HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93009_2136Commissioner Johnson asked about the recommendation to lease computers rather than
purchase. He asked if each request was reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Mashburn said computer
needs for the larger departments were reviewed first. Then, the smaller departments were studied.
He said th.- first criteria that had to be met was the actual need for a new computer.
Commissioner Fortner asked about the need for a laptop computer in Mooresville for the
Veterans Office. She also asked why Pentium II computers were being leased rather than the newer
Pentium 11I. Mashburn said the Veterans Office did not have a computer in Mooresville. The laptop
could be used in both offices. The finance director said the Pentium IIIs were not recommended by
the Information Systems Office because there were still manufacturing problems. Blumenstein said
the computer leasing was for three years. She said leasing was recommended because purchased
computers became obsolete too fast.
RESIGNATION OF ANN GAITHLR FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION (DOT) BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Chairman Haire mentioned the
recent resignation of Ann Gaither, a resident of Catawba County, from the State Board of Directors
for DOT Division 12. Haire said that since Iredell County had many road needs, she encouraged
someone from Iredell County to seek the DOT appointment.
DISCUSSION ON FIRE TAX VALUATIONS AND RATES: Blumenstein said the
county's budgeted tax collection rate was 96.8%, and the fire districts' collection rate was 96.4%.
The manager recommended cuts in the fire taxes for the upcoming year due to revaluation. The fire
district taxes would then be aligned with the proposed 43.5¢ (reduced from 45¢) per $100 valuation
ad valorem tax for the county. The proposed new fire tax rates were:
Current Proposed
County-wide fire tax rate: 5¢ 3.75¢
E. Alexander Fire 4.25¢ 4.250
Mt. Mourne Fire 3.5¢ 2.75¢
Shepherds Fire 3¢ 2.25¢
Commissioner Stewart said the fire commission had established a committee to review
formula-based funding for the volunteer fire departments. She said some discussion had occurred
about appropriating money for each department to have an on-call person. Stewart said she had
always made her position clear that the county was not ready for this type of appropriation.
COMMISSIONERS/ADMINISTRATION/PERSONNEL/ELECTIONS & FINANCE
BUDGETS: There were no reductions suggested for any of these departments. Chairman Haire
asked if the workers compensation included the five commissioners or whether it was just for the
clerk. (Mrs. Blumenstein said she would review the matter and report back to the board.)
Blumenstein said two new computers had been requested for her department for the
replacement of ones that could only access the data processing mainframe. The employees using
the present computers can only do accounts payable. They cannot access e-mail, the Internet, or any
other software programs.
COUNTY ASSESSOR: Commissioner Johnson asked about airplane tax listings. He
asked the staff to research the General Statutes. (No changes to the recommended budget.)
TAX COLLECTOR: Blumenstein said the county first started a lock box system with BB&
T and the return mailing address was in Charlotte. The county then switched to First Citizens with
a lock box in Raleigh. "]'his bank now has a lock box in Charlotte. Blumenstein recommended a
lock box change since the county was losing 24 hrs. with the present system.
MOTION by Commissioner Johnson to authorize the finance director to change the lock box
address to Charlotte, North Carolina.
VOTING: Ayes - 5; Nays - 0