HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93009_1737Commissioner Boone said he would like to keep operational expenses down in the mw
budget. He mentioned the 97-98 budget had increases in personnel and capital items such as
computers. Commissioner Johnson agreed with Boone and said he would like to save for major
capital needs. Blumenstein said that the capital reserve fund should total $3.4 million by the end of
the year.
Mashburn asked for input on the 98-99 budget. Commissioner Boone said that for the
Special Appropriation items, other than formula -based, he would like to "hold the line." Mr.
Mashburn reported that Crossroads Behavioral Healthcare would probably ask for an increase.
Commissioner Fortner reported that Crossroads would probably contract with the Counseling Center
in the future. Blumenstein noted she had considered the possibility ofseparating maintenance costs
between the three agencies (Health/DSS/Crossroads) using the Hwy. 21 facility.
MOORESVILLE GRADED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Representing the school district were: Frank Fields, School Board Chairman; Board
members: Dr. Gary Roach, Karen Hart, Leigh Whitfield, and Larry Wilson. Attending from the
school staff were: Supt. Dr. Bryce Cummings, Asst. Supt. Roger Hyatt, Asst. Supt. Bruce Boyles
and David Dutton, Finance Officer.
Dr. Cummings reported that his system planned to use the extra $480,000 to eliminate mobile
classrooms. (A total of 12 would still be in use.) He invited the commissioners to look at recently
purchased property on Kistler Road. Construction bids will be opened in February. The new school
will house grades four, five and six. Early estimates indicate the school will be full upon opening.
He mentioned the high school was somewhat handicapped because it was landlocked. Cummings
said that high school students were shuttled to the N. F.Woods Advanced Technology and Arts
Center. Fields mentioned there was some land for expansion behind this center; however, it was not
buildable. The ballfield is the only land conducive to construction.
Cummings said the system gained 36 new students recently. The students were broken down
as follows: 6 high school, 12 middle school, 10 Parkview Elementary and 8 South Elementary.
Currently, a total of 3,551 students attend this school system.
Commissioner Boone talked about growth and that a problem stemmed from the fact that the
Town of Mooresville controlled the zoning. Fields said the only thing the system could do was plan
for growth. Fields further said he would be in favor of an impact fee.
Commissioner Johnson said he had mixed feelings about impact fees. He said he felt this
was unfair to long-time residents of the county.
Commissioner Fortner suggested a study be done on the various school funding options.
Fields said Centralina Council of Governments had a good idea as to the changes occurring in the
County. He mentioned that maybe this agency could present some funding ideas.
Commissioner Johnson mentioned that money could continue to build in the capital reserve
fund. A bond could not be proposed without a tax increase.
Cummings asked about a sales tax increase earmarked for schools. Fortner said this did not
pass in Raleigh. Boone said he would not be in favor. Johnson said future State bonds should be
based on average daily membership of students. He mentioned that Iredell County's money had
been sent to other systems in the State.
Mr. Mashburn asked about current expense. Dr. Cummings said he didn't foresee any
problems on the State level. He said the problem Mooresville was experiencing was with capital
expense.
A discussion was again held about Centralina doing a study. Boone mentioned that "free
hours" could be used if available. Commissioner Stewart said she could talk with NCACC board