062899m

MINUTES

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA	BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
COUNTY OF HENDERSON	JUNE 28, 1999

The Henderson County Board of Commissioners met for a special called meeting at 3:00 p.m. in the Commissioners' Conference Room of the Henderson County Office Building.

Those present were: Chairman Grady Hawkins, Vice-Chair Bill Moyer, Commissioner Renee Kumor, Commissioner Don Ward, Commissioner Marilyn Gordon, County Manager David E. Nicholson, Assistant County Manager Angela S. Beeker, Finance Director J. Carey McLelland, and Budget Analyst Selena Coffey.

Absent was: Clerk to the Board Elizabeth W. Corn. David Nicholson prepared notes for her.

CALL TO ORDER/WELCOME

Chairman Hawkins called the meeting to order and welcomed all in attendance.

RESCHEDULING OF PUBLIC HEARINGS

Chairman Hawkins stated that the first item on the agenda was to reschedule the public hearings for Charlestown Place and Creekside. He made the motion to reschedule the public hearings for Charlestown Place Planned Unit Development and Creekside Residential Open Spaces Development originally scheduled for July 6, 1999 to Wednesday, July 21, 1999 at 11:00 a.m. All voted in favor and the motion carried.

RIBBON CUTTING

Chairman Hawkins reminded the Board of the ribbon cutting for the new connector that will serve Park Ridge Hospital that is scheduled for June 30, 1999 at 10:00 a.m. The Chairman plans to represent the County at that function.

BUDGET REVIEW

The Board began their final review of the Fiscal Year 1999-2000 Budget. The County Manager informed the Board that cost savings within the budget amounted to $360,837. Chairman Hawkins indicated that the Board could consider reducing the tax rate by 2 cent and still have approximately $50,000 left. Commissioner Ward stated that he agreed with reducing the tax rate. Vice-Chairman Moyer did not support reducing the rate but stated that the funds should be used to address needs. Commissioners Gordon and Kumor agreed that the Board should use the funds to address needs.

Commissioner Ward addressed a number of budget issues that he wanted the Board to review; the tractor cover, the sergeant pay at the Jail, and the CD storage Units and Video Drop Boxes for the Library. Following discussion, the Board agreed to eliminate the tractor cover but to leave the other items in the respective budgets.

The Board reviewed the Chart of Available Revenues and Outstanding Issues and Requests. Commissioner Gordon indicated that she supported funding the school enhancements request of $383,075. Commissioner Moyer inquired about setting aside some funding to begin the study of the Historic Courthouse. The Board agreed to set aside $10,000 in place of funding the Main Street Program. The Board then reviewed other issues such as vehicles and the Sheriff=s Department positions. They agreed to work with the cities to study the victim assistance program, central booking, and records system.

The Board reviewed the salaries of elected officials and various boards. They agreed to increase the Sheriff=s salary to $56,616, based on the salaries of Sheriffs in similar sized counties. The Register of Deeds and Tax Collector=s salaries will remain the same. The Board of Elections= payments will remain the same. The Board did set a base salary range for the new Director of Elections at $25,000 to $35,000, based on experience. The Board set the salary of the Chairman of the Board of Education at $3,000 and the other members at $2,400.

Commissioner Kumor stated that she supported an additional 2 cent to address other needs such as schools and increasing the County=s fund balance. Commissioner Gordon agreed and stated that surrounding counties= tax burden is greater than Henderson County=s. The Board had received a request from Mountain Home Fire Department for additional funding. This would have increased their rate to $.087. The Board agreed to levy an amount of $.085 as they had previously discussed.

The Board reviewed the charges for Inspections and Recreation. The Board agreed to lower the less than 1,500 square foot fee to $350. The Board asked staff to propose a participant fee and lower the sponsorship fees for programs such as adult softball.

The Chairman thanked staff for its work on the budget and stated that at the June 29, 1999 meeting the Board would adopt the Fiscal Year 1999-2000 Budget.

There being no further business to come before the Board, Chairman Hawkins adjourned the meeting at 5:10 p.m.

ATTEST:

Elizabeth W. Corn, Clerk Grady Hawkins, Chairman