HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93011_0263School Appropriation
Public Funds:
Both school systems have made conservative and modest requests for the coming year.
The Iredell-Statesville Schools requested a 7.72% increase in current expense and a 5.78%
increase overall. Much of this increase is due to the increase in debt service, as well as growth
in the ADM The Mooresville Graded School District requested an 8.48% increase in current
expense and a 5.34% overall. Again, much of this is due to growth in the ADM and increase in
debt service.
The recommendation in the budget is 2% increase in current expense plus growth in
ADM, with an overall increase of 4.8%. In addition, actual payments for debt service are
budgeted as required. The balance of the 7.5¢ set aside goes for current capital projects as
identified by the two systems.
Personnel
The proposed budget recommends a 2.5% across the board increase in salaries. This
year I am proposing that we abandon the merit system for a couple of reasons. First of all, it is
very important that we maintain a hiring rate that is competitive in the markets where we do
most of our recruiting. This will allow our salary base to keep up with the cost of living.
Secondly, 1 am not convinced that our merit system is truly that. I feel it is viewed by most
employees as an entitlement, and is manipulated by some department administrators as a way
to recognize longevity and loyal service more than performance. Funds do not permit us to
provide all the needed adjustments this year, but I am requesting that the board of
commissioners authorize me to work with the Personnel Advisory Board to evaluate the merits
of our present system and look at the benefits of alternative compensation plans.
This year there was a request for 43 new positions (includes Solid Waste). Were the
requests justifiable? I think most of them were, but only 23 positions can be afforded at this
time.
Conclusion
The budget, as presented, refects the current economic condition we find ourselves in
and the conservative approach that is taken in the provision of governmental services. There
are other things that are not discussed much here, but are refected in the budget and will have
had a major impact on the final numbers. Listed below are just a few of them:
1. Increased cost of library operations because the county has more than doubled
library capacity.
2. Almost a million dollars in incentive payments for new economic development.
3. The cost of energy has increased, but utilization of energy has increased as well.
Again, I feel the proposed budget is reflective of the economic times and the conservation
philosophy of the majority of the citizens of Iredell County. However, if some vast
improvements are not made in the economy during the next twelve months, the only
alternatives next year will be a tax increase or a drastic reduction in services. Since no one
wants to pay more for services, let's hope for a definite improvement in the economy.
Submitted by Joel Mashburn, County Manager and Budget Officer
May 18, 2004
CLOSED SESSION: OTIO by Chairman Johnson at 7:55 P.M. to enter
into closed session pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11(a) 3 Legal, G.S. 143-318.11(a) 5
Property Acquisition and G.S. 143-318.11(a) 6 Personnel.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
(RETURN TO OPEN SESSION AT 8:15 P.M.)
MEDIATION SETTLEMENT WITH FORMER EMPLOYEE SELENA
MAYBERRY: Attorney Pope said the county manager had attended a mediation on
behalf of the county regarding a settlement agreement with Selena Mayberry. Pope
said the $23,250 settlement agreement had been reviewed by him, and he felt the
interests of the county were protected. He said the settlement included back wages and
other miscellaneous items, along with a resignation of employment by Mayberry. Pope
said the settlement recommendations from the attorneys representing the county were
based upon the economics of the situation rather than upon the merits of the matter.