HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93009_1519Shumaker stressed that all of the work being performed was done
by volunteers.
A memorandum was shared with the Board that had been signed by
the 11 departments. The document advised that 11 bids had been
submitted to the County for fire protection and totalled
$1,414,712. Shumaker said the bids were submitted in good faith
and were negotiable. However, he said no department had been
contacted about negotiation. He mentioned the departments learned
from the budget book on file at the county library that the amount
being reviewed for approval was $1,034,510. Shumaker said this
amount was not acceptable to the VFDs unless the County wanted a
reduction in services. He mentioned that past contracts with the
individual departments stated they were independent contractors.
Shumaker said the sole purpose of the departments was: To serve
the districts as best as possible. He said the departments would
continue to accomplish this purpose as long as the commissioners
reevaluated the proposed figures, raised the fire tax, and properly
funded the fire departments. Shumaker said if this was not
possible, the VFDs would have no other choice but to exercise their
option of terminating the contracts.
Noir Furr. Fifth Street Shelter Ministries: Mentioned his
agency served 3,000 needy individuals each year. Advised that the
agency had one of the largest soup kitchens in this area along with
a warehouse of clothing. Fifth Street serves over 100,000 meals
annually and the kitchen is never closed. Requested a
contribution of $20,000 which is $5,000 more than the 96-97
appropriation. A thrift store for the Mooresville area is being
proposed.
Norah Dahlen Lake Norman Marine Commission: Ms. Dahlen
thanked the Board for the $15,000 recommendation for 97-98. She
mentioned the marine commission was actively engaged in educating
the public about safety at the lake.
Michela Smith Parent of Children at Lake Norman Elementary
Expressed appreciation for the budgetary work done so far on behalf
of the schools. Also, thanked the commissioners for recent
approval of land acquisition in South Iredell and for Lake Norman
Elementary School. Smith said this new school had a very active
PTO group. Some activities they have accomplished are: (1) almost
doubled the number of books in the media center (2) purchased 11
computers (3) created a nature trail and (4) designated and painted
a space for the children to have a play area (she mentioned the
school did not have a playground). She requested that the
commissioners approve the 97-98 Iredell-Statesville School budget
as submitted.
Chairman Haire adjourned the public hearing.
Tommy Bowles. Fire Commission Chairman: Stated there was some
miscommunication or timing that had occurred between the fire
departments and fire commission. Advised that typically after the
fire commission reviewed the budgets and made a recommendation to
the board of commissioners, a letter was sent to the VFDs. The
letter advises of the amount of recommended funding. This year, a
delay happened because of the insurance payment for the
departments. The County pays for the VFD insurance, but it is
necessary for the departments to turn in data on workers comp. The
insurance carrier then turns in figures to the finance director,
Susan Blumenstein. At this point, Blumenstein cuts fourth-quarter
checks. This system has worked well during the past couple of
years. When the check is cashed it is known the department
received the funding letter. This year the checks have been
withheld until workers comp figures have been submitted. The
information has to be obtained before June 30. He said duplicate
letters could have been mailed if it had been known that such a
problem was going to arise.