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1993-05-24 Budget Work Session NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BUDGET WORK SESSION AND PUBLIC HEARING, MAY 24, 1993 BOOK 25 PAGE 496 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners held a Budget Work Session and Public Hearing on Monday, May 24, 1993, at 7:00 P.M. in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present were: Commissioners Sandra Barone; WilliamA. Caster; William E. Sisson, Jr.; vice-Chairman E. L. Mathews, Jr.; Chairman Robert G. Greer; County Manager, Allen 0' Neal; County Attorney, Wanda M. Copley; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell. Chairman Greer called the meeting to order and reported several agencies will make budget presentations for the first hour with the Public Hearing for the FY 1993-94 Recommended Budget beginning at 8:00 P.M. BUDGET PRESENTATION BY THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES Mr. Francis Foy, Chairman of the Board of Social Services, commented on the many needs of the community and difficulty of adopting a balanced budget with scarce resources. The DSS staff works diligently to provide DSS services to our citizens and expresses appreciation for approval of the merit increase and disability insurance for County employees. Due to the increased workload in the Department of Social Services, the DSS Board voted unanimously to approve 20 new positions because these positions are desperately needed. Appreciation was expressed to the County Manager for approval of the two Child Support Enforcement positions and the Day Care Accounting Technician. Disappointment was expressed for failure to recommend the other positions requested for day care, a Social Worker and Clerk. Day Care is a vi tal service if people are to be removed from the welfare roles. Far too many jobs in the community pay minimum wages; therefore, day care is essential. The Commissioners were requested to approve additional funding in the amount of $30,000 for the two day care positions, a Social Worker and Clerk. The remaining positions are needed; however, it is hoped the General Assembly will appropriate funding to fill some of these badly needed positions. If not, the Board of Social Services may have to approach the County for filling these positions later in the fiscal year. BUDGET PRESENTATION BY THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH Mr. John M. Coble, Chairman of the Board of Health, expressed appreciation for being able to appear before the Commissioners to request restoration of a few positions in the FY 1993-94 Budget. He introduced Mr. Mark A. Veenstra, Chairman of the Budget Committee, to make the budget presentation. Mr. Veenstra requested restoration of three positions in the Animal Control Division. The primary purpose of Animal Control is to control rabies in New Hanover County. This disease is on the increase in North Carolina and it is imperative to enforce the rabies regulations and patrol the area for loose dogs and cats. Also, enforcement of the Dangerous Dog Law must be performed as required under State Statute; therefore, it is imperative that the two Field Officers and Kennel Supervisor be restored to the FY 1993-94 Budget. Revenue is generated by the Animal Control Division through the cat and dog license fees; adoption fees; and citations for violations of the regulations. Approval of the two Field Officer positions will allow more weekend patrol, extend the second shift to provide patrol later into the evening hours; and generate more revenues. Approval of the Kennel Supervisor will provide for overseeing the cleaning and feeding of animals as well as allow for the shelter to be open on Saturdays, which will increase the adoption of animals. In summary, the Board of Health believes the positions requested in Animal Control Division will essentially pay for NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BUDGET WORK SESSION AND PUBLIC HEARING, MAY 24, 1993 BOOK 25 PAGE 497 themselves through increased revenues. The Commissioners were requested to reconsider these positions in the FY 1993-94 Budget. Commissioner Sisson inquired as to the basis for the estimated increase in revenues? Animal Control Director, Ron Currie, reported additional revenues will be generated by being open on Saturdays through an increase in adoption and redemption fees; issuance of more citations; and an increase in County license fees. Also, approximately 18,000 license renewal notices were mail with approximately 3,800 persons who have not responded, which will generate additional revenue. Commissioner Barone reported on the cost for mailing pet license renewal notices in the amount of $17,000 to $20,000 and inquired as to whether this is a good investment? Director Currie reported funds collected from the pet tag renewal notices more than cover the expenses involved with preparing and mailing the notices. Forsyth County decided to stop sending out notices and the number of tags sold fell from 33,000 to 19,000 which was a considerable loss of revenue. Commissioner Barone inquired as to whether Forsyth County is using the system now being used by New Hanover County whereby the County interacts with veterinarian records to see which persons have or have not properly vaccinated their animals? Director Currie reported Forsyth and Durham counties are investigating this system. There is a meeting scheduled this week with MIS to discuss the possibility of placing the veterinarians on a modem which will alleviate the Clerks entering the data. Also, the department is investigating issuing a 3-year tag instead of a 1-year tag. BUDGET PRESENTATION BY THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT Sheriff Joe McQueen reported on overcrowding of the jail and the installation of the computer system to speed the processing of court cases to reduce the jail population. It was the intent of staff to request restoring the Computer-Assisted Dispatch position; however, after discussion, staff has decided not to request the additional position. Appreciation was expressed to the Commissioners for approval of the 5% merit increment for County employees. Also, concern was expressed for removing funds to replace the radio tower. The present tower is 20 years old and is in poor condition. Emphasis was placed on the fact that complete communications could be lost during a hurricane if the tower should fall down. BUDGET PRESENTATION BY THE SOUTHEASTERN CENTER Director of the Southeastern Center, Doug Sudduth, commented on people suffering from mental illness, developmental disabili ties, alcohol, and other drug abuse and reported the Southeastern Center serves as a voice for these people. Staff and employees at the Center are dedicated people who work long hours for far less wages than in other health care facilities. Good planning is the key to providing services for these people. The recently approved Children's Initiative is an example of good planning that will develop a plan to assess the needs of the community with the coordination of all agencies working together with available resources to provide the services to this group of people. Emphasis was placed on continuing to move forward with providing these services and recognizing that County tax dollars spent are an investment in the lives of people. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BUDGET WORK SESSION AND PUBLIC HEARING, MAY 24, 1993 BOOK 25 PAGE 498 BUDGET PRESENTATION BY CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE Mr. Jack Lee, representing the Cape Fear Community College Board of Trustees, expressed appreciation for past and present support of Cape Fear Community College. During this year, 400 students will graduate. Many new programs have been added and authorization has just been received from the American Dental Association for implementing the Dental Assistants Program. The Criminal Justice Program has also received preliminary accreditation. The enrollment continues to grow and the College still serves as a technical college with approximately 87% of students enrolled in technical programs and the remaining percentage enrolled in college transfer programs. Dr. Richard Conrath, President of Cape Fear Community College, expressed appreciation for past and current support of the College. Facts and figures were presented on the growth of the college and the efficient utilization of space at Cape Fear Community College. Appreciation was expressed to the County Manager and his staff for their cooperation during the budget process. The College is satisfied with the budget request. Commissioner Barone expressed appreciation to Dr. Conrath and staff for the efficient use of the current space and stated an ideal situation would be to pursue an arrangement with UNC-W for use of space at night. Emphasis was placed on the importance of Cape Fear Community College to our region. BUDGET PRESENTATION BY NEW HANOVER COUNTY SCHOOLS Ms. Janice Cavenaugh, Chairman of the Board of Education, commented on the County Manager's reduction in the budget request and asked the number of persons present to stand who are concerned about the reduced funding. The Board of Education is aware of the difficulty involved with raising the property tax rate to accommodate school needs, but the Board of Education is also responsible for reporting on the status of County schools and the needs that are necessary to provide quality education for our children. Funds are needed to meet these needs. When being notified by the County Manager that the budget request should be reviewed and cut, the budget request was reviewed and reluctantly cut by the Board of Education as previously done in the proposed bond issue. The budget request is approximately $20.4 million in addition to $7.5 million for capital improvements. According to studies, an allowance of $240 per child is considered the appropriate figure to budget in order to maintain school facilities. New Hanover County is allowing $97 per child. Unfortunately, in New Hanover County funds have been cut for maintenance in the past and the buildings are in dire need of improvements. In this year's budget request, additional money has been requested in order to perform maintenance. Also, a comparative school funding study was conducted by the N. C. Public School Form in North Carolina which indicated that New Hanover County ranks 88th in the State for school funding. It was also noted that Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, and Pender counties spend more money per child in school funding according to the tax base than New Hanover County. Items that have been included in the budget request, other than the continuation budget, are items involving employees compensation, including the 5% anticipated State raise and an increase in the County supplement to teachers. Also, computerization of the schools has been included in the budget request. New Hanover County schools are behind and a computer should be in every classroom. As part of the budget process, a long-range plan has been developed with the provision of a system with magnet schools and schools of choice. This year, Gregory has been designated as the first magnet school and all slots have been filled. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BUDGET WORK SESSION AND PUBLIC HEARING, MAY 24, 1993 BOOK 25 PAGE 499 In summary, the Board of Education has tried to reduce the budget request, but in order to meet the needs of the schools, the Board does not feel the budget request can be reduced to the amount requested by the County Manager and still provide quality education for our children. The Commissioners were requested to approve a budget that will cover the items presented. Commissioner Sisson inquired as to whether funds have been included for an increase in the County supplement for teachers and if the State is going to end the Career Ladder Program which will create a funding shortfall of $930,000 for the County? Ms. Cavenaugh responded funds have been included for the 5% State salary increase and County supplement for teachers. Dr. Tom McNeel, Superintendent of Schools, reported in 1993- 94, there is a reduction of the Career Ladder Program. The $130,000 in the budget will guarantee that our teachers will maintain their supplement for next year. In 1994-95, the State will reduce the amount of money by approximately $930,000 for New Hanover County from a 7% level to a 5% level of the total certified staff salaries. The Legislature does intend to reduce the program. Commissioner Sisson commented on the rigid evaluations that teachers have performed in order to be accepted in the Career Ladder Program and expressed concern for this program now being taken away by the State which has devastated many teachers. Emphasis was placed on the need for State and School personnel to protect and motivate our professional teachers. Also, there is some question as to the figures reflecting the real capacity (the number of students in classrooms and the number of teachers) in the different schools and the difference between the projected enrollment for next year. According to the real capacity figures projected, there will be 214 students over capacity in the middle schools with a total of 226 students under capacity in the middle schools. In order to accommodate the 214 students over capacity, seven trailers will be purchased at approximately $43,000 each for a total of $300,000. The same is true for the high schools with over capacity projected for Laney and Hoggard High Schools and an under capacity of 172 students projected for New Hanover High School which will require the purchase of seven trailers. It is difficult to understand why trailers must be purchased, particularly in the middle schools, with 214 students over capacity and 226 students under capacity. It appears that some procedure should be established to save on costs for accommodating capacity needs, and shift these funds into personnel to accommodate the teachers needs. Ms. Cavenaugh reported only seven trailers are projected for purchase and the figures presented are in draft form. Due to children having more choices in the courses offered in the middle and high schools such as band, foreign languages, or advanced classes, the Board of Education would rather continue these classes with small enrollments than eliminate the classes. If advanced classes with small enrollments or exceptional children's classes with small populations were eliminated and floating teachers were utilized, 172 spaces could be found at New Hanover High School. The Board of Education feels that redistricting children this year would be foolish when a long-range plan has been developed to involve magnet schools, which will require redistricting next year. Commissioner Sisson agreed with Ms. Cavenaugh and emphasized the importance of recognizing the magnitude of the funding problem particularly with removal of the Career Ladder Program for teachers and the fact that the Board of Education will be asking for more money, if necessary, to meet their needs. However, the increase in the school budget for last year added to the original request submitted this year represents a 25% increase in County funding over a two-year period, which is a tremendous increase. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BUDGET WORK SESSION AND PUBLIC HEARING, MAY 24, 1993 BOOK 25 PAGE 500 Unfortunately, funding for schools lS removed from the general fund, which is derived from property taxes, and in his opinion, it would be ideal for the schools to have their own tax base, which he hopes to discuss with the County Commissioners at a later date. Until some source of revenue is established, the citizens of New Hanover County must be factually informed on the amount of funds needed for County schools to provide the quality of education deserved by our children. The questions presented tonight have been asked in an attempt to make sense out of rapidly escalating costs for County schools, which both boards need to address and work out a plan that will control these costs. Ms. Cavenaugh expressed appreciation to Commissioner Sisson for asking the questions and being given an opportunity to explain the funding request. Open discussion of this type allows both Boards to better understand the problems and funding needs. Commissioner Sisson, agaln, reiterated properly compensating teachers and school constructing buildings to accommodate them. the importance of personnel before Ms. Cavenaugh reported the Board of Education did cut from the capital outlay budget as well as in design fees and land acquisition for new buildings. No salary or supplement increases were cut for the school employees. Commissioner Sisson expressed appreciation for answering the questions and stated he looks forward to continuing this type of communication. Commissioner Caster commented on recently attending several school activities and complimented the teachers who prepared programs and activities that showed many well trained and talented children. In his opinion, real progress is being made in the schools. Commissioner Barone expressed appreciation to the Board of Education for their hard work and efforts given in the expansion of programs for school children, but expressed concern for the following items: (1) top heavy in the number of administrative positions; and (2) long distance telephone charges in the amount of $11,000 per month for a total of $132,000 per year, not including the $5,000 per month basic telephone charge. These funds could educate 33 children. Commissioner Barone requested an explanation of both concerns and recommended that something be done immediately about the cost for telephone calls. Ms. Cavenaugh reported the New Hanover County School System is the largest employer in the County, the largest food service operator; and the largest transportation system in the County. Communication is vital and calls are made to Raleigh as well as cities throughout the nation with children continuously coming from other states. As to administration, it is perceived the schools are top heavy in administration; however, since serving on the Board of Education and asking if a position in administration could be cut, no one has ever identified a specific position that could be eliminated. Dr. McNeel reported specific data detailing telephone charges and calls will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners. Telephone charges are extremely high because there are not enough telephone lines to the schools. Each school should have telephones that are accessible to teachers, and funds have been included in the budget to install a new telephone system and replace the three antiquated systems now being used. with respect to administrative positions, when relocating and becoming Superintendent of Schools in New Hanover County, the School System at that time had a Superintendent, an Associate NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BUDGET WORK SESSION AND PUBLIC HEARING, MAY 24, 1993 BOOK 25 PAGE 501 Superintendent, and four Assistant Superintendents. The School System now has a Superintendent and three other persons representing a 40% reduction in the top level of administration. Below this level, the supervisors in math, science, social studies, etc. are very important to the teachers and students. In summary, the main item to consider is providing a quality education to our children who will be our future leaders. BREAK Chairman Greer called a break from 8:20 P.M. until 8:35 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING ON RECOMMENDED FY 1993-94 BUDGET Chairman Greer opened the Public Hearing and requested all persons to limit their remarks to three minutes. Mr. Charles Dean reported on last year's budget hearing when Chairman Greer requested the Commissioners to hold the line on expenditures and adopt a budget within the revenues generated. Since that time the public has spoken and three former County Commissioners were not re-elected. The Board was urged to listen to the people and operate County government within the revenues received, which will not require an increase in the property tax. The people do not want further growth of government. Mr. Tom Townsend, representing the New Hanover County Veterans Council composed of 15,000 veterans, reported the proposed funding allocation of $20,000 for FY 1993-94 is not satisfactory. In surrounding counties, Pender County is spending $30,689 for a Veterans Services Office and Brunswick is spending $60,582 for a Veterans Services Office. The Commissioners were requested to open a County Veterans Services Office at a cost of $40,000. Ms. Eda Fitzpatrick reported on the improvement of the school system during the past twenty years and the need for teachers to learn the latest techniques. Property taxes in New Hanover County are low and increasing the property tax to better educate our children will not hurt anyone. It is ridiculous to think if prices go up that taxes will not go up. Also, some form of an impact tax should be charged to persons moving into the County to cover the additional costs for the provision of schools, public assistance, and infrastructure needs. There are plenty of retirees that can afford a tax increase, and it is hoped that New Hanover County will not become a community of ancient golfers its young people leaving town. Mr. Peter Fensel, Vice-Chairman of the Wilmington Industrial Development Committee, reported on the Committee's 9-year average of $72 million in new and/or expanding proj ects of which $29 million is new industry. This is a significant fact, and it is imperative to continue to recruit new industry to our area to expand the job base, increase the tax base, increase charitable contributions, and increase the base of community leadership. The Commissioners were requested to fully support the funding request as submitted. Commissioner Barone inquired as to the amount of the funding request? Mr. Fensel reported the Committee has requested $60,000 with a recommendation of $40,000. Commissioner Barone stated the budget notebook reflects an original budget request of $45,000 and asked if this is a correct figure? Mr. Fensel reported the Committee requested $60,000 this year. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BUDGET WORK SESSION AND PUBLIC HEARING, MAY 24, 1993 BOOK 25 PAGE 502 County Manager O'Neal reported the Wilmington Industrial Development Committee requested $60,000 last year with an allocation of $45,000. The budget request for this year is $45,000 with recommended funding of $40,000. Mr. Fensel reported the Committee requested $45,000 because of a letter received from the County Manager which requested that no budget requests be more than the amount appropriated last year. Commissioner Barone expressed appreciation to the Wilmington Industrial Development Committee and DARE for their efforts to entice good, healthy businesses to locate in our area which is beneficial to all citizens. Ms. Amy Hamme, representing the Child Advocacy Commission, expressed appreciation for the recommended funding of $18,000 and stated, however, the Commission could use the additional $2,000. A report was presented on the programs and services rendered by the Child Advocacy Commission. Fifty-seven agencies are now working with the Child Advocacy Commission to provide services that will reduce the juvenile delinquency rate in New Hanover County. Commissioner Sisson expressed appreciation for the number of programs being rendered by the Child Advocacy Commission and the number of community agencies that have become involved in this effort. Commissioner Barone inquired as to the new program in Raleigh? Ms. Hamme reported the Child Resource and Referral Program in Raleigh has just been started and has been most successful. The Child Advocacy Commission and the Housing Authority coordinated the various agencies to provide training to women once a week for eight weeks on the importance of good nutrition, child abuse prevention, child safety issues, etc., which has enabled these women to become registered day care providers. The program is simple; however, the results are wonderful. The local Housing Authority and Child Advocacy Commission will hear a presentation on the Raleigh program on June 4. Hopefully, the same program will be implemented in New Hanover County. Ms. Debbie Hobbs, representing the Community Penalties Program, reported the local program for the 5th District is one of twenty programs across the State of North Carolina that works with criminal non-violent offenders. The local program is entering its eighth year and the Board of Directors and staff are most appreciative of past support and the funding recommended for FY 1993-94. Dr. Jack Morgan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Food Bank of Coastal Carolina, Inc. presented a report explaining the miscommunication and misunderstanding on the $15,000 funding request. After review by the Board of Directors, it is recommended that the County find another agency to distribute the USDA commodities with the $15,000 funding appropriation. To permit continui ty in the program while the County looks for another distributing agency, the Food Bank is willing to perform the July commodities distribution and the necessary re-certification of eligible recipients if the County contracts with the N. C. Department of Agriculture for the program. Distribution expenses would be submitted to the County Manager for his submission to the N. C. Department of Agriculture with distribution fees returned to the County, which would then reimburse the Food Bank for expenses allowed by the N. C. Department of Agriculture. When the County designates another agency to handle the commodities program, the Food Bank will gladly share its forms, know-how, and records pertaining to the commodities program. The Food Bank strongly urges the Commissioners to continue the USDA commodities distribution program which is so vital to low income families who NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BUDGET WORK SESSION AND PUBLIC HEARING, MAY 24, 1993 BOOK 25 PAGE 503 receive these foods and are in need of nutritious foods to prevent future health problems. Chairman Greer inquired as to whether the Food Bank and Mother Hubbard's Cupboard will be able to operate without being affiliated with the Food Bank of North Carolina? Dr. Morgan reported it is anticipated that the food programs will continue to operate. Ms. Tannis Nelson, President of the New Hanover County Council of PTA's, encouraged the Commissioners to put children first and reconsider the budget request presented by the Board of Education. Mr. David Morgan, Chairman of the School Advisory Committee for H. C. Bellamy Elementary School, inquired as to why the County Commissioners cut the educational needs of our children as one of the first items reduced in the recommended budget. Children are our future. The elementary schools need full time Assistant Principals, additional aides in the classrooms, and the provision of technology for all classes, not just a lucky few. Teachers should be fairly compensated and additional teachers are needed for specialized areas. The Commissioners were urged to grant the 13% increase in the school budget as requested by the Board of Education. As a concerned parent, I am willing to pay additional taxes to fund the schools. Chairman Greer reported the schools have received more increases than any other County agency. At one time the schools received the largest share of tax dollars; however, the Department of Social Services now receives the largest share with the schools ranking second. Ms. Carmen Brewington, President of the New Hanover County Association of Educators representing over 1,000 teachers, reported on the need to approve the 10% supplement salary in order for New Hanover County to remain competitive across the State. Teachers have not received an increase in supplement pay for 10 years. The young, bright and creative teachers hired by New Hanover County are leaving our area after five years to work in Wake County, Guilford County, Mecklenburg County, and Forsyth County who have supplements higher than New Hanover County. Surveys indicate that taxpayers are willing to pay for the best teachers and the best schools. The Commissioners were urged to provide a line item in the FY 1993- 94 budget to provide a 10% increase in the teachers supplement. Ms. Linda Pearce, Director of Elderhaus, Inc., expressed appreciation for the continued funding support of Elderhaus. Also, as a matter of information, Elderhaus is now hiring senior citizens to work with seniors as well as hiring persons from the Department of Social Services who are in need of jobs. This will help to reduce the welfare roles. Commissioner Caster inquired as to the current housing for Elderhaus and asked if this problem has been resolved? Ms. Pearce reported St. Paul's Episcopal Church has housed the Elderhaus program at a nominal fee for 10 years. The church now needs the area for parking and has given Elderhaus the house, but the structure cannot be moved. Negotiations are being held with the Church, who is very supportive of the program, and it is felt that an arrangement for housing will be found. Commissioner Sisson commented on the need for church parking spaces within the City and recommended placing this item on the agenda as a discussion item at the next joint meeting with the Wilmington City Council. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BUDGET WORK SESSION AND PUBLIC HEARING, MAY 24, 1993 BOOK 25 PAGE 504 Mr. R. F. Carter, a concerned citizen, reported on the number of agencies that request and expect funding from the County's General Fund, which is the property tax, and expressed concern for continuing to fund these agencies plus other agencies. Two paragraphs were read from the National Geographic Magazine concerning a country where individuals were receiving vacations wi th pay; maternity leave; child support payments; retirement payments for both men and women; free health care and free education. This country was Russia. If this country and county continue to support increasing budgets for governments, escalating welfare costs and unending requests for government programs, the monetary base of its citizens will be completely eroded through addi tional taxes. The Commissioners were urged to stop taxing County citizens to the point of destruction and to the point where, one day, people will have to react. Ms. Debra Palmer, a concerned citizen, reported children do not vote; therefore, they do not have a voice in government and cannot stand up for their educational needs. If people are opposed to a tax increase for support of the schools, they should volunteer to work in the schools to meet these unmet needs. Many schools are using 30-year old equipment, teachers are floating from classroom to classroom, aides are needed to assist the teachers, and updated equipment and computers are needed in every school. The Commissioners were urged to fund the budget request submitted by the Board of Education and fund the educational needs for our children. Mr. Harold R. Fussell, expressed appreciation to the Board of County Commissioners for removing the bureaucracy from the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees. He also complimented the Budget Director for an excellent job in preparing the budget. However, one item of concern is the recommended funding for the Animal Control Center in the amount of $434,000 with only $20,000 appropriated for the New Hanover County Veterans and no funding included for the homeless. Many years ago, New Hanover County had a Veterans Services Office, and it seems unfair that adequate funds cannot be found to establish a Veterans Services Office for the 19,000 veterans who served our country, many of which are now disabled, and are in need of services. Judge Jacqueline Morris-Goodson, a parent and member of the Blount Elementary Advisory Committee, requested the Commissioners to approve the additional 13.5% increase requested by the Board of Education in order to meet the educational needs of our children. Emphasis was placed on the providing the necessary tools to educate our children so they can compete for jobs as adults. Mr. Joseph Madsen commented on his personal budget, which is always very tight, and the manner in which he has to prioritize needs. He urged the Commissioners to do the same and keep expenditures within the revenues generated in order to avoid a tax lncrease. Mr. Wade Smith, a mathematics teacher at Laney High School, commented on the difficulty of teaching in a trailer and being a floating teacher and urged the Commissioners to consider the educational needs and approve the budget request submitted by the Board of Education. Commissioner Caster requested Superintendent McNeel to provide figures on the turnover rate for teachers in New Hanover County. Dr. McNeel responded he would be glad to prepare a report. Mr. Keith Buckindale, a new County resident, requested the Commissioners to support the Board of Education's original budget request in order to provide a high quality of education to our children. New Hanover County is a wonderful place to live and in order to attract new people and businesses, quality education must NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BUDGET WORK SESSION AND PUBLIC HEARING, MAY 24, 1993 BOOK 25 PAGE 505 be provided to the children attending New Hanover County schools. The County government should support this effort. Ms. Donna Neal, Chairman of the Animal Control Advisory Committee, expressed appreciation to the County Commissioners for funding a new Animal Control Facility in the FY 1993-94 Budget. Chairman Greer closed the Public Hearing. MEETING CONTINUED UNTIL JUNE 1, 1993 Discussion was held on continuing the meeting ln order to discuss the public comments received. Chairman Greer reported a Special Meeting has been scheduled for June 1, 1993, to discuss the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Revenue Bond Issue, and if convenient, this meeting could be continued after the Special Meeting has been adjourned. Consensus: After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to continue the meeting until Tuesday, June 1, 1993, after the Special Meeting in order to discuss the proposed FY 1993-94 Budget. Chairman Greer recessed the meeting at 10:10 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Lucie F. Harrell Clerk to the Board r' MINUTES OF BUDGET WORK SESSION AND PUBLIC HEARING MAY 24, 1993 PAGE 505 be provided to the children attending New Hanover County schools. The County government should support this effort. Ms. Donna Neal, Chairman of the Animal Control Advisory Committee, expressed appreciation to the County Commissioners for funding a new Animal Control Facility in the FY 1993-94 Budget. Chairman Greer closed the Public Hearing. MEETING CONTINUED UNTIL JUNE 1, 1993 Discussion was held on continuing the meeting in order to discuss the public comments received. Chairman Greer reported a Special Meeting has been scheduled for June 1, 1993, to discuss the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Revenue Bond Issue, and if convenient, this meeting could be continued after the Special Meeting has been adjourned. Consensus: After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to continue the meeting until Tuesday, June 1, 1993, after the Special Meeting in order to discuss the proposed FY 1993-94 Budget. Chairman Greer recessed the meeting at 10:10 P.M. Respectfully submitted, ~:(~ Clerk to the Board .... . . .