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HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93009_2155Commissioner Stewart asked i f the appropriation could be amended for a study, fire hydrants, and any other purposes that might be recommended. Blumenstein said the additional money could also be placed in contingency. Then, the only funds that could be spent would be after the commissioners' approval. Commissioner Johnson said he wanted to see the total indebtedness for each department. Gallyon said he would share the information prior to the next budget meeting on June 1, 1999. Commissioner Stewart said she hoped the fire tax board members could meet with the commissioners more often. SHERIFF & JAIL BUDGET REVIEWS: Sheriff Redmond and Rodney Proctor (Chief Deputy) advised that six new positions had originally been requested; however, the county manager had eliminated one new detective position. Redmond said more officers were needed due to the transfer of Meck Neck, the additional traffic density throughout the entire county, the need for more detailed reports for the courts, and the increase in drug seizure actions. Pertaining to the request for a new detective position, Redmond said there had been a steady increase in crimes with no new positions in this field for eight years. He said national crime rates were decreasing; however, the county's population continued to grow so he predicted the number of crimes would continue to increase. Redmond said citizens sometimes complained about how long it took for an officer to respond to a call, and he said the reason was normally because the department was backed up by two or three calls for each officer. Sheriff Redmond said the state was also mandating more work. For example, as of July 1, 1999, victims of crime will have to be contacted. Proctor said if warrants were served in Iredell County, the contact had to be made even if the victim resided out of state, e.g., Alaska or California. Redmond was asked about the recent DSS statistics on child abuse. He agreed that more abuse was occurring. He also said that 98% of the orders from DSS involved Child Support (IV -D). Commissioner Bowles asked how crime was divided in society. Proctor said it was across the board, and it occurred in all economic sectors. Redmond said his department had seen a "doubling" in the number of patients being transported to mental hospitals. Sheriff Redmond said his department would be the first in the state to start charging for the transports. This is in accordance with legislation adopted recently. Typically, it takes four hours for a round trip transport. A procedure is being written to obtain payment from the patient, his/her relatives, insurance, etc. Proctor said he would review the statutes to determine if board action was needed to implement the charges. Commissioner Johnson stressed the need for more in -car cameras. He asked if the additional revenue, generated from the mental health transports, might be used for this purchase. Blumenstein said the money would go into the general fund. Redmond said he had no problems using the money for cameras. The county manager said the money would have to be budgeted, and it was not shown as a revenue at present. He said any appropriation of the anticipated revenue would eventually require board action.