asked the manager to find out more information about the proposed prison and to share his findings at the first or second board meeting in August.