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1994-05-16 Public Hearing for 1994-95 Budget - e e """"lIIl -MINUTES OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR FY 1994-95 BUDGET MAY 16, 1994 "PAGE '9'3 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners held a Public Hearing on May 16, 1994, at 7:00 P.M. in the Assembly Room of New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third street, Wilmington, North Carolina, to receive public comments on the proposed FY 1994-95 Budget: Members present were: Commissioners Sandra Barone; William A. Caster; William E. sisson, Jr.; Vice-Chairman E. L. Mathews, Jr.; Chairman Robert G. Greer; County Manager, Allen O'Neal; County Attorney, Wanda M. Copley; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell. Chairman Greer welcomed everyone present and called the meeting to order. He requested the agencies making presentations to limit their remarks to ten minutes and members of the general public to limit their remarks to three minutes. , COMMENTS FROM THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES Director of Social Services, Wayne Morris, expressed appreciation for approval of the three Social Worker positions for the Foster Care Program and reported this budgetary process has been the most satisfying and productive in his 22 years of preparing budgets. Due to a review of DSS functions by a team appointed by the County Manager, a reorganization has been performed with the elimination of six supervisory positions and four support positions. This action was accomplished through the use of computers, which has allowed machines to handle paper instead of people and has provided eight more direct line positions in the field, which greatly assists the department in better fulfilling the needs of our citizens. The good news is that the AFDC budget has actually decreased by approximately 5%, which is the first time in many years, and Medicaid has increased only 8% compared to 25% last year and 20% for the past five years. Director Morris requested the commissioners to approve the County Manager's recommended budget. The new staff positions recommended are badly needed to assist DSS clients to be, removed from the welfare role; help the elderly to remain at home instead of being placed in nursing homes; and provide relief for the Foster. Care Program. Chairman Greer complimented Director Morris for elimination of the six supervisory positions and adding direct positions to better serve our citizens in need. the line commissioner Barone complimented Director Morris and' his staff for the excellent job performed in administering and carrying out the DSS programs even though she did not support the additional positions for the Foster Care Program. She stressed the importance of the DSS staff and foster parents 'mderstanding that she is most appreciative of the fine work being done, but stated she cannot support continued expansion of DSS programs. COMMENTS FROM THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT Mr. Mark A Veenstra, a member of the Health Department Budget Committee, reported the Board of Health is satisfied with the County Manager's recommended budget with one exception, deletion of the requested Animal Control Officer position. The Commissioners were requested to reconsider including this position in the FY 1994-95 Budget. As a public health agency, the Board of Health is concerned about animal bites, the increase ih rabies, and the continued growth of pets in New Hanover bounty. Since the State enacted the "Dangerous Dog" law, a full time position has been utilized to administer this legislation, which has reduced the number of hours in the field. One additional Animal Control .o1Il ,- MINUTES OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR FY 1994-95 BUDGET MAY 16, 1994 PAGE 94; Officer will provide better control of the animals which should reduce the number of animal bites, cut down on the number of animals running loose in the County, and protect the citizens against a possible rabies epidemic. This position should pay for itself through an increase in the collection of tag fees, fines imposed for the violation of the County ordinance, and a reduction in overtime pay. The Commissioners were urged to reconsider including this position in the FY 1994-95 Budget. o commissioner sisson commented on the frequent calls received about animal control and stated he is very much in support of including the Animal Control Officer in the budget for the Health Department. Chairman Greer, on behalf of the Board, expressed appreciation to Mr. Veenstra for an informative presentation. COMMENTS FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT Sheriff McQueen concurred with the County Manager's recommended budget and reported overall budget items decreased in the Sheriff's Department with the exception of food in the Custody Division, which increased approximately $5,000 due to inflation., Also, at the present time, no figure has been determined as to the exact cost for accepting the city's dispatching system under the 911 Center. commissioner Barone commented on receiving numerous calls about dispatcher salaries and training being funded from the 911 Surcharge and requested Sheriff McQueen to explain how the $.50 surcharge funds are used. Sheriff McQueen reported the 911 surcharge must be used to purchase equipment, update the equipment, and operate the 911 Center. The surcharge is not used to pay salaries. o County Manager O'Neal reported funds collected from the 911 Surcharge will be used entirely for the purchase of Computer Aided Dispatch equipment for the next one and one-half years. Chairman Greer reminded everyone of the expense incurred by the County with assuming the 911 duties for the city ,and beach communities and complimented the Sheriff's Department, for accomplishing this. tasl<. with only a $100,000 outlay for the purchase of equipment. .. Sheriff McQueen reported Carolina Beach opted not to come into the 911 System; however, it is felt the 911 Center can be operated, in an efficient manner with nine positions from the city. Once the Computer.Aided Dispatch System is implemented, more positions may be required. Discussion was held on the process to Re used when hiring nine, dispatchers from the city. Sheriff McQueen reported the city dispatchers will be interviewed and screened. The nine persons selected will be considered as new employees and will work a' probationary period of six months. This will allow time for the employees to adjust to 12-hour shifts and work with more sophisticated equipment. Also, the employees will have time to decide if they wish to continue to work in the 911 Center. The transfer will occur on June '13, 1994, and the City. has. agreed to pay the' salaries from June 13 through June 30,' 1994.' '.' .. , . o Chairman Greer, on behalf of the Board, expressed appreciation to Sheriff 'McQueen for the informative report. COMMENTS FROM THE SOUTHEASTERN MENTAL ,HEALTH CENTER . Ms. vicki Steele, Finance Director for thEr Southeastern center,Jreported the budget request submitted Ys'the same~as' last' year; 'liowever, , the 'number' of clients 'and demand"fcii:' services has e e e ..'~~Yl"". 'Mf."'f~.rI;l;'" I" . 'I f ~ ""'l1lI 'ff$~'<:r' ' ~' MINUTES OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR FY 1994-95 BUDGET MAY 16, 1994 PAGE 95 greatly increased. At the present time, the current staff cannot serve the number of clients that need services. Growth has occurred in the Child Care services Division because of the Medicaid wavier, which has been most beneficial; however, any profits derived from the Medicaid wavier must be used for child services and cannot be used to provide other badly needed services to adults. Another area of concern is the fact that Southeastern employees are paid 18-22% below the job market rate because of a lack of funds. This has created vacancies and it is difficult to fill these vacancies with the present rate of pay. Also, space has become a critical need. If the County cannot allocate additional funds, possibly space needs can be provided to relieve two and three employees from sharing the same office. Also, vans are needed to transport Southeastern clients. Several meetings have been held with the County about transportation needs. Unfortunately, the needs for the Southeastern Center are entirely different from the manner in which the County's transportation system is established; therefore, this system cannot be utilized. Travel needs are sporadic, but these needs are very real and must be provided at a costly rate. commissioner Sisson requested Ms. Steele to share with the Board some requests that were presented to the Southeastern Center's Finance Committee. No action was taken by the Finance Committee because of the non-availability of funds. Ms. Steele reported staff requested the Finance Committee to approve a 10% pay raise for Southeastern employees with 5% effective July 1, 1994, and 5% in December contingent upon an increase in third party reimbursements. This was not accepted by the Finance Committee because of a lack of funds. The third party reimbursements continue to increase in all areas, but the funds received are not adequate to provide the services to the number of clients in the three-county area. Also, the State is planning to require more qualified clinicians, which will increase personnel costs. Commissioner sisson commented on the shortage of physicians and reported without an increase in the number of physicians, referrals from the school system, the Department of Social Services, and follow-up treatment for persons released from The Oaks cannot be provided by the Southeastern Center. Due to a lack of funds, an additional physician cannot be hired, which negatively impacts on reimbursements from Medicaid. At this time, the funding shortfall is critical at the Southeastern Center. commissioner Barone inquired as to the source of funding for the entire budget? Ms. Steele reported the Center operates on funds received from the state, federal government, CBA grants, local funds, and first and third party insurance reimbursements. commissioner Barone asked if the Southeastern Center serves a ciient in need of services without insurance? Ms. Steele reported a client without insurance is provided service. Approximately 50% of the clients served do not have any' third party insurance coverage, but the client is r~quested to pay an amount toward the treatment. It has been clinically proven that a client will benefit more from the treatment if some form. of payment is required. . commissioner Caster inquired as Southeastern center, the amount of Brunswick and Pender Counties, and if ,compared to the number of clients? to the total budget for the contributions received from the shares are proportiqna~~ " . ....IIIl ~ MINUTES OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR FY 1994-95 BUDGET MAY 16, 1994 Ms. Steele responded the total budget is $12,000,000 with contributions of $317,000 from Brunswick County and $116,000 from Pender County. There are satellite centers located in Brunswick and Pender Counties that provide services to the residents living in each county. The only exception to this rule, is the Detoxification Unit, which serves clients from all three counties. Approximately 75% of the clients served are residents of New Hanover County and are served by the Southeastern Center. PAGE ,,96 commissioner Sisson reported the $12,000,000 budget figure includes funds that pass through the Southeastern Center such as the Willie M and Thomas S programs. These funds must be included in the Southeaster Center's budget which distorts the amount of funds available for the delivery of services in this area. o Discussion was held on the amount of funds that pass through the Southeastern Center for the Willie M and Thomas S programs. Ms. Steele reported that $847,000 is appropriated for the Willie M program and that $630,000 is appropriated for the Thomas S. program. These funds can only be used to serve these two classes of clients. A resolution was adopted by the Southeastern Board last year specifically stating that the State must appropriate the necessary funds to provide services for the Willie M and Thomas S programs or the Southeastern Center will not provide the services. Chairman Greer, on behalf of the Board, expressed appreciation to Ms. Steele for the informative presentation. COMMENTS FROM CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE Mr. Jack Lee, Chairman of the Cape Fear Community College Board of Trustees, expressed appreciation to the Commissioners for past support of the College and recent support of the statewide and local bond issues. He requested the Interim President, Dr. Raymond Stone, ,to comment on the proposed budget. o Dr. Stone urged the Commissioners to become lobbyist and use their influence for passage of a bill in the General Assembly to provide funds for the College's share of costs involved with cleaning up the Airport Burn pit site, and for the allocation of $2,500,000 to Cape Fear Community College from the unallocated proceeds of the statewide bond is::;ue. The College is in need of land, buildings, and additional faculty. Receiving funds from the statewide bond issue will greatly assist the college in expanding the school and becoming the best community college in North Carolina. As to the $350,000 budget request, most of these funds will be used to assist the College with complying to the Americans Disabilities Act. It is hoped that the Commissioners will continue to support the College and provide funds for the necessary teachers and equipment needed in the classrooms. In summary, these are exciting times at Cape Fear Community college, particularly since the people of New Hanover County and the State of North Carolina have shown support for Cape Fear Community College. The College is actively pursuing surrounding land, and hopefully there will be some exciting news in the near future. o Vice-Chairman Mathews expressed appreciation to the cooperative manner in which he has worked with County commissioners and County staff. . . Dr. Stone for the Board of . . COMMENTS FROM THE.REGISTER OF DEEDS , Registrar of Deeds, Mary Sue Dots, reported the County Manager did not approve an additional Deputy Trainee position for the Register of Deeds. Since 1985, recordings in the Register of Deeds nave increased 76%' with 49% of this increase from 1991 to"1993'. The'number'of employees has not increased. There is no equipment e e e "\,:~"""""~ .'<.~1''i''>1'.,,,' """"'Ill ~ig!:~:--"J :" MINUTES OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR FY 1994-95 BUDGET MAY 16, 1994 PAGE 97 or technology available to record legal documents; therefore, the different types of documents must be reviewed by a person to determine if they can be legally recorded and if the notary's acknowledgement complies with the North Carolina General statutes. The functions of the office are not discretionary, but mandatory by the N. C. General Assembly. with-continued growth in New Hanover County, an additional position is needed to provide the level of services that have been rendered in the past. The Commissioners were urged to approve the additional position requested in the FY 1994-95 Budget. commissioner Barone inquired as to the cost of the new position? Ms. Oots reported the beginning salary would be $18,949 annually. This is the standard salary for a Deputy Trainee, which requires two years of on-the-job training before an employee can feel comfortable with the recording of legal documents. County Manager O'Neal reported he did not recommend the additional position in an effort to hold down costsdur:i;ng the budget process; however, he has recommended an audi t of the Register of Deeds Office to see if more automation is needed and if some form of reorganization will help to alleviate the problems being experienced. He concurred with Ms. Oots about being behind because of the increased recordings and stated probably another positions will be needed; however, he would like to perform an audit and review of the department before committing to an additional position. Ms. Oots reported she, an Assistant, Administrative Assistant, and Supervisor have been recording documents to keep from falling further behind. A position was requested in FY 1993-94, but was denied during the budget process. The office is now in desperate need for a position, and the employees are extremely concerned about the functions of the office being behind. commissioner sisson asked Ms. Oots if the fees collected would pay for the position? If the revenue generated from the Register of Deeds office is placed in the general fund, and does she mind performance of an audit? Ms. Oots responded that all revenue generated goes directly into the general fund and that recording fees collected would more than pay for the requested position. As to an audit, she welcomes any suggestions or recommendations that would improve the workflow in the office. BREAK Chairman Greer called a break from 8:05 P.M. until 8:15 P.M. COMMENTS FROM THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY SCHOOLS Ms. Janice Cavenaugh, Chairman of the Board of Education, expressed appreciation to the Commissioners for an opportunity to ~iscuss the budget for New Hanover County. She requested Interim Superintendent, Dr. Marc Sosne, to discuss the upcoming budget. Dr. Sosne expressed appreciation for the hours involved with the budgetary process and for past s~pport of New Hanover County Schools. The ~elationship between the Board of Education and Board of County Commissioners is unique and very positive. For'the past ten years, the Commissioners have shouldered the political and financial burden of increasing the current expense budget 'at an average of 9% per year. After discussion with the County M~nager, it appears the schools will be offered a 3.77% increase in the current expense budget for FY 1994-95. The County Manager interprets, this increase as 6.8%; however, in his.figure money is included for the repayment of bonds. The Board of Education does not consider the bond repayment as an increase in the School Budget ..... ~-- /' MINUTES OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR FY 1994-95 BUDGET MAY 16, 1994 PAGE,98 because this is an obligation of the County and does not allow for flexibility in spending. The new dollars proposed for the School System with flexibirity in spending are only 3.77% of the current expense budget. No increase has been requested in the area of Capital Outlay. The $2.6 million dollars allocated in the FY 1993- 94 budget for renovations and furniture 'have been used to equip 15 additional classrooms for 15 new groups coming into the school system. On the current expense side (programs and personnel items) the Board of Education is asking for 15% additional dollars to provide choices for parents and students, such as year around schools, magnet schools, and programs that build a stronger base of community involvement in the New Hanover County Schools. In order to continue these programs and implement a good maintenance program, the Commissioners were requested to listen to the desires of the citizens as shown with passage of the school bond issue and increase taxes to fund these needs. Chairman of the Board of Education, Ms. Janice Cavenaugh, reported interested parents want to know if adequate funding will be provided for continuing the magnet school program, the year around school program, and the fiber optics program. The voters approved the bond issue and a maintenance program needs to be implemented in order to properly maintain the school buildings. The Board .of Education has drastically cut the School Budget and without additional funds from the County, these programs cannot be maintained. The Commissioners were urged to make a commitment and provide the funds requested in the school budget. Chairman Greer reported the Board of Education is the agency that is responsible for the use of County funds. In the proposed FY 1994-95 Budget, funds allocated to New Hanover County Schools have been increased by $1.2 million, which does not include the $600,000 estimated for bond debt. He requested all persons present to keep this in mind when discussing this funding request. Commissioner Sisson reported he and Vice-Chairman Mathews have held several discussions on the maintenance of the school buildings. Since the Commissioners have no control over the. use of funds, there is no guarantee that a. portion of these funds will be used to maintain the scho6ls. Discussion has been held on the possibility of the County's Property Management Department assuming the responsibility for the maintenance of school buildings. If the County decides to maintain the school buildings, funds would be subtracted from the School Budget. This would eliminate the management, and.operation of a non-educational issue for the Board of, Education. Also, the Board of Education was requested to furnish figures on the long-range cost of new schools programs, in order for the Commissioners to make budget decisions. The' Commissioners have not received an .answer to this request. If communication.does not occur between ttie~wo boards,.an alternative would be to allow for the Board of Education to prepare the entire budget and automatic?lly increase taxes with the citizens,being informed that the Board of Education is to be held accountable for the tax increase. County Manager O'Neal reported the county Staff and, School Staff are in disagreement with the figures used to determine the percentage of increase in the School Budget. From the County's perspective, the increase in operating and capital outlay combined" which is general fund money'and a portion of the 1/2' sales tax, represents a 10.6% increase over the current fu'nding for the schools.' The operating expense 'alone, which is general 'fund 'money',. from 'the current' year to Fy'1994':'95 represents an increase of 6.2%: If you add'the.two percentages together, the schools ate actually 7.ece~ 'iring' over :,a' 10% increase. . , . ... , ,. . . , t....;. , l..l.. ~ L . . - I , - ,'- ... ,,_ .. ....~.. ... .1 .; o o o e e e ,Of" ~ ''''\;\o'~'''' i;'i.' MINUTES OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR FY 1994-95 BUDGET MAY 16, 1994 PAGE 99 COMMENTS FROM SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER, RACHEL FREEMAN Ms. Rachel Freeman, a member of the Board of Education, complimented commissioner sisson for his in-depth study and interest in the school system. In her opinion, the underlying mission of the Board of Education is to make decisions that are right for aJ.l children attending New Hanover County Schools. As to the County performing maintenance of school buildings, she would recommended allowing time for the new 'Superintendent of Schools and Board of Education to discuss this matter before the Commissioners decide or move forward with this idea. BUDGET REQUEST FROM THE LEGAL SERVICES OF THE LOWER CAPE FEAR Mr. Marcus W. Williams, Deputy Executive Director of the Legal Services of the Lower Cape Fear, reported this is a non-prof it agency that provides legal services to low-income individuals and indigents for a seven-county area. The number of eligible clients served from New Hanover County constitutes 50% of the services provided by this ag~ncy. wi th the increasing number of abused children, domestic violence, and communicable diseases, services have increased, and funds in the amount of $7,370 are needed to purchase computer equipment so Legal Services can continue to provide legal assistance. The Commissioners were urged to approve the funding request. BUDGET REQUEST FROM THE NEW HANOVER/OGDEN VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD Mr. Alan Tiller, representing the New Hanover/Ogden Volunteer Rescue Squad, reported on the importance of public safety and requested an additional $17,000 over the County Manager's recommended budget request. In the past, the Rescue Squad has worked with the county in accepting the County Manager's proposed recommendations; however, due to increased maintenance, insurance rates, and the need to provide a 5% raise to one employee who has not received an increase in five years, additional funds are needed. All ambulances and rescue vehicles are purchased with donated funds. Also, vehicle and water rescue is being provided by the New Hanover/Ogden Volunteer Rescue Squad which is not provided by the County EMS Department. The Commissioners were urged to approve the additional funds in order to continue the daily operation of the squad. COMMENTS FROM THE FOOD BANK OF COASTAL CAROLINA Ms. Mary Lou Serene, Chairman of the Food Bank of Coastal Carolina Board, reported this ,agency provides services to 48 agencies who need emergency food. six working committees have been established to better provide services to the community. An explanation was presented on the various programs provided by the Food Bank and the monies raised through donations and award of grant funds. During the past year, the Food Bank has undergone a major reconstruction and hired a new Executive Director, Steven Bagley, who has been trained and is doing an excellent job. Many obstacles have been overcome and Mr. Bagley is working constantly 'to improve financial constraints. The Commissioners were urged to provide the $15,000 as requested in order to feed persons in need of food in New Hanover County. COMMENTS FROM COMMUNITY PENALTIES PROGRAM Ms. Debbie Hobbs, representing the Community Penalties Program, reported this agency's job is to provide alternatives to incarceration to sentencing judges. C\lrrently, it costs $1.49 per day to supervise a person on regular probation; $5.65 per day for intensive probation supervision; and $7.40 per day for electronic house arrest supervision. The cost of incarceration of one ,inmate per year is $22,000 at a minimum. During the past year, New Hanover county saved approximately $638,000 through alternatives to incarceration with those offenders paying over $153,000 in restitution to their victims. In order to save the taxpayers money and continue to provide alternatives to incarceration, the Commissioners were urged to approve the budget request of $13,000. ..... ~- MINUTES OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR FY 1994-95 BUDGET MAY 16," 1994 PAGE 100 Mr. H. G. Grohman, Chairman of the Communities Penalties Board, reported the Community Penalties Program in New Hanover County is now re~ognized as a model throughout the state of North Carolina. The state Legislature has allocated $800,000 for establishment of 40 new community penalties programs, which indicates the success of the program. In order to assist with the overcrowding of jails and continue to save the taxpayers money, the Commissioners were urged to approve the $13,000 as requested. COMMENTS FROM CHILD ADVOCACY COMMISSION Ms. Amy Hamee, Executi ve Director of the child Advocacy commission, expressed appreciation for the continued support of this agency by the Board of County Commissioners. Child Advocacy has fulfilled all of its objectives during the past year, and the agency plans to apply for grant funds and hold fund raisers to provide additional funds for the upcoming year. An explanation was presented on the programs rendered by the Child Advocacy Commission and emphasis was placed on the need for expansion of this program. The. number of children needing services has greatly increased. Appreciation was expressed for the $20,000 received last year, and the Commissioners were urged to approve the $20,000 recommended for FY 1994-95. COMMENTS FROM THE CAPE FEAR LITERACY COUNCIL Ms. Beth Panco, a member of the Cape Fear Literacy council, reported 20% of the adults in New Hanover County cannot read. The Council works with adults on a one-to-one basis and works with DSS and New Hanover County Public schools to tutor students. A new program entitled, "Books for Babies", has just been initiated to locate pregnant mothers and educate them on the value of reading to their children. Quite 'simply, the Cape Fear Literacy Council offers a new life to these people. The Commissioners were thanked for past support and urged to approve the funding recommended for F;Y 1994-95. . UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER Ms. Nancy Cates, Executive Director of the united Cerebral Palsy Development Center, expressed appreciation to the Commissioners for the past six years of funding support and urged the Board to accept the County Manager's funding recommendation for FY 1994-95. Through past funding, a family consultant position is in.place which has provided supportive services to families with pre-school children with developmental disabilities. Approximately 50 families are served by the agency, and through the funds provided by the County, these children are now better able to attend and learn in school. Also, the parents are better able to cope and have the strength to become advocates for these children., COMMENTS FROM ELDERHAUS . Ms. Linda Pearce, Executive Director of Elderhaus, expressed appreciation to the .Commissioners for continued support of Elderhaus and stated through these funds, the aging population of New Hanover County is being better served. COAST LINE CONVENTION CENTER Mr. Steve Davenport, Executive Director of the Coast Line Convention Center, reported with the funds received last year the Coast Line Convention Center has increased the number of people using the Center, and if these figures continue to increase, th~ Center will improve financially. The commissioners were urged to approve the County Manager's funding recommendation. ' COMMENTS FROM THE COMMITTEE OF 100 , . . Mr."Paul Boney, Chairman of the Committee of 100, expressed, appreciation to Vice-Chairman Mathews for his service and active participation on the Committee of 100 Board of Directors., He reported on the efforts of this committee in .recruitiil<j new; fndustry 'and economic develCipment' for New" Hanover' ''-county'; Appreciation .J was expressed for' the County Maria'gar" s funding' o o o e e e .". ~1' """'lIl ...t\~ {~ "'t '. MINUTES OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR FY 1994-95 BUDGET MAY 16, 1994 PAGE '101 recommendation and Mr. Rob Dunne, the new Executive Director of the Committee of 100, was introduced to make a few remarks. Mr. Dunne reported the Committee of 100 did receive less than requested, but stated the Committee will cut back in expenses and continue to operate at the excellent level of service as provided in the past. Chairman Greer, on behalf of the Board, welcomed Mr. Dunne to New Hanover County. COMMENTS FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC The following remarks were received from the general public on the proposed FY 1994-95 County Budget: Mr. Keith Farmer, a parent of two children attending New Hanover County Schools, commented on the importance of expanded programs, such as the year around school, and urged the Commissioners to provide funding for these programs. In order to prevent crime and poverty, New Hanover County must provide a quality education to our children. The Commissioners were urged to fund these programs and provide a high quality of education to children attending New Hanover County Schools. Dr. Heywood Bellamy, a former Superintendent of Schools, reported during the school bond campaign, many citizens expressed concern about school maintenance. He stated these citizens are willing to pay for the provision .of a quality education and the implementation of a good maintenance program; therefore, the Commissioners should provide the necessary fund~ even if taxes have to be raised. Ms. Lori Stephenson, a member of the Board of Education and the parent of two school children, reported parents are begging for the provision of more year around schools in New Hanover County. The Commissioners were urged to provide a choice for parents and provide the necessary funds to continue the year around school program. Ms. Lea Kinsburg, a parent of two children in the public schools, commented on the chart presented by Dr. Sosne and urged the Commissioners to fund the school system as being done in other urban counties throughout the State of North Carolina. Mr. Stephen R. Yandle, a New Hanover County taxpayer with children in the New Hanover County School System, commented on being a member of the various school PTO's and stated these organizations have raised funds to provide technical equipment, safety equipment and other items that were not included in the budget for schools. He urged the Commissioners to raise taxes if necessary to provide sufficient school supplies in the classrooms and a quality education for all children attending New Hanover County Schools. Ms. Bertie Clark, a parent and employee of the School System for eight years, reported on working in 10-12 schools per week and stated the Board of Education has indicated that new programs will be cut if additional funds are not acquired. The taxpayers have made a statement with passage of the bond issue and are willing to pay additional taxes to provide a quality education to all children attending schools in New Hanover County. , Ms. Joanne Crowley commented on being embarrassed about never attending a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners' or the Board of Education and stated this year she will have children leaving home to attend the public schools. She urged the Commissioners to provide the necessary funds to provide year around schools and stated the citizens of the New Hanover County are willing to pay for a quality education. . ~ ~. ( M~NUTE~ OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR FY 1994~9S BUDGET MAY 16, 1994 PAGE 102 " ..~ '. ... Mr. John Kolter, a retired citizen, reported on working for passage of the bond issue and stated the senior citizens are very concerned about maintenance of the schools. He urged the Commissioners to provide the funds .necessary for implementation of a proper maintenance program. Chairman Greer closed the Public Hearing. Vice-Chairman Mathews commented on safety, public health, poor maintenance, and the lack of discipline in the schools and expressed concern for the condition of restrooms facilities. He reported that doors are off of hinges, there is no soap, no toilet tissue or paper towels, and recommended the monitoring of restrooms, if necessary, to be sure that children have clean and safe restroom facilities. o \ , Chairman Greer expressed appreciation to the parents present and commended them for expressing their concerns about the quality of education in .New Hanover County. Emphasis was placed on the fact that New Hanover County has only a certain amount of dollars to be distributed among the many agencies that provide services to our citizens. The Commissioners will consider the comments received tonight and objectively weigh the funding requests from all agencies including what is best for the children attending New Hanover County Schools. ADJOURNMENT . Chairman Greer adjourned the meeting at 9:31 P.M. Respectfully submitted, ~~t~ Clerk to the Board o , . " . ' . . , o . . 'J .. .. . ;". :. ~ .. ,..... , .