HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93009_2138IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
BUDGET MEETING MINUTES
MAX 13, 1999
The Ircdell County Board of Commissioners met for a FY 1999-00 budget meeting on May
13, 1999, at 6:00 p.m., in the South Wing Conference Room of the Iredell County Government
Center.
Members present included: Sara K. Haire, Chairman
Steve D. Johnson, Vice Chair
Tommy E. Bowles
Alice T. Fortner
Alice M. Stewart
Staff present included: County Manager Joel Mashburn, Finance Director Susan
Blumenstein, Social Services Director Don Wall, Clerk to the Board Jean Moore, Health Director
Ray Rabe, Health Staff Representatives Janet Blaufass, Bill Griffith, and Norma Rife.
Media present: Ginger Guy, Record & Landmark
REQUEST FROM IREDELL-STATESVILLE SCHOOL SYSTEM FOR
ASSISTANCE WITH A SEWER PROJECT FOR THE TOWN OF HARMONY: It was
reported that Representative Frank Mitchell had confirmed that a $1 million grant was obtained for
the Harmony sewer project. Mitchell is optimistic about obtaining another $2 million. He has
mentioned the possibility of the county participating in the grant match with $100,000 per year for
two years. He has also indicated that the Department of Commerce had been approached about
money for the match.
Commissioner Fortner said the cost to run the sewer line to the school was $125,000.
Commissioner Johnson said any assistance given by the county should be contingent upon
the grant being awarded and a specific time limit should be stated. Johnson said he understood a
letter of intent was all that was needed at the present.
The health director confirmed there was a school sewer problem, but he couldn't advise as
to the severity or to the estimated life span of the system.
MOTION by Commissioner Johnson to reserve $200,000 in the General Fund for the
purpose of matching a $3 million grant application by the Town of Harmony for providing sewer
service to the Town and to Harmony Elementary School. The funds will be held in escrow until the
grant is awarded, contracts approved, and the school system has approved the design. If the grant
is not awarded, or if contracts are not approved within two years from July 1, 1999, the funds will
be uncommitted and returned to the General Fund Balance. Should the need for a new septic field
at the school arise prior to the receipt of the grant, commitment to the Town is withdrawn, and the
funds may be used to repair the school's septic system,
VOTING: Ayes - 5; Nays - 0.
HEALTH BUDGET: Most of the conversation about this department centered on new
positions. Originally, five new positions were requested. They were: Office Asst. IV, Spanish
Interpreter/Preventive Health, Spanish Interpreter/Allied health -.8 FTE, Environmental Health
Specialist, and a Processing Assistant 111- .8 FTE. The county manager deleted the Office Asst. IV
position.
Recently, the health director said he had learned of a problem that might disrupt the
administrative office. Soon, there will be a mandate pertaining to the department's billing method.
They will no longer be able to "bundle" the charges for services. The nursing director said that