HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93009_0931(3)
EMS: Commissioner Boone asked about the requested Freightliner ambulance and asked if
the County bought new ambulances last year. Blumenstein said the county garage
refurbished two units last year. The county manager added that an ambulance can only be
refurbished a couple of times. The Freightliner ambulance should last three times as long as
the conventional ones in use. It should save on maintenance cost, its easier to work on, and
it's on the State contract. Catawba County has been pleased with this heavy-duty ambulance.
Commissioner Boone asked why the retirement line item was increasing and if the county
bought EMS uniforms. Blumenstein answered that in 94-95 that overtime was not computed
into the figures. Last years figures on retirement were underestimated. The county buys
EMS uniforms unless an employee is found to be negligent.
Commissioner Madison asked what the EMS collection rate was and Blumenstein said it ran
about 70%.
Commissioner Stewart asked if the new ambulance came fully packaged, and the county
manager said that it was fully equipped.
GOND ►rnIICATIONS: The county manager advised that normally two people staff this
department at a time -- sometimes more people might be working during peak call times.
Mr. Mashburn briefly explained the microwave radio link between ECOM and the Rinehart
tower in Mooresville.
ANIMAL CONTROL: The county manager mentioned that utility costs are higher because
of the move into the renovated building.
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION• The county manager explained that the county pays 50%
of the salaries for the extension employees. The name change several years ago was done in
an effort to trigger more interest for this department, i.e., trying to assist as many citizens as
possible -- not just the farming community. The computer equipment requested in this
department is compatible with the State computer network; therefore, it was not really looked
at that closely by county data processing staff.
Commissioner Stewart asked if it was mandatory to have this dept., and Mr. Mashburn said
it was not required.
There were no questions about this department.
L • Commissioner Boone said he felt the recommendation to the library director to
prioritize capital outlay was a good idea. The county manager said the biggest problem the
library currently has is that it is a "gathering place." The Mooresville library budget
continues to increase. Also, more and more people are asking about the possibility of a
branch library in this area.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: No discussion/changes.
The county manager mentioned that new capital equipment items are a wire
welder, air compressor, and an infrared gas heating system.
RECREATION: The county manager mentioned that the number of teams participating in
recreation increases every year. The landfill should be able to "roll" the proposed soccer
fields at the old landfill section. Commissioner Madison said that he had been approached
by the Select Soccer Association about the possibility of this organization running the fields
and managing them.
Commissioner Johnson mentioned the Bluefield Road property, and said he hoped that
residents in this area would not be disillusioned about the potential of the property. The
topography might not lend itself to as many playing fields, or facilities, that some people
were hoping to be built.
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