STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA ) OFFICE OF
THE COMMISSIONERS
) STOKES COUNTY GOVERNMENT
COUNTY OF STOKES ) DANBURY, NORTH CAROLINA
JANUARY 9, 2006
The Board of Commissioners of the County of Stokes, State of North
Carolina, met for regular session in the Commissioners’ Chambers of the Ronald
Wilson Reagan Memorial Building (Administrative Building) located in Danbury,
North Carolina on Monday, January 9, 2006 at 7:00 pm with the following members
present:
Chairman Leon Inman
Vice-Chairman
Joe Turpin
Commissioner
Sandy McHugh
Commissioner
John Turpin
Commissioner
Jimmy Walker
County
Personnel in Attendance:
Clerk
to the Board Darlene Bullins
County
Attorney Jonathan Jordan
Finance
Director Julia Edwards
Support
Services Supervisor Danny Stovall
Emergency
Services Director Monty Stevens
Captain
Al Tuttle - Sheriff’s Department
Economic
Development Director Ron Morgan
Director
of Elections Olivia Robbins
Emergency
Communications Director Del Hall
Health
Director Don Moore
Chairman Leon Inman called the meeting to order.
Chairman Inman delivered the invocation.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT-GOVERNING BODY-PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chairman Inman opened the meeting by inviting the citizens in attendance
to join the Board with the Pledge of Allegiance.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT –GOVERNING BODY-APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Inman entertained a
motion to approve or amend the minutes of the December 27th meeting.
Commissioner John Turpin moved to approve the
minutes of the December 27th meeting.
Vice
Chairman Joe Turpin seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following spoke during public comments:
Mr. Mark
George
1190 Hobert Overby Road
Westfield, NC 27053
RE: Personnel Policy - Family
Mr. George requested that the Board re-consider the
personnel policy that does not allow members of the same family to work in the
same department. Mr. George noted that
the best paramedics come from this county growing up in the fire departments
and feels that this policy pushes Stokes County residents to have to go to
another county to work and eventually move there.
Ms.
Fredricka Cecile
1741 Marshall Smith Road
King, NC
27021
RE: Health Clinic of King
Ms. Cecile expressed concerns and questioned the
recent vote that stopped the re-opening of Health Clinic in King where the
services are needed. Ms. Cecile noted
that the services were taken away due to mold in the building, which has been
eliminated, and questions why the services have not been put back there. Ms. Cecile concluded that it was time to
give the clinic back to the people in King.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING BODY – PIEDMONT AUTHORITY REGIONAL
TRANSPORTATION-PRESENTATION
Mr. Brent McKinney-
Piedmont Authority Regional Transportation (PART), presented the Board with a
presentation regarding PART. (Commissioner Paul Johnson-Surry County
Commissioner was also in attendance for the meeting).
Mr. McKinney spoke on the
following:
·
PART began in the early 90’s to address the transportation problems
·
In 1997, NC General Assembly approved enabling legislation to form a
regional transportation authority whereby local triad governments can work
together to develop transportation systems throughout the region
·
Incorporated in 1998 with seven counties which includes Alamance,
Davidson, Forsyth, Guilford, Randolph, Rockingham, and Surry with the potential
for twelve counties
·
Mission – PART is to enhance the quality of all forms of transportation
for each of our citizens through efficient use and protection of our natural,
economic, and human resources
·
Vision – PART will be recognized as an innovative, effective, and
efficient transportation authority that meets the needs of and is accountable
to our citizens
·
Objective – PART Board of Trustees is pursing RAIL Services,
Coordination of Human Services Transportation, Regional BUS Service, Air
Quality Planning, Regional Land Use/Transportation Planning to assist local
governments accomplish the goal of achieving the betterment of transportation
infrastructure to the citizens we represent
·
According to 2000 census, 10,259 Stokes County residents travel to
Forsyth County to work each day, a 17% increase over the 1990 census
·
Based on 2003 data, it cost an estimated $.53 per mile to commute
·
Other associated costs for commuters such as parking fees
·
PART helps eliminate congestion on roadways and air pollution
·
Discussed current transportation route programs being sponsored by PART
·
Tax on rental cars in Forsyth and Guilford County funds PART in those
counties
·
Current budget - $9.8 million
·
Federal funding = 80%, State funding = 10%, County funding =10% when
building ride lots in the county
·
To join PART – no County funding
·
Each county has a seat with voting privileges on the PART Board of
Trustees
·
Stokes County is the leading county in North Carolina for commuters
traveling to other counties to work
·
Intercity bus service to start by September 2006 from Winston Salem to
Mount Airy
·
Stokes County can withdraw their membership at anytime
Commissioner Paul Johnson
– Surry County, serves on the PART Board of Trustees representing Surry County,
strongly encouraged Stokes County to become a member of PART.
Commissioner Johnson
spoke on the benefits of PART for the citizens.
Mr. McKinney concluded by
extending a very sincere and cordial invitation to Stokes County and would be
delighted for Stokes County to become a member county of the Piedmont Authority
for Regional Transportation. Mr.
McKinney presented a proposed Resolution for the Board’s consideration.
The Board discussed the
following:
·
Discussed the riding lots with Commissioner Paul Johnson-Surry County
·
Riding lot capacities and size
·
Possibly of using the Veteran’s Park in King for a possible riding lot
·
PART’s association with YVEDDI
·
Routes currently being sponsored by PART
·
PART’s membership
·
Requirements for membership
·
Other riding lots within PART
·
Advantages of being a member of PART
·
County matching funds can also be in-kind contributions
·
Reiterated no cost to Stokes County to join PART
Commissioner McHugh moved
to approve the Resolution of the Stokes County Board of Commissioners to Become
a Member of the Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation.
Commissioner John Turpin
seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
(a copy of the Resolution
will be retained by the Clerk to the Board)
Chairman Inman opened the
floor for volunteers from the Board to serve on the PART Board of Trustees.
Chairman Inman
volunteered to serve as the representative from Stokes County for the PART
Board of Trustees.
Vice Chairman Joe Turpin
moved to approve Chairman Inman to serve as the representative from Stokes
County for the PART Board of Trustees.
Commissioner John Turpin
seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – ELECTIONS-
PROPOSED ELECTIONS VOTING EQUIPMENT
Director of Elections
Olivia Robbins presented the following information regarding the proposed
voting equipment which was approved by the Board of Elections on December 16th: (Board of Elections members – Velmalene
Leake and Richard Rutledge was also in attendance – Mycleta Burwell was unable
to attend)(County’s voting equipment was decertified by the State in December
2005)
·
Optical Scan for the following reasons – (1) voters are already
familiar with this type of voting; (2) grant from the State (HAVA) cover this
type of the equipment causing no hardship on Stokes County = $272,064
·
Optical Scan will cost an estimate around $10,000 per precinct =
$272,064 other equipment (Direct Record) would cost Stokes County estimated $500,000
·
State requires that equipment must be approved by the Board of
Commissioners
·
State requires that a contract with the vendor be signed by January 20,
2006
·
State requires a public forum to demonstrate the voting machine which
was held on January 7, 2006
·
Only one vendor in the State to supply the new voting equipment
·
Equipment is much heavier than old voting machines
·
Urgent need for storage space for the 48 new machines
·
Training is required for all elections workers
Director Robbins
presented Board members with a copy of the Resolution as required by G.S.
163-165.9.
(a copy of the
Resolution will be retained by the Clerk to the Board)
Director Robbins
presented a cost projection from Optical Scan Marking System =
$391,894.00. Director Robbins noted
additional equipment and other items such as tables, training costs, etc. had
been added, but one ADA voting machine ($5000) for One Stop Voting could be
eliminated.
The Board discussed the
presented cost projection.
Commissioner McHugh noted
a discrepancy in the cost projections.
The Board directed
Director Robbins to get in touch with the sales representative for
clarification.
Clerk to the Board
Darlene Bullins presented Board members information from North Carolina
Association of County Commissioners requesting the County to send a letter to
legislators and the governor seeking a special session of the General Assembly
to enact a modest delay in the implementation of Senate Bill 223, Public
Confidence in Elections,
along with an adopted Resolution
from Brunswick County Supporting the Solicitation of New Voting Machine Vendors
and Implementing a Delay in Implementation of New Voting Machine
Requirements. The Board discussed the
information from the NCACC and took no action.
Director Robbins
presented a new cost projection after contacting the sales representative who
had made a calculation error - new cost
projection =$273,094.
Director Robbins noted
that with the elimination of one ADA voting machine, the HAVA Grant would cover
the entire cost of the new voting equipment.
Chairman Inman
entertained a motion regarding the Board of Elections’ recommendation for the
new voting equipment.
Commissioner John Turpin
moved to approve voting equipment from Elections Systems and Software for the
Stokes County Board of Elections.
Commissioner McHugh
seconded the motion.
Commissioner John Turpin
amended his motion to include that the Elections Director hold the contract
approval until January 18th and if something comes from the State
that the contract does not have to be signed by January 18th, the
Board will be meeting on the 23rd for further consideration.
Commissioner McHugh
amended her second to the motion.
The motion to approve the
voting equipment from Elections Systems and Software for the Stokes County
Board of Elections and for the Elections Director to hold the contract approval
until January 18th and if something comes from the State that the
contract does not have to be signed by January 20th; the Board will
be meeting on the 23rd for further
consideration carried
unanimously.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – E911-
PROPOSED E911 RENEWAL BACKUP CONTRACT – CITY OF KING
E911 Communications
Director Del Hall requested the Board’s approval for the submitted proposed
E911 Backup Contract with the City of King.
Director Hall noted that
the City of King currently serves as the secondary public safety answering
point (PSAP) for the County’s communication Center in the event of a
disaster. The E911 Advisory Committee
chose the City of King based on location and the usage of a different phone
service provider. Director Hall also
noted that County Attorney Jonathan Jordan had approved the proposed contract
and it has already been approved by the City of King.
The Board discussed the
proposed contract with the City of King.
Commissioner John Turpin
moved to approve the E911 Backup Contract with the City of King.
Commissioner McHugh
seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
(a copy
of the E911 Backup Contract with the City of King will be retained in the Clerk
to the Board’s office)
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – HEALTH
DEPARTMENT – PROPOSED POSITION REALLOCATION
Director Don Moore
requested the Board’s approval to reallocate a Public Health Nurse II (Grade
74) to a Social Work Supervisor III (Grade 73).
Director Moore explained
that certain programs administered by the Health Department can be filled
either by a
Public Health Nurse or
Social Work Classification. In this
particular program- Family Care Coordination, the program can be administered
by a Social Work Supervisor III which would be a savings to the Health
Department. Currently, recruitment for
Public Health Nurses are extremely difficult due to salary requirements.
Director Moore concluded that
with leadership and full
staffing, this program will increase revenue by 25-30% in a program that is
already cost effective.
Commissioner McHugh moved
to approve the request to reallocate a Public Health Nurse II position in the
Health Department to a Social Worker Supervisor III for the purposes that
Health Director deems fit.
Commissioner John Turpin
seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT –PURCHASING –
PROPOSED LAWSONVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT -LOAN
Support Services
Supervisor Danny Stovall presented the following Resolution which approves of
Lawsonville Volunteer Fire Department entering into the financing, as required
under the Code for the financing to be carried out on a tax-exempt basis.
Lawsonville Volunteer
Fire Department, Inc. will be financing an amount up to $160,000 for a
Freightliner Fire Truck from Branch Banking and Trust for 15 years with a 4.37% interest rate. As required, the Lawsonville Volunteer Fire
Dept., Inc. held a public hearing on the financing.
Vice Chairman Joe Turpin
moved to approve the Lawsonville Fire Department Resolution approving the financing for a Freightliner Fire
Truck.
Commissioner McHugh
seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – EMERGENCY
MEDICAL SERVICES - PROPOSED AMBULANCE PURCHASE 05/06 BUDGET
Support Services
Supervisor Danny Stovall presented a quote from Northwestern Emergency Vehicles
totaling $107,980.00 for the purchase of one (1) 2006 Horton Type III 523-B
ambulance approved in the 05/06 fiscal year budget. Emergency Services Director Monty Stevens was also in attendance
for the agenda item. Mr. Stovall
referenced the
following NC General
Statute 143-129 (e)(6) which is a sole source exception:
“(e) Exceptions – The requirement of this Article
does not apply to:”
(6) “Purchases
of apparatus, supplies, materials, or equipment when:
(I) performance of price
competition for a product are not available,
(II) a needed product is
available from only one source supply; or
(III) standardization or compatibility is the overriding
consideration.
Notwithstanding any
other provision of this section, the Governing
Board of a
political subdivision of the State shall approve the
purchasing listed
in the preceding sentence prior to the award of the
contract.
Mr. Stovall and Director
Stevens recommended to the Board of Commissioners to use the Sole Source
Exception for this purchase for the following reasons:
·
All ambulances in County fleet have been manufactured by Horton
Emergency Vehicles
·
Ambulances will be manufactured to past bid specifications
·
Northwestern Emergency Vehicles is the only licensed Horton
dealer for the State of North Carolina.
Commissioner McHugh moved
to approve the sole source exception and the bid of $107,980 for the purchase of one (1) 2006 Horton Type III 523-B
ambulance.
Chairman Inman seconded
the motion.
Chairman Inman requested
Director Stevens update the Board with the County’s current ambulance fleet.
Director Stevens stated
that this purchase would probably replace the front line unit stationed at
Lawsonville, which has over 218,000 miles.
Commissioner Walker
requested that any equipment purchased be delayed until after the Board
receives the 04/05 audit which is scheduled for the 23rd of January
and after the upcoming meeting with Local Government Commission (LGC) in
Raleigh this week.
Mr. Stovall noted that
the purchase of all equipment would be financed together. The Board discussed the option of delaying
the purchase of any equipment until after the meeting with LGC and the results
of the 04/05 audit.
Chairman Inman stated
that the County would be meeting with LGC on financial matters regarding the
borrowing of funding for the Walnut Cove Library Expansion Project.
Chairman Inman called the
vote.
The motion failed (1-4)
with Chairman Inman, Vice Chairman Joe Turpin, Commissioner John Turpin, and
Commissioner Walker voting against the motion.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – SHERIFF’S
DEPARTMENT – PROPOSED LAW ENFORCEMENT VEHICLE PURCHASE – 05/06 BUDGET
Support Services
Supervisor Danny Stovall requested the Board’s approval to purchase the
following vehicles utilizing state contracts 070A Passenger Automobiles and
070B Law Enforcement Automobiles and 070G Trucks from Capital Ford in Raleigh,
North Carolina: (Captain Al Tuttle was also in attendance for the agenda item)
·
2006 Ford Crown Vic 6
each $20,375.00 $122,250.00
·
2006 Ford Taurus 3
each $12,378.00
$37,134.00
·
2006 Ford Explorer 4-WD 1
each $21,000.00
$21,000.00
Vehicle Cost $180,384.00
The budget amounts for
the following equipment will be purchased from other vendors:
·
3% NC Vehicle Sales Tax $5,412.00
·
Light Bars, Dash Lights, Wig Wags $7,713.00
·
Speakers, Sirens, Control Switches $3,699.00
·
Go Rhino Push Bars $2,300.00
·
Security Screens $2,454.00
·
Strobe Kits, Power Supplies $1,989.00
·
Consoles $1,800.00
·
UHF Radio $6,300.00
·
Vehicle Lettering $1,650.00
·
Equipment Installation $4,950.00
Total Project Budget: $218,651.00
Mr. Stovall noted that
the price of the purchasing Dodge V6 Chargers instead of the four Taurus would
$20,141 instead of $12,378 ($7,763 increase in the total project cost).
Commissioner Walker
requested to also postpone this agenda item as the previous agenda
item-purchase of ambulance until after the presentation of the 04/05 audit and
meeting with LGC.
Vice Chairman Joe Turpin
requested information from Captain Al Tuttle regarding if there were any
officers who do not have all the proper equipment such as bulletproof vests
that are out of date or inadequate uniforms.
Captain Tuttle noted to
the best of his knowledge that all officers’ bulletproof vests follow the
recommended
manufacturers’
guidelines.
Captain Tuttle also noted
that there should be no officer not having an adequate uniform.
The Board discussed the
purchase of 4 wheel drive vehicles for Sergeants instead of Crown Vics.
Captain Tuttle noted
concerns with 4 wheel drive vehicles being easy to overturn especially on rural
roads in Stokes County.
Commissioner John Turpin
requested additional information regarding the horsepower and gas mileage of
the Charger V6 versus the Crown Vic V8 for the next meeting.
Chairman Inman
entertained a motion to postpone the purchase of any law enforcement vehicles
until the January 23rd meeting.
Commissioner John Turpin
moved to postpone the purchase of any law enforcement vehicles until the
January 23rd meeting.
Vice Chairman Joe Turpin
seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – FINANCE - BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT #53
Finance Director Julia Edwards requested the approval of Budget
Ordinance Amendment #53, which is necessary to amend the General Fund to
transfer funds middle year review. The
appropriations are to be changed as follows:
|
Account Number |
|
EXPENDITURES |
|
Decrease |
|
Increase |
|
100.9910.000 |
|
Contingency
|
|
|
|
$10,575.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$10,575.00 |
|
Account Number |
|
REVENUES |
|
Decrease |
|
Increase |
|
100.3982.968 |
|
Transfer from Revaluation Fund
|
|
|
|
$10,575.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$10,575.00 |
Finance Director Edwards noted that the following justification of the
budget ordinance amendment for fiscal year 2005-06:
·
Middle Year Review
Chairman Inman entertained a motion to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment
#53.
Vice Chairman Joe Turpin moved to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment
#53.
Commissioner McHugh seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – E911 FUND BUDGET ORDINANCE
AMENDMENT
#54
Finance Director Julia Edwards requested the approval of Budget Ordinance Amendment #54, which is necessary to amend the E911 Fund to appropriate funds for computer for new staff and rack mounts on towers. The appropriations are to be changed as follows:
|
Account |
EXPENDITURES |
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
Decrease |
|
Increase |
|
|
E-911 |
|
|
|
|
200.4325.510 |
Equipment |
|
|
$
4,136.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
$
4,136.00 |
|
Account |
REVENUES |
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
Decrease |
|
Increase |
|
200.3991.000 |
Fund Balance |
|
|
$
4,136.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
$
4,136.00 |
Finance Director Edwards noted that the following justification of the
budget ordinance amendment for fiscal year 2005-06:
·
New position approved November 28, 2005
Chairman Inman entertained a motion to approve Budget Ordinance
Amendment #54.
Vice Chairman Joe Turpin moved to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment
#54.
Commissioner McHugh seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT –
SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT - BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT #55
Finance Director Julia Edwards requested the approval of Budget
Ordinance Amendment #55, which is necessary to amend the General Fund to
appropriate funds for from insurance claim for accident that occurred during a
chase. The appropriations are to be
changed as follows:
|
Account Number |
EXPENDITURES |
Decrease |
|
Increase |
|
|
Sheriff’s Department |
|
|
|
|
100.4310.351 |
Maint. &
Repairs-Auto |
|
|
$ 909.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
$
909.00 |
|
Account Number |
REVENUES |
Decrease |
|
Increase |
|
100.3839.850 |
Insurance
Claims |
|
|
$ 909.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
$
909.00 |
Finance Director Edwards noted that the following justification of the
budget ordinance amendment for fiscal year 2005-06:
·
Insurance claim for accident on December 14, 2005
Chairman Inman entertained a motion to approve Budget Ordinance
Amendment #55.
Commissioner McHugh moved to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment #55.
Vice Chairman Joe Turpin seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – BOARD OF ELECTIONS - BUDGET ORDINANCE
AMENDMENT #56
Finance Director Julia Edwards requested the approval of Budget
Ordinance Amendment #56, which is necessary to amend the General Fund to
appropriate funds from HAVA Grant to purchase voting equipment. The appropriations are to be changed as
follows:
|
Account Number |
EXPENDITURES |
Decrease |
Increase |
|
|
Elections |
|
|
|
100.4170.510 |
Equipment |
|
$
272,064.00 |
|
|
|
|
$
272,064.00 |
|
Account Number |
REVENUES |
Decrease |
|
Increase |
|
100.3301.419 |
HAVA Grant |
|
|
$ 272,064.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
$
272,064.00 |
Finance Director Edwards noted that the following justification of the
budget ordinance amendment for fiscal year 2005-06:
·
NC State Election Board requires the purchase of new voting equipment
by January 20, 2006
Chairman Inman entertained a motion to approve Budget Ordinance
Amendment #56.
Commissioner John Turpin moved to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment
#56.
Commissioner Walker seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT –
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – PROPOSED PRELIMINARY PARTF APPLICATION
Economic Development Director Ron Morgan requested guidance from the
Board regarding the County’s application for a Parks Area Recreation Trust Fund
(PARTF) for Moratock Park. Director
Morgan noted the following:
·
PARTF
application due by January 31, 2006
·
1 to 1 match for
the county
·
Estimated
county’s match = $125,000
·
Time consuming
grant process
·
Concerns
regarding finances and upcoming budget
·
Grant to include
additional parking, trails, signage, safety factors, lighting, landscaping,
access to Sheppard’s Mill Road, etc.
·
Being awarded
the grant and not being able to proceed due to funding can hurt future
grant applications
The Board discussed financial status of the County regarding
appropriating $125,000 match, time consuming grant, Town of Danbury sharing in
the cost of renovations, limit value of timber on existing property, current
county recreation, and the future tourism at Moratock Park. The Board commented on the importance of the
proposed project, but felt it was unfair for Director Morgan to spend countless
hours on the application process/deadline and then there could be no matching
funding available this fiscal year.
Chairman Inman entertained a motion to instruct the Economic
Development Director to hold off on
applying for the PARTF application.
Commissioner McHugh moved to hold off on the PARTF application until
next fiscal year. Commissioner John
Turpin seconded and the motion carried (4-1) with Vice
Chairman Joe Turpin voting against the motion.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
–GOVERNING BODY – ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR FORSYTH TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Commissioner Walker requested information regarding the Advisory
Council that had been set up by Forsyth Tech Community College and the status
of members that had been appointed by
the Board of Commissioners.
Commissioner Walker noted to his knowledge no one that have been
appointed by the Board of Commissioners had received
any information. Clerk to the
Board Darlene Bullins noted that FTCC had been notified of all appointees and
FTCC was in the process of appointing two Trustees to serve on the
Council. Ms. Deanna Ray – FTCC had
reported last week to Ms. Bullins that letters would be going out to all
appointees within the next week.
Staffing issues and FTCC awaiting the
appointment of Trustees delayed the organization of the first meeting.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – BOARD
OF ELECTIONS- SPACE
Commissioner Walker reiterated the need for space for the Board of
Elections and storage for the new voting equipment.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT –
GOVERNING BODY – PROPOSED RESOLUTION OPPOSING GAS TAX INCREASES FOR STOKES
COUNTY CITIZENS AND BUSINESS
Vice Chairman Joe Turpin read the following proposed Resolution:
RESOLUTION OPPOSING GAS
TAX INCREASES FOR STOKES COUNTY CITIZENS AND BUSINESS.
Stokes County, North Carolina
WHEREAS, the Stokes County Board of Commissioners strives to keep the
cost of living low in our County as well as promote business and
WHEREAS, an element of that goal is helping keep tax rates low or
eliminating them when possible. In
addition, many of our residents commute long distances to work, school, and
church; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina drivers are paying $300 million a year in extra
gas tax. Stokes County residents are
included in shouldering this cost. The
state's gas tax is the sixth highest in the country, and the highest in the
Southeast.
WHEREAS, the Stokes County Board of Commissioners recommends the repeal
of the newly imposed 2006 gas tax increase.
In addition, encourage the Legislature strengthen the Highway Trust Fund
which they have raided for approximately $1 billion dollars over the last few
years.
Thereby be it resolved that the Stokes County Board of Commissioners
oppose any tax increase in North Carolina’s gas tax.
Dated this ________ day
of ____________, 20__
Vice Chairman Joe Turpin noted the need for the proposed Resolution for
the citizens of Stokes County.
The Board discussed the proposed Resolution and the need to include
lowering the pre-existing tax rate.
Vice Chairman Joe Turpin moved to approve the following amended
Resolution Opposing Gas Tax Increases for Stokes County Citizens and Business:
RESOLUTION OPPOSING GAS
TAX INCREASES FOR STOKES COUNTY CITIZENS AND BUSINESS
Stokes County,
North Carolina
WHEREAS, the
Stokes County Board of Commissioners strives to keep the cost of living low in
our County as well as promote business and
WHEREAS, an
element of that goal is helping keep tax rates low or eliminating them when
possible. In addition, many of our
residents commute long distances to work, school, and church; and
WHEREAS, North
Carolina drivers are paying $300 million a year in extra gas tax. Stokes County residents are included in
shouldering this cost. The state's gas
tax is the sixth highest in the country, and the highest in the Southeast.
THEREBY, BE IT RESOLVED, the Stokes County Board of Commissioners
recommends the repeal of the newly imposed 2006 gas tax and lowering the
preexisting tax rate. In addition, we
encourage the Legislature to strengthen the Highway Trust Fund which they have
raided for approximately $1 billion dollars over the last few years; and
Be it also resolved that the Stokes
County Board of Commissioners opposes any future tax increase in North
Carolina’s gas tax.
Adopted this 9th day of
January, 2006.
_____________________________
J. Leon Inman
Chairman
___________________________
Darlene M. Bullins
Clerk to the Board
Commissioner Walker seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT –
GOVERNING BODY – REGIONAL TOURISM BOARD
Commissioner John Turpin updated the Board regarding the upcoming
Regional Tourism Board (Stokes, Surry, Patrick, Grayson, Alleghany counties) on
January 20, 2006 at Shelton’s Vineyard, which focuses on marketing these areas
as a regional tourism area.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT –
GOVERNING BODY- UPCOMING EVENTS
Chairman Inman presented the Board with the following upcoming meetings
sponsored by the King Chamber of Commerce:
January 25 Community Update Luncheon
at 11:30 am in the Multipurpose Room of the Stokes Family
YMCA
Dr. Cartner will present the results of the recent demographic
study relating to our schools. A representative of the County
Commissioners is asked to speak to the group as to the county plans to address
the issues identified by the study. Lunch will be served at 11:30 am at a
cost of $8.00 (payable at the door). The Chamber requests advance
reservations with the Chamber office at 983-9308.
January 26 Stokes County Listening Tour
with Congresswoman Virginia Foxx
4:00-5:00 pm in the Shelton Room of the King Public Library
A representative from
County government is asked to present their concerns or issues. Printed
inquiries and /or documentation will be accepted for Congresswoman Foxx to
address after reviewing those at a later time. We will ask a
representative from King, from Walnut Cove and from Danbury to also present
their concerns along with those of the King Chamber of Commerce
Chairman Inman requested if there were any volunteers who would be
willing to represent the Board.
Vice Chairman Joe Turpin volunteered to attend the January 25th
– Community Update Luncheon at 11:30 am.
Commissioner John Turpin volunteered to attend the January 26th
– Stokes County Listening Tour with Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.
Chairman Inman requested Board members submit any concerns or issues to
Vice Chairman Joe Turpin or Commissioner John Turpin on either topic.
CLOSED SESSION
Chairman
Inman entertained a motion to enter into closed session for the following:
- To discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of
industries or other businesses in the county pursuant to G.S.
143-318.11(a)(4).
- To consider and take action with respect to the position to be
taken by the county in negotiating the price or other materials terms of
an agreement for the acquisition or lease of real property pursuant to
G.S. 143-318.11(a)(5)
- To consider the initial employment or appointment of an individual
to any office or position, other than a vacancy in the Board of County
Commissioners or any other public body, or to consider the qualifications,
competence, performance, character, and fitness of any public officer or
employee, other than a member of the Board of Commissioners or of some
other public body pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11(a)(6)
Vice Chairman Joe
Turpin moved to enter into closed session for the following:
- To discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of
industries or other businesses in the county pursuant to G.S.
143-318.11(a)(4).
- To consider and take action with respect to the position to be
taken by the county in negotiating the price or other materials terms of
an agreement for the acquisition or lease of real property pursuant to
G.S. 143-318.11(a)(5)
- To consider the initial employment or appointment of an individual
to any office or position, other than a vacancy in the Board of County
Commissioners or any other public body, or to consider the qualifications,
competence, performance, character, and fitness of any public officer or
employee, other than a member of the Board of Commissioners or of some
other public body pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11(a)(6)
Commissioner John Turpin seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
The Board re-entered into regular session of
the January 9, 2006 meeting.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT –
ADMINISTRATION –COUNTY MANAGER DUTIES
Commissioner John Turpin moved to allow the Clerk to the Board to sign
travel expenditures, payroll issues, and budget amendment ordinances.
Vice Chairman Joe Turpin seconded the motion.
The Board discussed approval until an interim manager is appointed and
that all documents would be open for the Board’s inspection.
The motion carried unanimously.
There being no further
business to come before the Board, Chairman Inman entertained a motion to
recess the meeting until Wednesday, January 18, 2006 at 6:00 pm.
Commissioner McHugh moved
to recess the meeting until Wednesday, January 18, 2006 at 6:00 pm.
Vice Chairman Joe Turpin
seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
_________________________ _____________________________
Darlene M. Bullins
J. Leon Inman
Clerk to the Board Chairman
