HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93011_0265IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
BUDGET SESSION AND AGENDA BRIEFING MINUTES
JUNE 1, 2004
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met for a Fiscal Year 2004-2005
Budget Session on Tuesday, June 1, 2004, at 4:00 p.m., in the Iredell County
Government Center (South Wing Conference Room), 200 South Center Street,
Statesville, NC. Immediately following the budget session (5:00 p.m.) the board held
an agenda briefing (same location).
Present were:
Chairman Steve D. Johnson
Vice Chairman Godfrey Williams
Doug Madison
Marvin Norman
Sara Haire Tice
Staff present: County Manager Joel Mashburn, Finance Director Susan
Blumenstein, and Clerk to the Board Jean Moore.
CALL TO ORDER by Chairman Johnson.
DISCUSSION REGARDING THE BUDGET REQUEST OF THE
SHEPHERDS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT (VFD): Joining the
commissioners to discuss the VFD's budget request were the Shepherds VFD Chief
Kelly Robinson and Jamie Barrier.
County Manager Mashburn said the tax rate for the Shepherds district was
recommended at $.0425, but the VFD officials requested $.06.
Robinson said the department's current $416,450 budget included a $50,000
transfer from fund balance. He said the $50,000 was being used for operating expenses.
Chief Robinson said the biggest issue this year was for part-time employees, and a total
of $137,320 had been budgeted for all personnel. He said the VFD had two stations and
adequate staffing was needed. Robinson said it was especially important to have staff at
the NC 150 west station due to this area having the largest tax base.
Chairman Johnson asked how much in funding was needed for two employees.
Blumenstein said, based on Chief Robinson's figures, approximately $62,320.
She said one cent in the Shepherds district brought in $87,874. She also said the
Shepherds fund balance at June 30, 2004 was estimated to be $29,095.
Barrier said the VFD's calls were evenly split between the two stations. He said
subcommittees had helped in the department's budget request, and cuts had already
been made.
Robinson said the firemen had reviewed the possibility of having one person at
each station, but found this would be unworkable. He said the department was trying
to obtain a six insurance rating, and if this occurred, the taxpayers would experience a
substantial tax decrease. Robinson asked the commissioners about their opinions on
the VFDs responding to every medical dispatch.
Commissioner Williams said he knew First Responder calls were expensive, but
it was his understanding that if VFD supplies were used, the EMS replenished the
materials.
Barrier said the First Responder Program was a good service, but it was
expensive.