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1959-08-03 Special Meeting-. x Wilmington, N. C. August 3, 1959 ASSEMBLY - The regular semimonthly meeting of the New Hanover County Board of Commission- ers was held in their Room in the Court House today at 9:00 o'clock A. M. PRESENT: Chairman J. E. Holton, Jr., Commissioners Peter H. Braak, Leon E. Broadhurst, James M. Hall, Jr., Berry A. Williams and County Attorney John Bright Hill and County Auditor Thaddeus D. Love. ? INVOCATION - The Chairman calied the Board to order and asked Revenend Ray Collins, Pastor of the Church of God, to open, the meeting with a prayer for guidance and wisdom. MINUTES APPROVAL - The Executive Secretary explained that in the Minutes of the Special Sudget Meeting held on July 23, 1959 there were two or three amendments to be inserted before approval.. (1) Mr. Williams asked the question of the Board of Education if there were any teachers employed who did not hold Teaching Certificates. Mr. J. W. Grice answered that there were none but that on occasion a substitute might not have a current certifi- cate but in emergency only. (2) Mr. Williams again asked if a breakdown of the items could be furnished after transferring the Supplemental Administrative Expense. $2,500 and the $2,550 from the Salary 8 Travel in the General Control of the Regular Budget. Mr. Laney assured him that they would be glad to supply it. (3) Mr. Williams observed that since the resLoration of the items as originaliy requested it was his opinion that the re- quest for a full 201 levy for schools as asked by the Board of Education and approved by the voters who had in fact authorized it be granted and offered a motion that Lhe full 20 1 Supplement be levied for schools and that teacherstpay be increased $100.00 per year as recommended provided the 201 levy yields sufficient revenue. Mr. Braak seconded the motion. After some corisideration, Mr. Braak withdrew his second. This action was ob,ject- ed to by Mr. Williams. The Chairman put the motion for withdrawal to a vote and Messrs. Braak and Hall voted in,the affirmative while Mr. Williams voted "NO". The Chairman rul- ed the motion withdrawn; After the above additions, Mr. Williams moved approval of the Minutes of the Regular Semimonthly Meeting held on July 20, 1959 and Special Joint Meeting held on July 22, 1959 as written and the Ninutes of the Special Budget Meeting held July 23, 1959 as amended above, with detailed requirements in the Appropriations Resolution which was omitted. It was seconded by Mr. Hall and when the votes were cast Mr. Broad- hurst voted "NO". Since the majority vote was "yes" the Chairman declared them approved. TAX COMh9ITTEE HEAFtING - • • rt°? Mr. Louis E. ti+loodbury, Jr. President of the Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. Har- orove Bellamy, Chairman of the Tax Study Committee headed a delegation claiming to repre- sent more than 750 property owners and tax payers of substantial means. They were recog- nized by the Chairman and Mr. Bellamy acted as spokesman and expressed the feeling of the Committee that every consideration should be given to economy and that the people must be taken into account as it appears to them that•some items inciuded in the recommendations border on luxury class operation, and if possible reduce the tax rate. The County Auditor remarked that the school Bonds voted by the people accounted for an increase of ile and that the Legislature pa5sed a mandatory law requiring a.Old tax levy for future revalua- tions on an fi year basis. He observed that only .18721 was included in the recommended School Budget although the people had authorized .20d. Mr, Williams asked if there vrere any specific items which they wished to eliminate and class as luxury. Their only re- mark was that they were speaking for the people and they felt that no criticism was due so lono as the County Government was efficiently and economically run. \ `"?` ? c?' COh7NiITTEE OF 100 - j? Mr. Robert H. Tate, representing the Committee of 100 as President, remarked th2t industry always looked at the trend of property valuations and the tax rate in con- sidering locations for their plants. Mr. Braak observed that he had ,just returned from a meeting of NACO where the primary factor of industry as stressed at their convention was for proper Planning and Zoning Ordinances in enticing large business enterprises to an area for new locatioris. County Auditor Love observed that his experience with taxes acquainted him tiaith theiproblems faced by other County Governments and that New Hanover was not at a disadvantage but better off taxiaise than most others. WILMINGTON REAL ESTATE BOARD - ----?' ? Mr, W. M. Hewlett, President of the ldilmington Realty Board, urged reduction R.Qzk in property taxes, saying that real estate was carrying as much tax load as it would bear. Mr. Hall explained that the Commissioners had spent many long hours studying and asking questions and getting answers and he doubted if any five men in the group after studying the matter would have come up with the same conclnsion, but it was the result of,hard work, and much deliberation. _1--, CITIZENS DRAGLINE PETITION Attorney Napoleon B. Barefoot, preserited a petition sigr.ed by about 25 people alleging certain data relative to the Dragline operation purporting to show in conclusion that if it was eliminated.from the Budget a saving of approximately $25,000 could be effect- ed thus reducing the tax by that amount. A study of the document will be made and the actual facts taken into account when further considering the Buflget Requests. The Chair- man of the Board very graciously thanked the delegation for taking the interest in their County affairs and assured them that it would be considered when setting the tax rate. - WELFARE LIEN - Attorney Marsden Bellamy appeared'for the Allen Family in connection with a L.ien ,i i claimed against the estate of Mrs. Mary Strickland Allen because 'of some benefits she has ; received from the Welfare Department.' He reminded the Board of previous occasions this matter was discussed as recorded in the Mintues of May 18, June 1, and 15, 1959 Meetings. The property is located at 2119 Gibson Street. The Lien amounted to $2,901.00. The Apprai- sal was $4,000, however, other circumstances persuaded the Board to compromise for $2,500. Investigation reveals that Mrs. Allen only had lifetime right in the property and at her ` death the dower ceased to exist and therefore the lien was invalid, as she had no interest beyond her life. By common consent of the Board, the matter was referred to County Attor- ney John Bright Hill for study and recommendations.at the next meeting. , ! ? r4`1 7 6 ? _? t6r__"p ?- Minutes of the Meeting August 3, 1959 Continued AIRPORT INSURANCE PREMIUM - Pursuant to instructions the Executive Secretary contacted Mr. Harold W. Wells, Jr. about the unusual increase in the premium for protection at the New Hanover County Airport. A letter explaining that jet aircraft is being used and the tremendous increase of the public's use of airport facilities as well as the growth and value of airline equip- ment increased the potential catastrophe hazard during the past five years changing the exposures and then, too, the so called "stumble and fall" cases of liability contribut2 to the ruinous overail experience. The necessity of realistically rating each airport risk has been gradually developing for the past 10 years and certain procedures were adopt- ed that they hoped would bring the premium trp to a point commensurate with the exposures involved thus eliminating the shock of sudden and drastic price rises. In spite of this, however, they still have a considerable distance to go in order to place the overall air- port liability picture on a sound and firm basis from an underwriting standpoint. After assuring themseives that the increased premium is definitely consistent with the trend in other airports Mr. Williams offered a motion that the Appropriation Resolution be amended to increase it by $900.00 to pay this insurance premium.- It was seconded by Mr. Braak and unanimously adopted hy the Board. ROAD PETITIONS - Petitions were received from Eunice H. Patrick for Horne Place Drive and from Addie P. Brown for 44th Street to be accepted by the State Highway Commission into their system for improvement and maintenance. Mr. Broadhurst moved, seconded by Mr. Williams„ that they be sent to the State Highway Commission for consideration and processing. It was unanimously approved by the Board, and the Executive Secretary instructed to forward them. USO DISBURSEMENT - A letter was received from J. E. L. Wade, Chairman of the local U50, asking that the July installment of the money appropriated for the U50 be sent to Mr. William R. Shee- han, Director of USO, Jacksonville, North Carolina as he will dispense it for the YJilming- ton USO Club. Mr..Williams assured the IIoard that monthly statements would be sent the ? Commissioners. The County Attorney ruled that this was not a proper expenditure until after the final adoption of the Budget. Discussion developed that they expected 1/12th ? of the appropriation each month. Mr. Williams then moved that two months payment be author- ized for August and the Auditor instructed to send it. It was seconded by Mr. Braalt and unanimously approved. C. P. 8 L. EASEMENT - Pursuant to the action of the Board at the June 2(}, 1959;meeting, the Carolina. Power 8 Light Company presented an easement agreement for approval and execution in order nzn-?A'"? to reconstruct the power lines across County owned property when moving them from across the Approach Landing Light right-of-way. Mr. Hall moved that the Chairman he authori- zed to sign the instrument after it is approved by the County Attorney. Mr. Braak second- the motion and it was unanimously approved. ( The Attorney approved and recommended its execution.) PETITION FOR RELIEF - ? The Department of Public Welfare, through its Superintendent, Mrs. Helen B. Sneeden, presented a Petition for James Hardy to be cared for at the County Home because of degenerate health. Some of the Commissioners knew this case personally and explained that he was able to work, and questioned his elegibility for this aid. Mr. Broadhurst offered a motion that the application be rejected. It was seconded by Mr:*and unanimously carried. F 4l111iams SCHOOL GROUNDS PURCHASE - A letter was received from the Chairman of the City-County School Board request- p o^,, ing approval of the purchase of property adjacent to the James B. Dudley School as the School Board had found as a fact that the acquisition of the two lots is necessary to the operation of this enlarged school. The project is contingent on the: 1-Clayton Property in Block 295, Lots Pt. 2& 3 at $2,500.00 2-McLeod Property in Block 295, Lots Pt 4& 5 at $6,500.00 He requested approval of the purchase of the sites as required by GS Chapter 115-78, Sub- • chapter !}, Article 9 B as amended by the 1959 LegislaLure. Mr. Williams observed that the letter implied that contracts had already been executed but offered a motion that the purchase be approved and that all future proposed sites be approved by the Board of Com- ` missioners before any contract is made. Mr. Braak seconded this motion and it was unani- mously carried. ON PREMISE BEER PERMIT - The Board of Alcoholic Control informed the Commissioners that Mrs. Alice Faye .;, ? Collins, T/A Midway on US #14, Rte. # 1, Box #152 has applied for a Permit to sell Beer on her premises. Upon motion of Mr. Broadhurst, seconded by Mr. Braak, the matter was ordered referred to the Sheriff for investigation and approval. BONDS INTEREST RATE - I? Attorney Cyrus D. Hogue, Jr. for the City-County Board of Education presented the following Resolvtion approving the interest rates on the Bond Issue of $1,000,000,00 ? sold for the schools. WHEREAS, the Local Government Commission of North Carolina has informed the ' Board._of.Gommissioners that it has sold, in the manner prescribed by law, the $1,000,000.00 School Building Bonds, Series B, of the County of New Hanover, dated August 1, 1959 authorized by a bond order adopted by the Board of Commissioners on January 6, 1956, and that the contract of sale contemplates that said bonds shall bear interest as hereinafter provided.; N0W,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that said bonds shall bear interest as follows: (1) the bonds Continued - ,, 477, Minutes of the Meeting August 3, 1959 Continued - BOND INTEREST RATE - (Continued) payable in the year 1962, at the rate of 6% per annum, (2) the bonds payable in the years 1963 and 1964, at the rate of 41 % per annum, (3) the bonds payable in each of the years 196$ to 1970, inclusive, at the rate of 31 % per annum, and (4) the bonds payable in each of the years 1971 to 1981, at the rate of 3 Z% per annum. Commissioner L. E. Broadhurst moved that the Resolution be adopted. Com- missioner P.eter H. Braak seconded the motion, and the motion was adopted, those voting for the Resolution were Commissioners Peter H. Braak, L. E. Broadhurst, J. M. Hall, Jr. and Berry A. Williams. No one voted against it. ? C ? ? AMENDN[ENT APPROPRIATION RESOLUTION - `N Mr. Hall observed that in the tentative Appropriations Resolution approved at the Meeting on July 23, 19,?9 did not include the 8% salary increment for the Assistant Solicitor of Superior Court as for other employees of the County. He explained the va -? ious dwties and responsibilities attached to his job including the follow-up of welfare ? cases where the head of the household refuses to contribute to the support of his famYly and or "skips" the County. He did not think it quite fair to sirigle out one particular? \J office wheri it brings into the County money which otherwise would fall on the taxpayers to share. Mr. Hall offered a motion that the tentative Appropriations Resolution be \ amended to include the t5% increase provided the responsibility of handlinq the Welfare .?? .??.-- Liens be attahed?to tahe duti?es of the office, i.t was seconded by Mr. Braak and unani-``,?,\ ?mously adopted. GA5 8 OIL BIDS AWARDED - -r-- `?--• The Executive Secretary presented the tabulation of the bids received as a 'resuit of the advertisement authorized on June 15, 1959 for supplying Crasoline, Fuel and - Lubrication Oils for the needs of the County during the Fiscal Year,August 6, 1959, to p,,,,.v"t"?i? June 30, 1960 as follo}as: Arkansas Fuel Oil Corporation The Pure Oii Company The Sinclair Refining Company Crasoline Prices 17:30 Less Discounts -3.65 Net Prices 13.65 Fuel Oil Prices 14.00 Less Discounts -3.10 10.90 Lubricating Oil .491 Specifications - AP12104A 19.30 -5.07 14.23 14.00 -2.86 11.14 -.05 11.09 •521e 19.30 -u'.b5 14•45 13•90 -2.90 11.00 •481e The Executive Secretary explained that the Lubrication Oil specifications were not entire- ly acceptable to the Airport Management as past experience of a very unsatisfactory perfor- mance record on the equipment using the oils and expensive maintenance attributed to in- ferior oil led them to demand a premium grade oil. Nr. Williams then offered a motion that the.Crasoline ar.d Fuel Oil contracts be awarded to the lowest bidder, Arkansas Fuel Oil Corporation, and that additional bids be asked from the same three Companies above for prices on comparable high detergent premium lubrication oils required by the strenuous ser- vice of machines used by the County, 3t was seconded by Mr. Braak and unanimously approved, HURRICANE DAMAGE REPAIR . Nr. Henry 1lon Oesen,representing Henry Von Oesen 8 Associates, Consulting Engin- eers, reminded the Board that he had, at their request, prepared applications for contribu- tions for Hurricane Helene damage to our beaches and shorelines, from the Off3ce of Civil & Defense Mobili2ation as provided by Pubiic Law 875. The original grant for $7,000 was • approved and a supplemental grant of $44,808.00 making a total of $48,808.00 approved by OCDM for this Project IUo. NC87DR-17. Bids for accomplishing this repair damage were ad- vertised but he'recommended rejection of every one of them, the first because they propos- ed pushing up present beach sand into dunes (dykes) which he considers a waste of time be- cause they are starved and need replenishing with fill materials and secondly the bids were entirely out of line"from a price sLandpoint which was $1.37 per cubic yard and he consid- ered $.371 to $.5U a reasonable sum for such work. He now recommends that negotiations be started with contractors to rent equipment to accomplish the fill work in building the dykes. As the law requires the work to be done by the anniversary of the storm, he is seeking additonal time from the Office of Civ,il & Defense Mobilization. Since the only available fill"is in the buffer zone, approval is being sought through the proper Federal channels and he further recommended that he be authorized to employ a Superintendent to supervise the work and assist in securing permits and rights-of-ways that will be needed with the understanding that the County would underwrite his salary and expenses which would be paid from documentary funds when they are received from the Federal Treasury. YJe must proceed on the basis of the October 1, 19$9 deadline as the expiration date for receiving ?P$_? funds unless additional time is granted as requested at this time. There are only two dredging companies nearby that could do this work but the job is so small and the cost of operating such equipment amounts to about $1,800.00 per day plus the cost of inoving which is approximately $10,000.00 so they are not interested, Mr. Von Oesen considers the pro- ject an emergency but after talking over the different factors involved it was decided to employ a Superintendent and advertise for bids on rental equipment such as turnapuils. cj"tw-,r? Mr. Broadhurst offered a motion that Mr. Von Oesen be authorized to employ a Supervisor whose salary_is to be underwritten by the County pendina receipt of funds from the Feder- al Treasury ttirough,OCDM and advertise for rental equipment bids for accomplishing the work and that the bids be opened at the Special Meeting called for August 12, 1959 at 9:00 A. M. It was seconded by Mr. Braak and unanimousiy adopted by the Board: " material 'A Mintues of the Neeting August 3, 1959 Continued BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS STUDY - Mr. Charlton A,Pope, representing the Taxpayers Association, requested to be heard on suggestions which he wanted to m2ke purporting to reduce the Budget so that the the tax rate could be reduced to a levy of not more than $1.23 per $100.00 without res- tricting the efficient operation of County Government. The Chairman requested informa- tion as to who the Taxpayers Association was. Mr. Pope is the President, Mr. V. S. Cheek is the Treasurer and Mrs. Clarence C. Council is the Secretary. They have approx- imately 260 members and while there are no fixed annual dues the contributions ranged from $1.00 to $25.00 per member. Their membership rolls are open for inspection, as it is not just a"paper" oraanization. The Chairman requested Mr. Pope to furnish a roster of the members of the Taxpayers Association, which he promised to do. He presented the Board with the following suggestions.and remarks: 1. 1959 /60 Budget tentatively adopted amounts to $5,943,885•03 or an increase of $529,168.13 over last year's Budget of $5,414,717.29. 2. This 1959/60 Budget calls for a Tax Levy of $1,714,500 or an increase of $230,977.09 over last year's Tax Levy of $1,483,522•91. This means that the 1959/60 Budget will call for a 15.5 increase in last year's Tax Levy. 3. This Budget, if finally adopted by your Board, will require a tax rate for 1959/60 of $1.27, or an increase of .121 over last year's tax rate of $1.15, notwithstanding the cold fact that taxable value of real and personal property in New Hanover County increased from $138,584,385 in 1958 to $143,193,b46, or a total increase of $4,609,461. 4, This 1959f60 Budget calliag for a tax rate of $1.27 means that the,Tax Collector of TVew Hanover County taill be charged with collecting a tax rate in- crease of .12e on all real and personal property listed for taxes in 1959 and a tax rate of $1.27 on the increase of $1},609,1}61 in real and personal property in year 1959. 5. Our Association, as a result of the careful study made by me, has reach- ed the conclusion that the 1959/60 Budget can be reduced substantially by the foilowing changes: (a) On page 43 of the Budget, we find $37,000 appropriated for Local Vocational 5alaries in the County's Regular School Budget. On page 44 we find in the School Supplement Budget $86,540 appropriated for Vocational Teachers Salaries. In discussing tiaith your Board the request of Salaries for Voca- tional Teachers on page 44, Superintendent Roland pointed out that the Board of Education would be reimbursed approximately $850000 by the Federal Govern- ment for Salaries paid Vocationa2 Teachers and that the County's Tax Levy for this item would be very small. In his computation of anticipated receipts in 1959/60 from the Federal Government on account of Salaries of Uocational Teach- ers the County Auditor has included the amount of $70,000, a little less than the amount of $70,582.99 that he received last year when the Budget included the sum of $74,000. Our Association feels that the estimated reimbursement from the Federal Government for Vocational Teacher's Salaries should be increas- ed from $70,000 to $80,400 and that this change would reduce the amount of our 1959/60 Tax Levy by $10,000. (b) Under General Fund- County Aid, page 6 of the 1959/60 Budget, we find an appropriation of $10,000 for Erosion of the County's Beaches. Last year's Budget contained an appropriation of $5,000 for the constructiori of groins at Carolina Beach. No part of this $5,000 was spent. According to our information, the County is pledged to spend $5,000 on Beach Erosion and our Association feels that the 1959/60 Budget can be raduced from $10,000 to $5,000, the amount pledged. ' (c) Under General Fund - County Aid, page 6 of the 1459/60 Budget, we find the follon+iirigitems which could be reduced or eliminated entirely: $1,000 contribution to Co. I 119th Infantry whereas last year the contribution was $500. Yde feel that this contribution shouid not exceed ihe amount of $540 contained in last yearts Budget. $10,000 appropriation for Industrial Development. We feel that this appropriation could be reduced to $7,000 and that this amount would be sufficient in view of the fact that the County spent more than $22,000 under this heading last year. $2,500 contribution to U.S.O. LasL year the appropriation was $450. We feel that this item could and should be reduced Lo $1,000. We feel that if the County wants to be so generous, it should be generous to it's own residents who because of long illness, unemployment or unfortunate circumstances are unable to pay their taxes. $250 for expense of Junior Officers Outing. Last year $200 was appropriated for this purpose. We feel that this expenditure is questionable; that if at all necessary, it should not exceed last year's appropriation, (d) In General Fund - Court House, page 7 of the Budget, we find under Repairs to Building $5,040 appropriated for tearing out a brick wall and making the County Commissiorier's office larger. This expenditure, we feei, is not necess- ary. We feel that the Commissioner's Office at present is sufficiently large enough to take care of those who desire to attend most of the Commissioners' meet- ings. We feel Lhat on occasions when more space is needed, the Commissioners Can arrange to hold meetings in the 5uperior Court Room. ?° Minutes of the Meeting August 3, 1959 Continued BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS STUDY - (Continued) (e) In General Fund - Court House, page.7 of Budget, we find $16,000 appropriated for Air Conditioning and it is our understanding that this is the estimated cost of air-conditioning the County Commissioner's Office, the Recorder's Court Room and the Superior CourL Room. We feel that this portion of the Court House can be air-conditioned from a central plant at a cost to the County much less than the $16,000 contained in the Budget. We have been informed that this work can be done at a cost of approximately $10,500. (f) :In General Fund - Sheriff, page 14 of the Budget, we find Salaries appropriatedfAr the Sheriff and sixteen deputies. Last year's Budget contained Salaries for the Sheriff and fifteen deputies. We also find $4,500 for purchase of automobiles. Last year $5,ti00 was appropriat- ed for this purpose. We feel that the Sheriff's Department is now top- heavy with deputies and that an additional deputy for the small area in Neta Hanover County outside the city limits of 1Jilminoton and the to4m limits of Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach and Kure's Beach is not needed. In this connection, we would point out that all roads in the County outside of municipalities are patrolled by State Highway Patrolmen. We feel that if your Board will check on the requirement of Deputy Sheriffs in other Counties throughout the State, it will find that based strictly on Area and Population to be served, New Hanover County already•has more Deputies than are actually needed. • (9) In 1959/60 Budget we find an appropriation of $13,500 labelled "Revaluation Fund". The last Legislature passed a law GS-153-9, Chapter 704 authorizing County Commissioners to levy a tax of Ole each year to provide a Revaluation Fund to take care of the County's Revaluation 8 years hence. This law becomes effective January 1, 1960. Our Association feels that a tax of ,Oli each year for tt years will provide at least 50% more than will be needed to finance the Cost of a Revaluation t3 years hence. For this reason we feel that 50% of the proposed .Old levy should be eliminated from the Bud- get as an amount not required. (h) In General Fund - Commissioners, page l} of the Budget, we fi4d $2,000 appropriated for Travel Expense. 1Je feel that this appropriation is excessive and should be reduced from $2,000 to $500. We feel that this amount will cover the cost of a Commissioner's trip which the Board deems necessary to the function3ng of our County Government. (i) Page 40 of the 1959/60 Budget contains an appropriation of $376,070.00 recommended by the County's Auditor,for operation of Community Hospital. Last year the Board appropriated $325,123•95 for this purpose. Our Association feels that this hospital is costing the taxpayers of our County,more than medical treatment for Colored Tndigent Patients should cost and we respectfully urge the County to lease this hospital to others and thereafter pay':for hospitalization of Colored Tndigents in the same manner as your Board is doing for White Indigents. We feel certain that the County will save thousands of tax dollars if it goes out of the hospital business and we respectfully request your Board to appoint a Committee bf business men to investigate this matter and report their findings to you at the earliest possible date. The changes outlined in items (a) through (h) would reduce the 1959/60 Tax Levy by $46,780 leaving a revised Tax Levy of $1,667,720. This revised Tax Levy will make it possible for your Board to fix a tax rate of $1.23 or .04e less than your tentative tax rate of $1.27 agreed upon. Ovr Association feels that the Countyls tax rate for the fiscal year 1959/60 will provide ample funds for operating the County Government if the rate of $1.23 is finaliy adopted by your Board. We are certain that the property own- ers of this County will be grateful to you for the reduction in the tax rate which our Association is requesting. /S/ Charlton A. Pope, President Taxpayers Asso&iation of New Hanover County At3DIT - HEALTH DEPARTMENT Mr. Williams was recognized and requested an Audit of the Health Department giving as his reasons, among others, the apparent discrepancy betuJeen reports he had re- ceived f.r.om the State;Hea_lth Department and-records given,him by.the..local Health unit. Chairman Holton invited the members to the Meetirzg August 5, 1959. ? TAX SUPERVISOR - TrY Mr. Ylilliams reminded the Board that it was time for them to appoint a new 'Tax Supervisor or re-appoint the old one. After some discussion, it was decided to take this matter up at a later date. ,. TAX RATE SETTING - ' ? Mr. Williams reminded the Board that they could set the Tax Rate today and ? fix the levy if they chose. After some discussion of the factors involved in it Mr. Williams offered a motion that a Special Meeting be called on August 12, 1959 at 9:00 o'clock A. M. for thelpurpose of setting the Tax Rate and fixing the tax levy for the 1959-60 Fiscal Year, I It was seconded by Nr. Hall and all members voted "YES" except Mr. Broadhurst who voted "NO". The Chairman ruled the motion carried and called a Meeting for August 12, 1959 at 9:00 otclock A. M. A ,48O Minutes of the Meeting August 3, 1959 Contineud REPORTS FOR FILING - 1- Letter from D. Z. Botesky opposing raising taxes. 2- LeLter from New Hanover County Farm Bureau cengratulating action on the ? Permanent Chairman proposal but protesting a tax increase. 3- Letter from Cannon Refrigeration Service quoting air conditioning esti- t d R h & C R $ 5 00 t C t 5 500 i i ma ourt ooms a omm ss oners oom 37 , e cos on $ , eac __J L}- Letter from Thrifty Stores, Inc. quoting two units prices @$3,995•0o fRr Court ooms G 5- . Monthly Narrative Report of the Negro Home Demonstration Agent. 6- Regular monthly report of the Wilmington Public Library. 7- Letter from City of Wilmington estimating the cost of suppiying a water main from the Timme Corporation standpipe to the County Farm 8 Home - with ti" cast iron pipe at $5,103,15 including all fittings. PETIT JURY - The following good and lawful persons were drawn to serve as Jurors in the Super- ior Court for the trial of Criminal cases for the weeks term beginning August 24, 1959. Eugene C. McCarley Jr. S. H. Ledbetter W. Ernest Blackburn J. L. Browning E. A. Reynolds C. H. Register Robert F. Collins Louis Burton Johnson W. H. Gregory A. R. Threat Ruby F. McIver Severt N. Olness B.F. Hewlett Richard H. Futchs George B. Canady L. J. Lanier James I. Farmer M. L. Harris E. Dan James Horace N. Scott Carl H. Moore J. B. White G. F. Stone W. T. Webb Nonie Keily 2913 D. Jefferson St. Alex B. Stanland Rt. #2, Box #313 aa C. F. McMilland 5301 Oleander Dr. Herbe rt Moskowitz 2723 Adams St. Relma n Robinson Box #335 Wrights.Beach I:iston H. Truelove 1012 S. 4th 5t. W.P. Bordeaux 203 Church St. B. E. Newkirk 1806 Castle St. M. A. Presler 110 Hinton Ave. Jack Justice Box 3936 W. M. Stanley 1314 Chestnut St. Billy G. Rhodes 1906 Perry Ave. Rober t B. Lennon 122 Greenville Ave. John B. Hinnant 2207 Klein Road W. M. Martin 2311 Chestnut St. :Tames W. Lanier Jr. 2615 E. Lakesho re Dr. E. E. Keller ' RGAs`tI6 H°ayne27?. C. W. G. Hunter 268 Cast2e Hayne Road B. B. Hufham 3825 Market St. D. M. Greer 2414 Chestnut St. Georg e A. Saffo Box 191, Carolina Beach P.D. Piner Jr. 2701 Market St. James Charles Smith Rt. #3, Box #437 R. A. Moore 5422 oleander Drive Jimmy D. Wray Gen. Deliv. Carolina Bch.J. L em King Sr. 4802 4Jrightsville Ave. 316 North 2nd St. 615 North 4th St: Box #175 Wrightsville Beach 216 North 6th St. 819 Windsor Drive 6 Hudson Drive 2214 Brandon Road Rt. #1, sox 438 2818 Highland Drive 207 Oakleaf Drive 2421 Jackson St. 5903 Oleander Drive Rt. #3 sox 248 4009 Cherry Ave. Box #652A, Carolina Beach sox # 1486 320 Bonham Ave. Box #243 Carolina Beach. 249 North Front St. 120 West Shipyard Blvd. 223 North 27th St. 2101 Rlein Road 5319 Wrightsville Ave. Carolina Beach, Box 1 During the £erm of Gourt _now in•5e;s.sion; -the•Executive.Secretary •stated that he had been called by Superior Court Judge R.I. Mintz for drawing a supplementary Jury to the above names. The Jury box was taken to the Superior Court under escort of two Deputy Sheriffs and the following jurors dravm before the Court in the presence of the Judge. Elizabeth Bishop L. M. Bradshaw Uance L. Smith Jr. James 0. Robinson W. A. Russ Alice W. Loftin Route #3, Box 605 507 Central Blvd. 818 s. sth st. 2727 Burnett Blvd. Rt. # 3, Box 131 1015 Orange St. John J. Avery Homer A. Barton George A. Staniey Estelle H. Lancaster Henry W. Willis Herbert M. Schaar 24 N. 26th St. 315 Wrightsv. Ave. 5026 Pine St. Rt. #3 Hox 250 107 Frances Marion Dr. Rt. 3, Box 299 SCHOOL STATISTICS - Mr. C. S. Lowrimore supplied the following statistics with reference to the ? Schools, as he admitted that previous remarks made by him were in error and he wanted the records cleared up. YFAR AVERAGE DAILY ATTENDANCE MEMBERSHIP ENROLLMENT 1955-56 i4,220 i5,072 i6,778 1956-57 14,618 15,?25 17,058 1957-58 i4,616 15, 52 i7,50i 1958-59 15,407 160261 18,012 This is given in connection with the c2aim of an increased pupil load each year requiring additional schoolrooms, teachers and various other expense necessitated by larger student loads. RECESS - There being no further business presented before the Board today, Mr. Braak offer- ed a motion that a recess be taken until August 12, 1959 at 9:00 A. M. o'clock when the Chair- man has called a Special Budget Meeting for the purpose of determining the Tax Rate for the year and making the tax levy. It was seconded by Mf.Wiilizms and unanimously approved by the entire membership of the Board. a W. G. Houck; Executive Sec'N'tary L_ ? ? ? 1 SPECIAL BUDGET IsiEETING Commissioners Room Court House, l•Jilminqton, N. C. 9:00 A. M. Auqust 12, 1959 ASSEMBLY - Pursuant to the recess taken on August 3, 1959 the New Hariover County Board of Commissioners met in the Commissioners Room of the County Court House at 9:00 A. M. today. PRESENT: Chairman J. E. Holton, Jr., Commissioners Peter H. Braak, L. E. Broadhurst, J. M. Hali, Jr. and Berry A. Williams, County Attorney John Bright Hili and County Auditor T. D. Love. OPENING - The Chairman called the meeting to order and declared it open for any busi-- ness that might be presented for cor.sideration. PUBLIC LIBRARIES Letters were received from the Wilmington Public Library and the Wilmington Colored Library requesting the Commissioners to restore their appropriations as orig- inally requested in the Budget recommendations. The Chairman suggested that these 2et- ters be considered by the Board and suagested that it be done at the time they finalized the appropriations. 1 CAP T'RIENDSHIP DAYS - ---" ,* Mr. John B. Fox, Jr., representing the Committee on arrangements for the ann- ual Civil Air Patro2 Friendship Days, stated that the State of North Carolina had recog- nized the tremendous value of this activity and had adopted it as a state-vride project for the Civil Air Patrol organizations. So far as is knot,m, it is the only such funct- ion in the country and because of its uniqueness they hope that eventually all CAP units nation-wide wiil participate. He assured.the Commissioners that the City of 4lilmington and the Chamber of Commerce had contributed $750.00 each toward the expense of this event and requested the County to make a like contribution. Mr. Braak observed that at the time he was appointed to represent the County on the Committee, it was his understanding, that they would receive cooperation and, therefore, offered a motion that $750.00 be paid out of the Advertising Fund. It was seconded by Mr. Hall and unanimously adopted. WELFARE LIEN - ---' Attorne Marsden Bella y my again appeared before the Commissioners in connect- ion with a Lien of $2901.00 alleged by the Welfare Department against the properLy of ^ Mrs. Mary Sttickland Allen , 2119 Gibson Avenue, He has discovered that the property belonged to R. R. Allen and that Mrs. Mary Strickland Allen only had a life dotaer right which ceased to exist at her death. The Chairman infor%$ im thaL this matter had been previously referred to County Attorney John Bright Hill, ni??vestioation confirmed the statement of Mr. Bellamy that the property was owned by R. R. Allen and that Mrs. Allen had only a lifetime right but revealed that N?r. Allen had died in 1948 and the Lien was not recorded unt91 1951, therefore, there was no actual ciaim on the property nota, however, Mr. Bellamy explained that a local Savings and Loan Company was withho2ding funds until such time as the Commissioners disc2aimed any Lien against the property. Mr. Hall then offered a motion that the Commissioners go on record disciaiming any Lien against the property owned by R. R. Allen. It was seconded by Mr. ldilliams and unani- mously approved. BUDGET CONTRIBUTIONS - Mr. Hargrove Bellamy reminded the Board that he, along with other interested -1? citizens, had recently appeared before the Board, and while they had not had sufficient time to make an intelligent study of all the Budget, they stressed the fact that every economy should be'expiored in order to preserve the existing tax i:ate and while he had no specific recommendations, it was the feeling of tfiis Committee that if proper study was given the anticipated revenues along with the anticipated expenditures the same rate could be maintained. He presented the foilowing ;rritten report which he requested b e recorded in the permanent records of the County. "The Tax Committee of the Chamber of Commerce regret very much that they have not been able, because of the time element, to secure sufficient reliable informa- tion to inake a proper analysis of the County Budget for the Fiscal Year 1959-60. bJith what studies and figures we have been able to obtain, we do, however, have a few observations that we think are pertinent and that are the direct responsibili- ties of the Commissioners. Last year we had a revaluation, raising the tax value of the property in the County in a very substantial amount, and during the current year Uae understand that new construction added to the books for tax purposes amounted to more than $4,000,000. It would seem to us, as business men, that the revaluation and the increase in adva- lorem value over the past fiscal year should be more than ample to hold the tax rate at its present level. It is not our prerogative to pick out individual items which we might feel could be reduced, or items that we feel shouid be eliminated. This is the preroga- tive of the Commissioners alone. We view with alarm the apparent across-the-board trend toward increasing salar- ies. No private business can afford to do this. No doubt merit increases are generally justified, but present policy certainly does not attain this end. We ful- ly believe that if you gentlemen will sharpen your pencils and either eliminate or cut down on some of the items that are not absolutely necessary, you wili be able for this fiscal year, with the surpluses notia in view, to hold your tax rate to its pre- sent figure. As expressed last year in our report to your body, we severly criticized the policy of the County government in carrying any substantial surplus - and particular- ly surpluses in the amount now contemplated. The "Committee of 100" and the Chamber of Commerce in their endeavor to secure new i,ndustries and commerciai enterprises are vitally concerned as to whether a con- tinuous yearly increase in the tax rate will not mitigate against their efforts in that direction. Continued- A r ? G? ??? Special Budget Meeting August 12, 1959 Continued BUDGET CONTRIBUTIONS - (continued) ldith respect to the New Hanover County Board of Education Budget for the en- suing year 1959-60, because of the time element, the Tax Committee has been unable to examine individuai budgeted expense items. However, it is the feeling of this Committee that a substantial benefit may be derived from a full knowledge of the functional operations of the whole school system and the needs for the funds re- quested in the current budget. Therefore, it is recomtnende@ that you, the County Commissioners, have a funct- ional survey or management audit made of the operations of the Board of Education for the purpose of determining whether or not the funds requested are in fact necess- ary and efficiently expended. It is suggested that this survey or audit be made ` as soon as practicable. If any or all of the Tax Committee can be of service to you in connecLion with this Budget, please do not hesitate to call upon us." /5/ Hargrove Bel2amy Chairman of the Tax Comrnittee Nr. Hail made a motion; seconded by Mr. Broadhurst, that this report be included in the permanent records of the County. It was unanimously approved by the Board. Mr. Charlton A. Pope, representing the Taxpayers Association of New Hanover County, was recognized by the Chairman and stated that further study of the 1959-1960 Bud- get recommendations led him to belisve that revenues for the Fiscal Year could be safely _ increased by at least $1E30„000 resulting in a reduction of the tax levy for the year and permit a tax rate of not more than $2.14. _ He presented numerons figures which he . had secured from the Auditor"-s,Office in snpport of his contention. He staCed that the County ended its 1950 Fiscal Year-with a reserve of $23,000 in its surpius account and that the 1959 Fiscal Year ended with a reserve of $339,040. He further reminded the Board that it was not permissible for governmental agencies to build surpluses as is normally done in a commercial enterprise. . He urged the Commissioners to give as much considera- tion to the ant3cipated revenues as they did to expenditures because he had been present at most of the discussions and is aware of the iong and hard study given the individnal items conta3ned in each depaTtment's recommendation. He was weli pleased with the re- i sult of their efforts. After he had f;nished speaking, County Auditor Love produced his a1? records which did not support Mr. Pope's contention but were sustained by an audit made by W. C. $arfield, Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Fred Willetts, Sr, was recognized and asked the question "Is it legal fqr for the County to create a reserve?", as in his opinion if the surplus was used the tax rate could be cut to $1.00. The County Attorney ruled that it would be legal to create a reasonable reserve, whereupon Mr. Willetts suggested $50,000. He likewise suggested that a speciai committee be set up with authority to study anticipated revenues as he thought that would be a great help, as he felt that it was not fair to saddle all of school costs on the land owners. County Auditor T. D. Love explained to Lhe assemblage that surplus accumula- Led as a result of either underestimating revenues or unexpended Budget items. He fur- ther observed that safe margins on surplus was a matter of opinion and so long as he remained Auditor of New Hanover County, it wouid be his intent to recommend tax levies that would keep the Covnty tax rate on an even keel and maintain a good financial posi- tion. Mr. Williams, at this po.int, reminded the Board that the citizens themselves had voted a schooi bnnd issue which would increase the tax rate by lld provided there were no changes in the Buflget or the valuations and that the Legislature had passed a manda-' tory law which required a reserve for future revaluation programs. The Chairman thank- ed the delegations for their diligence and assured them that their suggestions would be taken into consideration in the discussion of setting the tax rate. -'' TRAFFIC CONTROL LIGHT- Mrs. Katie Belie Newkerk acted as spokesman for a de2egation of citizens of the Ogden and Middle Sound area who requested approval for a traffic signal light at the interesection of US # 17 and the Middle Sound Road. They reminded the Board that the school at Ogden wouid open this fall and the additional traff3c would expose people to more hazards at that point and they suggested also that a traffic island alongside the road in front of J. W. CoviITS grocery store wou2d be a great help as people stop- ping at the store parked alongside the road making it impossible to observe oncoming traffic. The Chairman assured them that the Commissioners wouid do thOir level best to get a traffic light installation as requested and instructed the Executive Secretary to write the State Highway Commission. ABC REJECTION - The Chairman informed the Board that he had just received a notice from the Board of Alcoholic Control thaL the application for a Beer Permit had been rejected for Mrs. Alice Faye Collins, trading as Midway. By unanimousl consent the Board order- ed the Executive Secretary to refar it to the Sheriff for disposition. ? CONSOLIDATED BOARD OF HE4LTH ???hpj?? The Chairman reported the results of the meeting of the Consolidated Board of Health held on August sth as follows: 1- The Board unanimously agreed that Dr. Davists services are needed full time in the pubiic heaith duties of New Hanover County and instructed the Secretary to notify the authorities in Brunswick County that he would not be available as Health Director for Brunswick County after September 1, 1959. Continued- \ ?8-3 Minutes of the Meeting August 12, 1959 Continued CONSOLIDATED BOARD OF HEALTH - 2- He expiained the apparent discrepancies in number and classifications of Health employees as reported by the State Health Department and by the local Consolidated Board of Health. It seems that they have a planning table set up whereby the needs for the year are anticipated so the Senior Sanitarian reported by the loca2 Board is actual- ly a Junior Sanitarian but he is now in the process of earning qualifications which will merit the Senior Sanitarian classification before the end of the year so Budget require- ments were extrapolated on that basis. The apparent difference in the number of employ- ees was caused by the State reporting on those in one department only as compared to the complete personnel employed locally. , 3- As Dr. Davis will be required to devote his entire time to preventive medi- cine and health administration in New Hanover County, the Board unanimously recommended a salary of $11,520 which is one step: above the minimum. He recently passed an examina- tion for diplomate of the .American Board of Preventive Mzdicine which changed his classi- fication Lo Health Directdr III. The State DeparLment of Health considers him a a Div- isional Director. A discussion brought out the fact that Health Directors are diffi- cult to obtain and tliat a new one would not be availabie at less than $11,000 starting sa2- ary, therefore, they felt this recommendation justified. 4- The members of the Board of Health discussed at length the matter of appoint- ing Dr. Davis as County Physician. Some of the reasons advanced against this appointment are as follows: His training and experience over a period of years has been in the field of preventive rather than curative medicine. All public health groups agree that prevenL- ive and curative medicine are entirely separate fields and finally, his working hours as _full-time Administrative Officer should be devoted to Public Health in New Hanover County. They recorunend that he not be named County Physician. 5- The Board unanimously discharged the services of the attorney employed by Dr. Davis as it was fe1L that the City and County attorneys can competenLly handle the small amount of legal work in connection rrith the Health Department and rule on any Health problems. It is felt, however, that they have a moral obligation in paying the attorney fee for the work done by the attorney hired by Dr. Davis since the Board at a.previous .. • meeting had authorized such employment as well'as a poli of the Health Board was made and authorization given before the Board of Commissioners had taken any action denying payment of the fee. HEALTH BOARD SURPLUS Commissioner 4Jilliams raised the question as to what happened to the surplus in the Consolidated Board of Health at the end of the year. He expressed the opinion that it should be treated as any other surplus and either returned to the County or be used to reduce the following year's Budget request. The Chairman explazned that it would be im- practical to return the surplus to .the County as several other agencies made contributions to the Health Department. It was, therefore, the unanimous..opinion of the Commissioners that in the future any surplus remaining on hand with the Board of Health at the end of the year should be used to reduce the subsequent Budget. SALARY - Mr. Williams further observed that he would be willing to go along with a sal- ary for Dr. Davis of $11,040 provided he remain classified as Health Director III and serve as County Physician. Mr. Hall questioned the need for a County Physician and was willing to go along with the recommendation of the Board of Health provided Dr. Davis made a personal appeararice before the County Commissioners to clarify some questions about h3s Budge't. Mr:'Wi.lliams offered a motion that all funds appropriated to the Health Depart- ment be spent only as approved by the Commissioners and that any surplus at the end of the year be used to reduce the next fiscal year Budget, and that Dr. Davisls salary be set at $11,040 effective the date he becomes full-time Director of New Hanover CoiznLy and further, that•he serve as County Physician. There was no second to this motion and the Chairman ruled it dead. Mr. Broadhurst then offered a motion that the salary of.Dr. Davis remain as approved at present at $9,120. The Chairman ruled this motion dead for lack of a second. Mr. Hall then observed that he would be glad to second Mr. Wiiliam's motion above provided he was willing to char.ge the salary figure to $11,520 pending the appear- ance of Dr. Davis before the Board. After some discussion in which the Chairman explain- ed the feelings of the Consolidatecl Board of Health in an attempt to palliate the hurt feelings of some members of the Board of Commissioners because of past experiences, : Mr. ti^lilliams agreed to change the salary figure in his motion to $11,520 and Mr. Braak seconded the motion with the understanding that the last two items hinge on Dr. Davis's appearance before the Board of Commissioners. When the vote was called, Mr. Broadhurst voted"NO", however the Chairman ruled the motion carried. . • ' - ?_` TAX AB.4TEMENT Nr. Stanley G. Rehder, representing St. Paul's Lutheran Church, explained that they had purchased a house on June 1, 1958 for use of their pastor and on which the former owner had already paid taxes amounting to $557.84. Since it was used as church property since June 1, 1958, he contended that they should receive a refund of $307.91. The Chair- man explained to him thatbe knew of no way that such a refund could legally be made, where- ? upon Mr. Rehder requested the Commissioners to make a donation in lieu of the tax he claim-edC&-?'t"'f was paid unlawfully. The matter was referred to the,County Attorney for a report at the Boardts next meeting on August 17th. BOND SIGPfATURES - , ??y,I,l. Attorney Cyrus D. Hooue, Jr. for the Gonsolidated Board of Education reminded • the Board that the bonds which otere authori2ed sold would be released by the printers on or about August 17th and that the Local Government Commission had promised delivery to the purchasers in New York on August 24th. He explained that the Chairman and Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners, along with a representative of the Local Government Commiss- . ion, could go to Nei•r York and sign the bonds or they could be shipped to•UJilmington for signature but that the insurance amounted to approximately $200. The problem t,tas assion- ed to the County Auditor and Attorney Hogue to work out a plan either by setting an exten- sion of time for delivery or having them shipped to Wilmington for signature of the Clerk who would then take them to Fort Bragg as the Chairman would be in military service at that time. ? J V? N1inutes of the Meeting August 12, 1959 Continued HURRICAPIE DAMAGE REPAIRS - ' Pursuant to authorization on August 3, bids were received and opened for repairing Hurri- cane Shoreline Damage in the unincorporated areas of Freeman, Wilmington, Hanby and Fort Fisher Beaches as follows: 5ection 1 - Freemans Beach : Item 1 : TD 18 Contractor: Dozer : T D-1 tSA . '56. Lincoln : $15.00 : TD-1 t5-A : 154 Barefoot: $12.50 ? TD-lb-A • ' °55 Talman : $14.00 . ILem 2 . Item 3 . _ :Item 1 . . Pan :Foreman . ? :TD 18 . . ? . : Contractor :Dozer . • Int. 2T D-7 . 75- '58 • • . 154 • . $17.40 . $25.00 . Atlantic .. $15.00 . . AC 160 . • . . TD-lti-A . • '57 . . . '57 • . $17..00 . $25.00 . Hanover . $15.00 . . Int. lti-A . . . & 10 yd. . . • • . $16.00 . $25.00 . Davis Bros: Section 11 Wiimington-Hanby :SLem:.4 Item 5 • Item 6 • :TD . ?4 • ?TD' 18 • Pam • Contract,or: .., iloZPr ? - - Ilnzer • • 2I} , TD TD-18 ' 2T 75 ' : ,57 : 156 : 158 : Lincoln : $17.li0 : $15.00 : $17.L0 : ' TD 24 TD-18-A 2T 75 : '57 ' +55 ; '56 : Barefoot,.: $16.50 . $12.50 . $17.00 . ' TD 24 ' TD-18-A ' T5-200 ' ' 'S? ' 154 ' Ac 155; Talman . $17.00 , $12.50 , $17.00 , ' n-8 ' D-7 ' D14-10 ' ' '55 ' '54 ' 154 ' Atlantic . $29.00 . $15.00 . $15.00 . TD 21E TD-18-A 2T 75 5o 7? Hanover . $17?70 : o $i5 7o : : $i DavisBros: ^ . . . Item,2 . Item 3 Pan : Foreman Cat. DI4 io r54 $15.00 : $25.00 Int. • . 155-'S7 : $17.50 . $25.00 . Section II - Alternate Item 7 : Item 8 : Itetn 9: Item 10: Item 11 :Item 12 Item 13 Grader . Foreman . 1 C.Y . Dump . TD-18 . . . :Draplirie:: Truck . . . . fra 1 118 N.!'. 25 ; Ford ' TD-18 A' ' 156 '57 . 'S? . 156 . . $10.00 : $25.00 : M?,00 : $1.9O : $15..00 :' $25.00 : $25.00 Gal 118 N.W 25 Ford TD-18 A. 155 154 ; 156-157; 155 $ 6.50 . $25.00 . $13.00 . $4.00 , $12.50 , $75.00 . $25.00 Gal 118 N.ld. 25; Ford • TD-18 A' ' '55 • ' '57 • '51 53' '55 • • $10.00 ; $25.00 : $12.00 ; , $4.00 : $12.50 ; $30.00 : $25.00 Adams N.W. 25; Ford " D- 7 ;55 57 ' '54 ' '54 $15.00 . $25.00 . $15.00 . $4.00 . $15.00 . $ioo.oo, $25.00 Adams Lima 34: Ford ' TD-18-A ' 6 5 ?ii.oo ' $25.00 ' $ib 5o ' $4900 ' $is.oo ' $50.00: $zs:oo Section III - Fort Fisher , Section III (Alternate) Fort Fisher . Item 14: Item 15 : Item lb : Item 17 : Item 18: Item 19: Item 20: Item 21: Item 22: Item 23 . TD 24 . TD 18 . Pam : Crrader :Foreman : 1 C.Y . Dump : TD lti : Landing: Foreman ._ Dozer . Dozer . . . :Dragline: Truck . Do2er . May . Contractor: . . . . . . . . , , TD 24 , TD-18-A , 2T 75 , Gal 118 N.W. 25; Ford . TD 18 • '57 . 156 . 156 . 156 . . ?57 . ?57 . +56 . . Lincoin • $17.40 • $is.oo • $17.40 • $io.oo • $25.00 • $15.00= $3.90 • $is.oo • $25.00 • $25.00 • TD 24 • TD-18-A • 2T 7$ • Gal 118 • • N.W. 25= Ford • TDr18-A: • • '52 • '55 • '57 • '55 • • 58 • t57 • 155 • • sa.reroot : $16.50 ; $12.50 ; $17.00 : $8.50 : $25.00 ! : $13.00' $4.00 : $12.50 :$125.00 : $25.00 ' TD 24 ' TD-18-A ' AC TS- ' Gal 118 N.UJ.25 ' Ford ' TD-18-A' ' 152 ' 155 =200 155 ' 155 • • 157 : 154 • 154 - , , Taiman.: : 8.00 : $ita;.oo ; $18.00 _ $12.00 : $25.00 ; $12.00: $4.00 : $12.50 ; $So.oo : $25.00 ' D - ti ' D - 7 ' DW - 10 ' Adams N.W 24 ' Ford ' D - 7 : 155 ; 154 : 154 ; 155 157 : 254 : 154 Atlantic : $20.00 : $15.00 : $15.00 : $15.00 : $25.00 : $15.00: $L..00 : $15.00 :$100.00 : $25.00 ' TD 24 ' TD-18-A ' 2T 75 ' Adams622' ' Lima 34; Ford ' TD-18-A' ' : '57 : '57 : '57 ; r54 t56 : 59 : '57 Hanover Co: $17.70 : $15.00 : $17.70 :$11.00 : $25.00 : $16.50 : $1L.00 : $15.00 : $50.00 : $25.00 Davis Bros: -- : -- : -- : -- : -- : -- : -- : -- : -- : -- /S/ 1-[enry Von Oesen, Engineer , ? ?? ?- Minutes of Special Budget Meeting August 12, 1959 Continued HURRICANE 1]AMAGE REPAIRS - (continued) After they were tabulated as above, it was found that the Barefoot Construct- ion Company was the low bidder on Sections 1 ahd 2 of the specifications and t,hat Talman_„ Construction Company was the low bidder on 5ection 3 of the specifications. The d1Tgi7rTeer, Henry Von Oesen, recommended that the work be awarded to these companies predicated on the low bids and based on an analysis of the estimated quantity of material, capacity of units, time requirements and rental prices submitted. Mr. Hall, therefore moved that the . f engineer's recommendations be approved, it appearing to be in the best interest of the,,_,,_?_ County and that an appropriation of $48,000 be made in order to underwrite the cost of this work until such time as it can be documented and received from the Federal Govern- ment to replace the funds. It was seconded by Mr. Williams and unanimously accepted by the Board. REVALUATION RESERVE In discussing the amount of 1i on the tax rate 4ncluded for a reserve for a revaluation set up by the last Legislature, Mr, irJilliams was of the opinion that if and when the next Board was faced with this probiem, they would want to include a complete mapping of the County properties and therefore, he thought the amount to be raised by the ld levy would be inadequate. This question was discussed between the members of the Board and finaliy Mr. Hall offered a motion that $6,750 be set aside in this particular Budget item for that purpose. It was seconded by Mr: Broadhurst and when the votes were cast Mr. Williams was the only negative vote and the Chairman ruled the motion prevailed. r INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT - This item was discussed at length and after deliberation, Mr. Broadhurst offer- ed a motion that the $10,000 appropriation for County Aid for Industrial Development be reduced to $5,000 as we had spent approximately $20,000 last year for this purpose. The motion was seconded by Mr. Williams and when the vote was taken, Mr. Braak registered the only "NO" vote, however, the Chairman ruled the motion carried and ordered the County Auditor to reduce it accordingly. ? APPROPRIATIOPJS RESOLUTION ADMENDMENT After a discussion of the Vocational Salaries for Instructional Services in the regular Budget, it was decided not to add an additional instructor and Mr. Williams offered a motion that the Appropriation Resolution be amended to reduce this item from $37,000 to $31,400. It was seconded by Mr. Hall and unanimousiy approved by the Board. UNANTICIPATED REVENUES - ' The Chairman reminded the Board that they had given due consideration to all of the items pertaining to expenditures and he was now ready to discuss the unanticipat- ?- ed income of the County. After some discussion, Mr. Broadhurst offered a motion that the tax rate be set at $1.15. There was no second to the motion and the Chairman ruled it dead. A further discussion of the sub,ject developed that State appropriations for Vocational Teachers last year amounted to $64,000 and the County Auditor has upped his estimate of the figure to $70,000 for this fiscal year. A majority of the Board instruct- ed the County Auditor to increase his estimate to $75,000 for the fiscal year. Mr. Wil- liams, however, requested that he be recorded in the record as being opposed to this re- vised upward estimate. He further stated that in his opinion they were cutting the cake too thin and thought that it likewise should be record'ed that this action was being taken over the protest of the County Auditor. AIR.CONDITIONING - A discussion of this item led to the recommendation that $4,000 be deleted from the original appropriation of $16,000 leaving $12,000 appropriated. Mr. Hall offered the motion on this reduction and it was seconded by Mr. Braak, however, Mr. Williams vo- ted "NO" and the Chairman ruled that the motion prevailed and instructed the County Aud- itor to take the proper action. . _?- REPAIRS TO BUILDING Mr. Hall remarked that he had hnped to be able to remodei the Commissioners Room and to take out the partition to the vault as on many occasions, delegations appearing before the Board had almost been forced to sit in each others laps in order to accomo- date them but that he thought they mfight leave the $5,000 item out of the Budget in order to help reduce the tax rate. Mr. Broadhurst seconded the motion,and when the votes were taken, Mr. Williams voted "NO". - PETITION FOR ELIMINATING DRAGLINE OPERATION - (J?-PJ?'?'r Nm. Williams reminded the Board that they had received a Petition for cutting out the dragline operations in the County and offered a motion that a Committee be appoint ed to investigate and determine if it was feasible to do the work on a contract'basis or if we should continue to operate it on the present basis and that the results of this in- vestigation be sent to the Petitioners in answer to their request. The motion was second- ed by Mr. Hall and unanimously adopted. TAX R1aTE - --? The Chairman asked the Board if they wanted.to add to or take away from any _T17 further Budget items or if they were ready to set the rate. There being no objection, he authorized the County Auditor to determine what the rate would be after the changes were made as authorized. The Auditor reported that the present appropriations would require a tax rate of $1.18. Mr. Braak thereupon offered a motion that the Tax Rate for the Fiscal Year be set at $1.18 which he thought was excellent in view of increased school costs and Legislative action over which this Board had no control. It was second- ed by Nr. Hali and before the vote was taken, Mr. Broadhurst offered a substitute motion that the Tax Rate be set at $1.15 which he thought cnuld be achieved by further cutting appropriations and increasing anticipated revenues. There was no second to this substi- tute motion and the Chairman ruled it dead and called for a discussion on the original e?'? motion. When the vote was taken, Mr. Broadhurst voted "NO", whereupon Coun,tv Attn?y, ` Hill read the General Statute 153-125 which provides as foliows: "Any County Commiss- ioner of any County who sha11 fail to vote to raise suff3cient revenue for the operating expenses of the county as provided in G. S. 1$3-:124 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishabie by fine or imprisonment, or both, in the discretion of the court". Mr. Broad- hurst remarked that he had opposed and voted against some of the appropriations included continued- I I4 86 Minutes of Special Budget Meeting August 12, 1959 Continued TAX R4TE -(Continued) in this Budget and was against voting on them and therefore, he could not conscientiously vote to approve the Tax Rate at $1.18. Chairman Holton ruled the motion adopted. BUILDING RENTAL - The Executive Secretary informed the Board that he had been approached for i the possible rental of the building no!,r being used as a repair shop by the State Hioh- way Commission on the Castie Hayne Road. The possible lessor is willing to pay $150.00 per month provided the roof and windows are repaired and a coat of paint is put on it and agree to maintain the building. If the matter develops, he would want the building approximately September lst. COMMUNITY HOSPITAL - The Executive Secretary informed the Board that the advertisement for bids to remodel the electrical wiring at the Community Hospital had not produced any results and it would be necessary for us to readvertise for bids and requested a ruling on whether or not we could open the bids on September 8th. The County Attorney ruled that under the General Statutes when a legal Holiday fell on the first Monday, the Board would meet bn the following Tuesday. ADJOURNh'IENT - Upon motibn of Mr. Braak, seconded by Mr. Hall, the Board unanimously adjourn- ed. / W. G: Houclt, Executive/Secretary Wilmington, N. C. August 17, 1959 The regular semimonthly meeting of the New Hanover County Board of Commiss- ioners was held this date in the Commissioners' Room of the CourL House at 9:00 A. M. PRESENT: Uice Chairman Peter H. Braak, Commissioners L. E. Broadhurst, J. M. Hall, Jr. and Berry A. bJilliams, County Attorney John Bright Hill and County Auditor T. D. Love. Chairman J. E. Holton, Jr. was unable to be present for the meeting since he is attend- ing the National Guard Camp for two weeks. CONVOCATION I PIVOCAT I ON The Vice Chairman called the meeting to order and requested the Executive Secretary to open the meeting with a prayer. The regular Chaplain Eor today, Reverend A. P. Hill, Pastor of the 4Jesley Memorial Methodist Church misunderstood the time and arrived after the meeting was in session.• APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES The minutes of the regular semimonthly meeting held on August 3rd and of the Special Meeting held on August 12th were corrected as follows: In the minutes of August 3rd, in the paraaraph titled Budqet ADAroDriation Studv, at the end of the pre- sent paragraph and just before "details of his request are inserted, put in "The Chair- man requested Mr. Pope to furnish a roster of the members of the Taxpayers Association, which he promised to do." In the minutes of the Special Meeting held on August 12th, in the paragraph under Budqet Contributions, in which Mr. Charlton A. Pope, representing J the Taxpayere Association, was addressing the Board, 'tHe stated that the County ended its 1958 Fiscal Year with a reserve of $23,000 in its surpius account and that the 1959 Fiscal Year ended with a reserve of $339,400." After he had finished speaking, "County Auditor Love produced his records which did not support Mr. PopeS contention but were sustained by an audit made by W. C. Barfield, CPA. Insert a paragraph entitled Appro- priation Resolution Admendment -"After a discussion of the Vocational Salaries for In- structional Services in the Regular Budget, it was decided not to add an additional in- structor and Mr. Williams offered a motion that the Appropriation Resolution be amended to reduce this item from $37,000 to $31,400. It was seconded by Mr. Hall and unani- mously approved by the Board." In the paragraph titled Tax Rate, immediately after the quotation made by the County Attorney, insert "Mr. Broadhurst remarked that he had oppos- ed and voted against some of the appropriations included in this Budget and•therefore, he could not conscientiously vote to approve the tax rate of $1.18." Mr. Williams then moved that the minutes of both meetings be approved as corrected above. It was second- ed by Mr. Hall and unanimously approved by the Board, $339,090 RESERUE SURPLUS - Mr, Williams was recognized by the Chairman and explained that he had read a news article reporting that the City Council would request an audit of $339,000 un- appropriated reserve surplus of New Hanover County Funds. He has confirmed the accur- acy of this article through several of the members of the City Council but before the meeting was over a rough draft of the unofficial excerpt of the City Council meeting held on August 12th was received and read by the Vice Chairman of the Board as follows: "Mayor Capps at this time brought before the Council what fie termed, a very important matter to the City Council and to the County taxpayers. He stated that he recently saw the financial statement of New Hanover Coun- ty for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 1959; he recalied recent publicity regard- ing the tax rate of the County, at first $1.27 being recommended and at the re- ceipt of the intangible tax by 'the County, Mr. Love recommeded $1.24 tax rate which is .091 more than last year's rate of $1.15; further, in the statement he . noticed an unappropriated reserve surplus of $339,400.00 pius, which amount would represent a total 251 reduction in taxes for the County. He asked the question, why this $339,000.00 was not taken into consideration in the preparation of the Budget and passed back to the people. He recommended that some action be taken by the City Council to determine why this money is just lying unanppropriated and the County still calling upon our people for an increase in the tax rate. Mayor Capps further,stated that he wouid not take issue with his coileagues L_ I4 86 Minutes of Special Budget Meeting August 12, 1959 Continued TAX R4TE -(Continued) in this Budget and was against voting on them and therefore, he could not conscientiously vote to approve the Tax Rate at $1.18. Chairman Holton ruled the motion adopted. BUILDING RENTAL - The Executive Secretary informed the Board that he had been approached for i the possible rental of the building no!,r being used as a repair shop by the State Hioh- way Commission on the Castie Hayne Road. The possible lessor is willing to pay $150.00 per month provided the roof and windows are repaired and a coat of paint is put on it and agree to maintain the building. If the matter develops, he would want the building approximately September lst. COMMUNITY HOSPITAL - The Executive Secretary informed the Board that the advertisement for bids to remodel the electrical wiring at the Community Hospital had not produced any results and it would be necessary for us to readvertise for bids and requested a ruling on whether or not we could open the bids on September 8th. The County Attorney ruled that under the General Statutes when a legal Holiday fell on the first Monday, the Board would meet bn the following Tuesday. ADJOURNh'IENT - Upon motibn of Mr. Braak, seconded by Mr. Hall, the Board unanimously adjourn- ed. / W. G: Houclt, Executive/Secretary Wilmington, N. C. August 17, 1959 The regular semimonthly meeting of the New Hanover County Board of Commiss- ioners was held this date in the Commissioners' Room of the CourL House at 9:00 A. M. PRESENT: Uice Chairman Peter H. Braak, Commissioners L. E. Broadhurst, J. M. Hall, Jr. and Berry A. bJilliams, County Attorney John Bright Hill and County Auditor T. D. Love. Chairman J. E. Holton, Jr. was unable to be present for the meeting since he is attend- ing the National Guard Camp for two weeks. CONVOCATION I PIVOCAT I ON The Vice Chairman called the meeting to order and requested the Executive Secretary to open the meeting with a prayer. The regular Chaplain Eor today, Reverend A. P. Hill, Pastor of the 4Jesley Memorial Methodist Church misunderstood the time and arrived after the meeting was in session.• APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES The minutes of the regular semimonthly meeting held on August 3rd and of the Special Meeting held on August 12th were corrected as follows: In the minutes of August 3rd, in the paraaraph titled Budqet ADAroDriation Studv, at the end of the pre- sent paragraph and just before "details of his request are inserted, put in "The Chair- man requested Mr. Pope to furnish a roster of the members of the Taxpayers Association, which he promised to do." In the minutes of the Special Meeting held on August 12th, in the paragraph under Budqet Contributions, in which Mr. Charlton A. Pope, representing J the Taxpayere Association, was addressing the Board, 'tHe stated that the County ended its 1958 Fiscal Year with a reserve of $23,000 in its surpius account and that the 1959 Fiscal Year ended with a reserve of $339,400." After he had finished speaking, "County Auditor Love produced his records which did not support Mr. PopeS contention but were sustained by an audit made by W. C. Barfield, CPA. Insert a paragraph entitled Appro- priation Resolution Admendment -"After a discussion of the Vocational Salaries for In- structional Services in the Regular Budget, it was decided not to add an additional in- structor and Mr. Williams offered a motion that the Appropriation Resolution be amended to reduce this item from $37,000 to $31,400. It was seconded by Mr. Hall and unani- mously approved by the Board." In the paragraph titled Tax Rate, immediately after the quotation made by the County Attorney, insert "Mr. Broadhurst remarked that he had oppos- ed and voted against some of the appropriations included in this Budget and•therefore, he could not conscientiously vote to approve the tax rate of $1.18." Mr. Williams then moved that the minutes of both meetings be approved as corrected above. It was second- ed by Mr. Hall and unanimously approved by the Board, $339,090 RESERUE SURPLUS - Mr, Williams was recognized by the Chairman and explained that he had read a news article reporting that the City Council would request an audit of $339,000 un- appropriated reserve surplus of New Hanover County Funds. He has confirmed the accur- acy of this article through several of the members of the City Council but before the meeting was over a rough draft of the unofficial excerpt of the City Council meeting held on August 12th was received and read by the Vice Chairman of the Board as follows: "Mayor Capps at this time brought before the Council what fie termed, a very important matter to the City Council and to the County taxpayers. He stated that he recently saw the financial statement of New Hanover Coun- ty for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 1959; he recalied recent publicity regard- ing the tax rate of the County, at first $1.27 being recommended and at the re- ceipt of the intangible tax by 'the County, Mr. Love recommeded $1.24 tax rate which is .091 more than last year's rate of $1.15; further, in the statement he . noticed an unappropriated reserve surplus of $339,400.00 pius, which amount would represent a total 251 reduction in taxes for the County. He asked the question, why this $339,000.00 was not taken into consideration in the preparation of the Budget and passed back to the people. He recommended that some action be taken by the City Council to determine why this money is just lying unanppropriated and the County still calling upon our people for an increase in the tax rate. Mayor Capps further,stated that he wouid not take issue with his coileagues L_ Minutes of the Meeting August 17, 1959 Continued $339,000 RESERVE SURPLUS - (continued) except that the taxpayers of GJilmington are also taxpayers of New Hanover County, and felt it was his duty to bring this matter to the attention of the County Commissioners in an effort to affect a saving and protect the taxpayers residing in the corporate limits of the city. Councilman Burney moved that the Council request a definite auditor's report of these unappropriated funds, particularly, the $339,000.00 reserve item, and re- quest that an explanation be given as to why the amount was not considered in the budgetary items in the past, and why it cannot be considered this year and passed back to the taxpayers. The motion was seconded by Councilman Lane. A discussion ensued, and it was pointed out by the Manager that municipal law will not permit the carrying of surplus funds from year to year; that there is no authority for such operation, and that such a condition can only be obtain- ed by underestimating the income o"r overestimating the disbursements or both, when making up the budgets. Councilman Burneyts motion Vras seconded by Councilman Lane and received the affirmative votes of Councilmen Capps, Lane and Burney; and the negative votes of Councilmen Batuyios and 'r7ade. Councilman Batuyios stated, he felt this is County business, and that the city has no business discussing the County's Budget; ,that he would like the Council to discuss the City's Budget before discussing the County Budget. Councilman Lane stated;this action was merely on a friendly basis; the City has joint appropriations and it could affect us. Councilman bJade stated the laws of North Carolina including all of the Statutes are sufficient to control the County in its appropriations, and the City Council has enough to do'in taking care of its own troubles and provide a budget and tax rate for its people; and feels we shouid handle our own affairs on this basis and in accordance with the law and permit the County to deal in its own way. Councilman Burney advised that the action taken by his motion as far as he is concerned, was done solely for the protection of the City and the people of Vd3lming- ton and also the taxpayers residing in the City and paying County taxes; that, this matter of surplus to his knowledge has been continuino for over three years, and feels that the people should be informed. "4Je are not attempting to operate the County government, as has been previously stated;" Councilman Burney said," , Mr. Williams then presented a letter which he had secured from an independent auditor, W. C. Barfield, as follows: "In reply to your question as to whether the Countyfs Surpius Funds (Cash in Banks) on hand at the end of each fiscal year have been appropriated to help, cover the . Budget for each subsequent year during the past four years that my firm has audited the books and records of New Hanover County, the answer is"Yes". -- This letter was in answer to the question posed by the City Council as to why unappropriat- V ed reserves were carried over from year to year and not passed back to the taxpayers. , After some discussion, Mr. Williams offered a motion that the Executive Secretary be in- structed to write a letter to the City Council explaining that all surplus was included in the Budoet preparation and that the taxpayers did receive the full benefit from it and further that a copy of the last Audit Report be presented to the City Council for their study with the assurance that any request for specific information would be gladly fur- nished to them. This motion was seconded by Mr. Hall, with the observation that in his opinion the City Councii had been iil-advised but that if they had been very interested in the matter they could have found out long ago the true facts. When the vote was cast, Nr. Broadhurst voted "NO" expiaining that he did not consider this of sufficient importance to requ3re a reply. The Chairman, hoiaever, ruled the motion prevailed. , AMERICAN LEGION - Advertising \ ?? Mr. John C. Symmes, Commander of the American Legion Locai Post No. 10 appear- ed before the Board and informed them that the Wiimington Post Baseball Team had just won the State Championship which meant that the regional competing teams from South Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky would come to YJilmington for Lhe play-off series. It will fali to the local Post to entertain the out-of-State guests and they felt that it was of suf- ficient importance.to warrant a donation from the County as it would provide advertisina , which could not be purchased through any other media. He requested a donation from the Advertising Fund of $100.00. Mr. Broadhurst offered a motion that $50.00 be appropria- ted from the Advertising Fund for this purpose. There was no second to this motion and the Chairman ruled it dead. Nr. Hall then offered a motion that $100.00 be appropriated from the Advertising Fund for assistance in this event. It was secorded by Mr. Williams and when the vote was cast, Nr. Broadhurst voted "NO", however, the Chairman ruled the motion carried. ? FORECLOSED PROPERTY SALE The Executive Secretary informed the Board that he had a request from Mr. W. C. Manson for the purchase of 10 feet off of Lot #2 in Bieck #350, which is 601 x 150' and jointly ormed by the City and County as a result of a tax foreclosure. He reported ' that the Property Assessor, H. S. McGirt, had appraised the total value of the lot at $850 and that in his opin.ion they should not accept less than $150 for the 10 feet. After some discussion, Mr. Broadhurst offered a motion that t.he Board approve the sale of the ?. entire lot, subject to the approval of the City Councii but refuse to sell off a ten foot strip. It was seconded by Mr. Willi2ms and unanimously approved. ? STATE OCCUPIED COUNTY PROPERTY - A letter was received from the State Real Property Attorney, Thomas L. Young, ' pointing out that under G. S. 15-209, a County must provide a suitable office for the Pro- bation Officer. This letter was in response to a letter by Chairman Holton on May 22 and a personal call made by him in regard to several County properties occupied by State agen- cies. The Attorney'promised that answers to the other request would be forthcoming shortly. I ,4. 8 8 Minutes of the Meeting August 17, 1959 Continved MARITIME COMMISSION - .1? Letters were received from the State Ports Authority and the Committee of ?jQv'1 100 informing the Board that negotiations were underway for leasing the Wilmington Ship- .? yards to provide room for water-borne industry and port expansion. They recommended that the Cormnissioners consider adopting a Resolution calling upon the U. S. Maritime Commission to lease available areas in the Wilmington Shipyard under a long term agree- ment but subject tc reciaim by the Maritime Administration in a period of emergency, The Commissioners agreed that such action might improve the port facilities and attract productive enterprises to this area and Mr. Hail offer2d a motion that the request be granted and the Executive Secretary authorized to write a letter to the Marit.ime Admin- istration makir.g this request after the approval of the State Ports Authority and the Committee of 100. CONSOLIDATED BOARD OF HEALTH - A letter was received from the State Board of Health requesting approval of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners for the reinstatement of Dr. C. B. Davis as Divisional Heaith Director for Brunswick and New Hanover Counties if it was recom- mended and approved by the Consolidated Board of Health. The letter was addressed to both Boards but since it was necessary to consider the request in conjunction with set- ting the tax rate, it was read by the Vice Chairman at today's meeting before the meet- ing of the Board of Health which shouid have considered it prior to any action of this Board, therefore, Mr. Williams offered a motion that definite action be delayed until after the return of the Chairman. It was seconded by Mr. Hall and unanimously approv- ed. COMNNNITY HOSPITAL INSPECTION - A copy of the inspection reporL made by the Sanitary Engineering Division of -? the State Board of Health to the State Medical Care Commission on the Community Hospital was read by Vice Chairman Braak, for information only. He informed the Board that as a member of the Board of Directors of Community Hospital, he would go to New York and attend a seminar being held to consider the many problems faced by hospitals similar to yours. The present Administrator is now seeking ways and means of correcting as many as possible the exceptions made by the Inspector and that they hope they will eliminate some of the criticism directed toward them. He thinks the hospital is doing a fine job. ' FIRE MARSHAL A - ? letter tidas received from the State Insurance Commissioner informing the counties that General Statutes 153-9 were amended by adding a new subsection 39 and be- fore Subsection 40 providing a County Fire Marshal and set forth his duties. This is ,j,,?-?'? a permissive rather than a mandatory provision. After some discussion, Mr. ldilliams • offered a motion that the Executive Secretary determine how often and who is now charg- ed with the responsibility of making the school inspections according to the law and.re- port back to the Board at the next regular meeting. It was seconded by Mr. Hall and unanimously approved. ? BEER PERMITS - The following requests have been made to the Board of Alcoholic Control for Permits to sell Beer: Dorothy Lee Graham 602 Dawson St., Wilmington, N. C. Leon & Viola B. Morgan RFD 1, Box 413; Wilmington, N. C. James H. Ingram 735 Carolina Ave., Carolina Beach, N. C. Mr, Broadhurst offered a motion that they be referred to the Sheriff for recommendation and disposition. It was seconded by Mr. Williams and unanimously approved. i ? PIJBLIC HIGF-PdAY HEFIRING - A notice was received from the 5tate Highway Commission advising that a Public Hearing would be held in the Division Office at Wilmington at 10:00 A. M. Thurs- August 20th. Important road matters in Brunswick and New Hanover Counties will day , be discussed by Representatives of the Division. The Boards of County Commissioners, as well as any other citizens with questions on road matters, are invited to attend. The Chairman utoed every member of the Board who could possibly attend to be there. RESIDENT JUDGE'S OFFICE - ' Judge Rudolph I. Mintz reminded the Board that several weeks ago, he had made a request for office space in the Court House as he thought it would allow for a smoother operation of the Courts since it would be so convenient to the lawyers. After , some discussion, Mr. Hali offered a motion that the Executive Secretary be authorized to employ an architect to draw plans and make recommendations for enclosing the space ? between the Law Library and the Grand Jury Room which he thought would be suitable. The motion taas seconded by Mr. Williams with the suggestion that Architect Donald H. }lines be used for this project. When the votes were cast, Mr. Broadhurst voted "NO" remark- ing that he thought County Maintenance*Rhoda Farrow could do the job with prison labor, however, the Chairman ruled the motion carried. ? Supervisor PETITIONS FOR RELIEF - Mrs. Helen B. Sneeden presented two petitions for admitting Elizabeth Woods --- Moore and Mary Tate as residents of the County Home and Inf.irmary for care. Both of these persons have recently been discharged from the State Hospital for Mentally Dis-`-,_ turbed at Goldsboro. The staff at the Hospital are of the opinion that they are suf- ? 'ficiently recovered to permit them to be released but that they will need physical care. Mr. Hall offered a motion seconded by Mr. Williams that they both be admitted to the County Home and Infirmary. It was unanimously approved by the Board. ELECTIOPd ORDINANCE - 'J A letter was received from the Building Code Council of the State Depart- ment of Insurance enclosing a revised simplified County Electrical Ordinance approved by them and recommended by the State Insurance Department. By common cons'ent of the Board, the Executive Secretary was authorized to write the local Association of Electri- cal Engineers and call their attention to the revised requirements. ?.. , 48;g, Minutes of the Meeting August 17, 1959 Continued SURPLUS POLICY - 0 The Executive Secretary called the Board's attention to an article by Dr. Ellen?0Pe--Z°i` Winston, State Gommissioner of Public 1rJelfare, appearing in the August 6th issue of the News and Observor explaining why the State did not use federally stored food surpluses in in their welfare programs as follows: 1- The high cost of administration, which involves arrangements for trans- porting the commodities from where they are stored in the State to where they can be distributed to needy families. 2- People who receive them must be certified, which takes time. 3- The commodities come to the State in large quantities, which entails•ex- pense of breaking them down for repackaging. 4- Voluminous reports must be made out to the Federal Government and Lhese would require added personnel. REPORTS - The following regular monthly reports tiaere received and ordered filed for in- formation: ? 1- Consoiidated Tax Office Report by Sam W. Johnson Tax Collector, July 1959 2- Veterans Service Office Report. 7a???y 3- County Farm Agent's monthly report. --? 4- Report of County Agricultural Advisory Board, 5- Home Agent's Report for July, 1959 CITIZENS COMMENT - Mr. C. B. McCandless presented the following letter to the Board and requested ----- that it be made a part of the permanent records: "I would like to commend each of you aad all the other good people that assisLed you in trimming our tax rate from the proposed $1.27 figure down to the $1.18 rate which you adopted. Now this demonstrates to me something that should be copied by all of our governing bodies throughout our StaLe and Nation. Although we are three cents above last year, I don't grumble, because I know you were faced with many problems and all of them calling for more money. So I would say with the de- mands as they were I for one think you did a wonderful job. Now I feei justified in asking of you this one favor that I feel sure would be greatly appreciated by every man that is summonsed to serve on the jury in this County, and I don't ask for more pay, although if there is any left I am sure they ' could use it. To me this favor•I ask would be a mere token in the face of some of the things asked of our County. I also feel that the City Council would coop- erate with this Board in carrying out this request because it affects the man in the city as it affects'us in the County. Now the favor I ask for the Jury is this. We know there is no room in the Court House Parking lot for the Jury to park al- though he helps maintain the lot with his tax money. Now in view of this, why can't he be issued a permit or maybe a plastic bag that he could pull down over a meter designating him as one serving his County on the Honorable Superior Court Jury for the week, and he could hand this permit back to the Court after his term. Now, Gentle- men in the face of current events, do you think this is asking too much? I leave this question with you hoping the next time I'm called to serve that I can at least park. I don't agree Writh all of your ideas but I cooperate with your actions. Please enter this request in your minutes." ? By common consent, the Executive Secretary was instructed to include this letter in the minutes and refer it to the City Council for whatever action they consider necessary, ? , TAX RATE RESOLUTIOId - The County Auditor called the Soard's attention to the tax levy of .1530 for -Tcy the School Supplement although they had requested a 20e' levy and the .0l?81 levy as com-. (Lwo&?? pared to a full 5d request by the 4Jilmington College. He explained that this would pro- duce the same amount of revenue since the adjustments were made in the Anticipated Income items. Mr. Williams asked the Auditor if a breakdown in the $2500 transfer from Adminis- tration Expense in the Supplemental Budget to the Regular Budget had been made. The County Auditor informed the Board that it was done. Mr. Hall then offered a motion that the following Resolution be adopted: . BE IT RESOLVED that the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners in regular meeting assembled adopt a Tax Rate of $1.18 per $140 valuation to be levied on all taxable property in the County for the fi scal year 1959-60 which shall be necessary for the carrying on the business of the County or as much as may be necessary for each of the schedules liste d below is herlby appropriated: 1959 General.......................... Levv .1841- Agriculture & Economics ......... .0121' I Aid To Blind ... .......... ? .0076• Aid To DependentChildren .0318 Aid Permanently & Totaily Disabled .0201 Old Age Assistance ...... ...... .0232 . County Home .................... .0L} 29 ' Health ............... . .0681' Hospitaliiation ..............:.. .0557/ Revaluation .................... .0%9 ldelfare •..................... .0351 _ School Bond ..................... .2417 School Books • ............. .0129 School CapitalOutlay .......... .0073 School Pension ................. •0235 ? 5chool Regular .................. .2079 School Supplement ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,1530' Wilmington College .............. .0481 ' 1.1.0 continued- -A I? 90 Minutes of the Meeting August 17, 1959 Continued TAX RESOLUTION - (continued) BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all previous actions of the Board requesting details and requiring approval of any expenditures in connection with this Budget be made a part of this Resolution. This motion was seconded by Mr. Williams and when the votes were taken, Mr. Broadhurst voted "NO" for the same reasons he voted against the Budget Appropriations Resolution, however, the Chairman ruled the motion adopt- ed which establishes the Tax Rate for the 1959-60 Fiscal Year at $1.18. .? ?J ? i VALUATIONS - A discussion after the above Resolution led to a motion by Mr. Ha11 that the Taxable Valuatibns in the Ccunty for the Fiscal Year 1959-60 be set at $147,000,000 and that the Anticipated Collection be set at 93% of this ameunt or $137,000,000. The motion was seconded by Mr. Williams and unanimously approved by the Board. PROPERTY TITLE CONFIJSION - Pursuant to requests made on February 2nd and March 23, 1959 by Attorney R. S. McClelland in the matter of property ommed by Mrs. Lucy F. Perry to which Lhe County claims title although it was purchased without the approval of the County Attorney in October of 1936. He thinks the County has a moral obligation even though legally the ciaim could be sustained on the grovnds of adverse possession. He insists that the Com- missioners take a definite stand and give him a ruling in order to completely clear up the matter with his client and enable him to close his file. By common consent, it was referred to the County Attorney for investigation and recommendation for a report at the next Board meeting to be held on September tith, 1959. ? PETIT JURY - ' The following good and lawful persons were selected to serve as Jurors in the trial of Civil cases in the Superior Court for the two weeks term begdnning September 14th and Sept. 21st, 1959. ' lurors for trial of CiVil Cases- Sept. 14,1959 L. E. Brew 2226 Camellia Dr. S. J. Cockrell 1921 Princess St. Isia E. Hill 4910 Pine St. B. J. Parmele 1509 Market 5t. J. M. Mason (}06 S. 46th St. H. J. Tompkins RFD 1, Box 328 A W. H. James Wilmington, N. C. Percy Tart, Sr. 215 Bagiey Ave. W. G. Austin % J. W. Haley Owen Reeves 703? N. 4th St. Route 2, Box 1 9 M. L. Blake RFD 3, Box $3 I{irby Smith 320 Church St. E. L. Crump 4106 Wrichtsville Ave.Henry Murray RFD 1, Box 79 D. F. Edwards 1416 S. 4th St. John DeBois 503 Wright St. ? Ted R. Thomas 2943 Adams St. Julius UJeil 21 S. 6th St. M. E. l,fester 2116 Klein Rd. William Auld 410 S. lbth 5t. E. F. Loftin Sr. 2012 Woolcott Ave. Rufus L. Hines RFD 1, Box 338 N. B. Lanier RFD 1, Box 203 Landon C. Hanks 2406 Jackson St. Castle Hayne, N. C. J. R. Reaves 1139 Country Club Rd. Alfred Martin 2734 Park Ave. J. D. Pigford 40 Leonard Drive Henry Harrell, Jr, 407 tidrightsville Ave. B. B. Cameron Box 990, City Lvther Rogers 218 N. Water St. E. F. Pittman 7 N. Blvd., City Joseph G. Smith 119 S. 9th St. . G. F. Jenness 116 Mercer Ave. Glenn Stalvey 5 C Oleander Courts. PYiyllis H. 4lalker 1340 Live Oak Pkwy. William Fennell Wrightsville Sound,N.C. Julian H. Priest RFD 3, Box 628 Vincent P. Nucci 5330 Wrightsv. Ave. Ruth G.M. Twiford 807 Orange St:. Richard A. Russ 607 northern Alvd. Mrs. Lilly McDaniel 2021 Barnett Ave. Logan E. Streeter RFD 1, Box 250 Nora P. Cress Rush 101. S. 41st St. Duke C. Marshall 105 Southern Slvd. Ezekiel Ancrum 2051 N. lOth St. Avery G. Walker 711 Grace St. ' William F. Skipper 120 Marion Dr. Graham J. Burkheimer 151 Colonial Dr. H. H. Evans 1717 Orange St. Alex P. Mercer 306 Sunset Ave. Jurors for trial of Civil Cases - Sept. 21, 1959 J. F. Mason Box 157, Castle Hayne Percy Tartt, Jr. 146 Hinton Ave. M. Myers P. O. Box 634 A. F. M. Hickman 214 Kenwood Ave. Carolina Beach, N. C. , D. H. 4Jhite P.O. Box 205 Ed Bradshaw RFD 1, Box 279 W. G. Croom 2212 Pla2a Drive Roger P. Noore P. 0. Box.188, Eity W: R; 36nes, Sr. 1506 Ann St, Bobby M. Landen 13 Jackson Drive L. W. Moore Box 701, City Asbury A. Beck 3 Church Row, Spofford L. G. Harris, Jr. 23 Ivey Circle Robert W. Keifer 422 Larchmont Drive E. H. White RFD 1, Box 295 S. F. Highsmith 2704 Market St. R. M. Bryan RFD 2, Box 513 W. E. Haftery 218 Castle St. Wm. S. Pullen 2308 Chestnut St. J. T. Fletcher Kure Beach, N. C. J. L. Baldwin 1924 Chestnut St. W. C. Rivenbark RFD, Box1252 C. D. Morrill 206 N. 12th A. V. Laffiteau Jr. 420 S. sth St. N. L. Rogers 2416 Belvedere Rd. Joseph Taylor RFD 3, Box 428- A B. M. Reeves 610 S. Front St. John J. Denitson Castle Hayne, N. C. James P. Cain 1210 S. 4th St. George D. Bradley RFD 2, Box 85 A Alton Clark 14 T. Lake Viilage Anson Harriss Jr. 1006 Orange St. E. J. Loweil 2324 Shirley Road Raymond Cox 3 A. Lake Village H. P. Crarvie P. O. Box 754 4lilliam McFarlan 1Jilmington, N. C. James W. Johnson, Jr. 2229Z Plaza Dr. James S. Simmons 116 Penn St. Oscar Kenneth Bigos 2020 Barnett Ave. Mrs. Edison L. Watkins 211 N. 13th St. James Wheeler 501 S. 7th St. James J. Peterson Joseph H. Davis, Jr. Dorothy Iris Wallace 403 N. 41st St. Bennie F. Herring 124 Lake Forest Pkwy. Miss Nancy Swinson 13 West ?rive A. V. Thompson 4512 Cedar Ave. James Francis Clancy 106 Virainia Ave. Hugo Van Nes, Jr. 1803 Queen St. Homer Potter 707 S. 18th St. Joseph H. Davis 907 S. 4th St. ADJOURNMENT - • Upon motion of Mr. Hall, seconded•by Mr. 6dilliams, the Board unanimously voted adjournment. • ?1 W. G.'Houck; Executive Secretar? ? ?