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1995-05-01 Consolidation Work Session NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CONSOLIDATION STUDY COMMISSION, MAY 1, 1995 BOOK 24 PAGE 649 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners and Wilmington City Council held a Consolidation Study Commission meeting on Monday, May 1, 1995, at 8:15 A.M. in the Madeline Suite of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, 601 South College Road, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present were: Commissioners Sandra Barone; WilliamA. Caster; William E. Sisson, Jr.; vice-Chairman E. L. Mathews, Jr.; Chairman Robert G. Greer; County Manager, Allen 0' Neal; County Attorney, Wanda M. Copley; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell. Members present from the Wilmington City Council were: Mayor Don Betz; Mayor Pro-Tern Katherine B. Moore; Councilmembers J. D. Causey; Hamilton E. Hicks, Jr.; Laura Padgett; Charlie Rivenbark; Michael Youngblood; City Manager, Mary Gornto; City Attorney, Tom Pollard; and City Clerk, Penelope Spicer-Sidbury. Chairman Greer and Mayor Betz called the respective boards to order. Chairman Greer requested the Charter Committee to present a report. Councilmember Rivenbark requested time to discuss the bill introduced by Representative Danny McComas before hearing the report by the Charter Committee. He reported on April 4, 1995, the Wilmington City Council adopted a resolution to oppose the bill introduced by Representative McComas. Concern was expressed for hearing that a resolution of support had been prepared for the Commissioners to consider at the regular meeting scheduled that evening. He commented on the time and effort given by the members of both governing bodies to study the consolidation issue, and asked if the Commissioners were in favor of the proposed bill, and if so, what could the proposed Task Force accomplish that had not already been done by the subcommittees? Chairman Greer advised that he was not opposed to the bill since it had been amended to prohibit the legislature from appointing persons to serve on the local Task Force. He explained that the Task Force would be composed of six members from the City, six members from the County, and one member from each beach committee. As to the differences in duties of the proposed Task Force, he could not answer; however, in his opinion, Representative McComas felt the Consolidation Study Commission could become bogged down on certain issues and the voters would not be given an opportunity to vote on consolidation before the City moved forward with its annexation plan. Also, the bill would allow more time for the consolidation plan to be prepared. Councilmember Rivenbark strongly objected to the Commissioners even considering a resolution of support and requested the City Attorney to present a brief overview of the proposed bill. City Attorney Pollard reported the bill would establish a Task Force to review the consolidation of the City and County, the consolidation of one or more City and County functions, and the annexation laws for New Hanover County. The bill authorizes the Task Force to perform a consolidation study, study annexation laws, create a consolidated local government including the local governments of the beach communities, study other possible local government structures, prepare a report on its findings, and prepare an ordinance or legislation to call for a referendum on these items. A referendum could be called on any plan proposed wi th more than one issue placed on the ballot. No plan would become effective until approved by the General Assembly except for a plan relating to annexation. The Task Force would be charged with holding regular meetings and directed to present the plan to NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CONSOLIDATION STUDY COMMISSION, MAY 1, 1995 BOOK 24 PAGE 650 the New Hanover County Board of County Commissioners and Wilmington City Council without being required to receive final approval from either government. Councilmember Padgett expressed concern for the Commissioners being supportive of a bill that would allow the State Legislature to interfere in the local consolidation effort with the ability to provide a structure of government to be presented to the voters without approval by the City or County. Councilmember Youngblood strongly objected to a bill which would allow non-elected officials, who are not responsible for levying the tax rates and preparing budgets, to have authority to prepare a consolidation plan and schedule the referendum. He stated, in his opinion, this would be setting a bad precedent for any future consolidation effort throughout the State. Mayor Pro-Tern Moore agreed with Councilmember Youngblood and reported the City Council had taken action to proceed with studying consolidation and, in her opinion, the Consolidation Study Commission should move forward within the time frame outlined. She pointed out that every member of the Board of County Commissioners and the Wilmington City Council had voted in good faith to proceed with a consolidation study; therefore, both bodies should carry out this action. vice-Chairman Mathews reported the County Commissioners as a group had not voted to endorse the McComas bill. He stated, for the record, he was opposed to the bill and felt the subcommittees were moving forward with developing a plan for an October referendum. He cautioned delaying this issue when the people throughout the County are behind the consolidation effort. Councilmember Youngblood expressed concern for no growth in the City and reported the annexation plan had been on the table since 1979 with 60,000 people in the City supporting the infrastructure needs for 130,000 people, which, in his opinion, was not a healthy situation for the City. Commissioner Sisson expressed concern for any rational person feeling the City of Wilmington was providing infrastructure needs for 130,000 people. He reported County residents were not asking for City services and did not want to be annexed because they felt everything would be lost with nothing gained. In his opinion, the Consolidation Study Commission was formed to develop a government that would be more efficient and better serve its citizens. If both the City Council and Board of County Commissioners cannot work together in forming a more efficient government, then the idea should be dismissed. Councilmember Rivenbark responded he had no desire to discontinue the consolidation process; however, he was gravely concerned about the proposed resolution of support for the McComas bill to be considered by the Board of County Commissioners. After further discussion, Chairman Greer stated members of the Board were cognizant of the fact that members of the City Council had been holding meetings on annexation informing people that the City was planning to move forward with its plan. These meetings were held after the formation of the Consolidation Study Commission, which has caused great concern among the citizens of the unincorporated county as well as questioning the true intent of the City Council in preparing and presenting a consolidation plan to the voters in October. Councilmember Youngblood responded the City had placed annexation on hold and reported he was amazed to hear the City Council was not working toward preparing a plan to present to the voters in October. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CONSOLIDATION STUDY COMMISSION, MAY 1, 1995 BOOK 24 PAGE 651 Councilmember Hicks reported on the need to present a plan that would reflect a savings through a consolidated government and stated if the plan shows no significant savings he would not vote to place this item on the ballot in October. Chairman Greer responded this was why he was in favor of the McComas Bill. He reported on February 28, 1995, the Consolidation Study Commission voted unanimously to develop a plan for consolidation and to move forward with presenting the plan to the voters in October. He expressed concern for preparing a plan with half of the members of the Consolidation Study Commission coming back later feeling the plan had not saved enough money, or the number of employees had not been sufficiently reduced. He stressed the importance of allowing the citizens to vote on consolidation before the City proceeds with its annexation plan. Mayor Pro-tern Moore expressed Councilmembers not working toward meetings had been held by some annexation after the Consolidation concern for the same goal Councilmembers Study Commission many of the and reported lobbying for was formed. Mayor Betz commented on this type of discussion not being constructive and asked Commissioner Barone if a resolution of support was on the agenda for the meeting to be held by the Board of County Commissioners this evening? Commissioner Barone responded a resolution of support for the McComas Bill would be presented at the meeting that evening. She explained the bill would resolve many issues, particularly the voting inequity problem on the Consolidation Study Commission with appointment of six elected officials from the City, five elected officials from the Board of County Commissioners with one member appointed by the Board, and one representative from each of the three beach communities. Councilmember Rivenbark, agaln, expressed concern for the Commissioners considering the McComas Bill. REPORT FROM THE CHARTER COMMITTEE Chairman Greer reported the Charter Committee by a majority vote had decided on the following issues: Name of Government: The Wilmington-New Hanover Consolidated Government. Size of Government: Seven or nine members, including a Mayor. System of Government: Council/Manager government. Partisan vs. Nonpartisan Elections: Partisan Method of Elections: Primaries, with all members elected at-large. Districts with a residency requirement may be considered in the future. Terms of Office: Four-year terms with staggered terms after the transi tion period is completed. Transi tion options are to be considered by the Study Commission. Presiding Officer: Elected at-large for a four-year term. Part-Time vs. Full-Time Elected Officials: The Commissioners would be part-time elected officials. Procedure for Filling Vacancies: The Governing Body would appoint the replacement from a member of the political party represented by the vacating member. The appointee would serve until the next election, at which time a replacement would be chosen by the electorate to complete the remaining two years, if applicable. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CONSOLIDATION STUDY COMMISSION, MAY 1, 1995 BOOK 24 PAGE 652 Beach Towns: A letter was received from the Wrightsville Beach Board of Aldermen declining the offer to become a part of the consolidated government. No response has been received from the Town of Carolina Beach or the Town of Kure Beach. Service Districts: The entire County would be taxed for county- wide services such as education, health, etc.; however, one service district would be created excluding the corporate boundaries of the beach municipalities for services not provided county-wide. Appointment of Administrative Officials: The governing body would appoint the Manager, Attorney, Clerk, and Fire Chief. County posi tions for which appointments are controlled by the N. C. General Statutes would remain the same, including the DSS Director, Heal th Director, Tax Supervisor, Tax Collector, and Elections Director. Procedure for Modifying the Form of Government: The Committee recommends use of the current City procedure because it will allow for greater flexibility. Minor changes could be accomplished by the Board and substantive changes could be decided by a referendum, petitioned by the voters. Planning and Zoning: The Charter Committee will yield to the recommendations of the Planning and Zoning Committee. Personnel: The Charter Committee will yield to the recommendations of the Administration/Personnel Committee. Commissioner Barone expressed concern for the procedure outlined to fill a vacancy on the Consolidated Board and recommended filling the vacancy with the candidate who had received the next highest number of votes. She explained that a candidate had gone through the election process; had been questioned by the people on important issues; and had expended money to run for election; therefore, this person should be appointed to fill the vacant seat. After discussion among the members of the Charter Committee, it was concluded the procedure outlined for filling a vacancy on the Consolidated Board was approved by a majority vote of the members. Councilmember Padgett reported it was her understanding that the Fire Chief would be appointed by the Manager, not the consolidated government. Also, it was concluded that the Charter Committee would yield to the recommendation of the Public Safety Committee as to how the Chief Law Enforcement Officer would be appointed. After discussion, it was concluded there was an error in the minutes of the last Charter Committee meeting, and the "Fire Chief" was to be appointed by the Manager. Mayor Pro-Tern Moore commented on the appointment of administrative personnel and recommended appointing the Manager, Attorney, and Clerk with the corresponding Manager, Attorney, and Clerk becoming assistants for at least one year. She requested that this procedure be added to the report by the Charter Committee. Councilmember Youngblood expressed concern about two department heads remaining in the appointed positions from an expense point of view as well as direction and stated, in his opinion, this procedure would create confusion. Mayor Pro-Tern Moore reported the workload would be too great for each appointee. For example, if the City Attorney was NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CONSOLIDATION STUDY COMMISSION, MAY 1, 1995 BOOK 24 PAGE 653 appointed, he would need the County Attorney to help him understand the needs of the County during the transition period. Commissioner Sisson agreed with the Mayor Pro-Tern and reported both Managers, Attorneys, and Clerks will be needed for their experience in dealing with the City and County issues. Also, there will be managerial areas that will be difficult to combine, such as Civil Codes, Fire Codes, and Planning and Zoning Codes. Discussion was held on how to address the removal of old elected officials with newly elected officials during the transi tion period. Chairman Greer presented three options prepared by the Charter Committee and requested each member to review the options and be prepared to discuss them at the next meeting. Discussion was held on Option 2. Mayor Pro-Tern Moore reported, in her opinion, this would be an appropriate option. Chairman Greer explained that under Option 2, the Charter Committee felt it would be difficult for candidates running for office to spend money for the election process and find out later they would be elected for only one year. Mayor Pro-Tern Moore suggested informing all candidates ln advance that some terms could be for one year. After a lengthy discussion of the options for electing a new consolidated board, it was concluded that each member of the Consolidation Study Commission should submit a preferred option or written proposal to the Charter Committee on how to elect new members and remove old members during the transition period. The Charter Committee would review the recommendations and prepare an option to be presented to the Consolidation Study Commission at the next meeting. Councilmember Youngblood inquired as to whether the Charter Committee had reviewed any consolidated governments that still had a municipality within the jurisdiction after the consolidation. After further discussion, it was the consensus of the Consolidation Study Commission to request Staff to contact the Jacksonville- Duvall County consolidated government to find out if Jacksonville Beach was still a municipality inside the jurisdiction of Duvall County. Discussion was held on deciding whether to have seven or nine members on the Consolidated Board. Councilmember Rivenbark reported on the time required to serve as a Councilmember and stated, in his opinion, a nine-member board would be needed to handle the volume of work and provide for a broader citizen representation from within the community. Councilmember Youngblood commented on the number of zoning cases and reported he felt a nine-member board would be essential to handle the volume. Commissioner Sisson commented on planning and zoning issues and stated hopefully the Planning Commission would be able to devise a procedure that would not require the Consolidated Board to hear every insignificant planning issue. Also, more board members would increase the workload for the Manager, Attorney, and Clerk. Mayor Pro-Tern Moore spoke in favor of a nine-member board because it would provide for a broader representation from within the community. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CONSOLIDATION STUDY COMMISSION, MAY 1, 1995 BOOK 24 PAGE 654 Motion: Mayor Betz MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barone for the Consolidated Board to be composed of seven members. The floor was opened for discussion. Councilmember Rivenbark commented on appointing seven members and asked if more members were needed, how difficult would it be to increase the number of members to nine? Chairman Greer responded the procedure for modifying the form of government recommended by the Charter Committee would allow for minor changes by the consolidated board. Substitute Motion: Mayor Pro-Tern Moore MADE A SUBSTITUTE MOTION, SECONDED by Councilmember Padgett to appoint a nine-member board with the condition that the charter would be changed if this number was not satisfactory. The floor was opened for discussion. Chairman Greer stressed the importance of resolving the voting inequity issue before taking a vote by the Consolidation Study Commission and recommended using a 1.4 count for each Commissioner's vote rounded off to the nearest figure. Commissioner Barone advised that a suggestion had been received from a member of the general public to require a 75% vote from the members of Consolidation Study Commission before an item was approved. Mayor Pro-Tern Moore reported the 1.4 count per Commissioner rounded off to the nearest number would be satisfactory with her. Councilmember Youngblood asked what would be wrong with requiring a majority vote by the Board of County Commissioners and a majority vote by the City Council which would represent the 50/50 partnership. Councilmember Causey reported the 1.4 count is no different than each governing body voting separately on an issue. He recommended allowing each governing body to vote separately and work on an issue until it was resolved. Substitute Motion: Commissioner Sisson MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Caster to adopt a procedure that would allow a weighted vote of 1.4% for each County Commissioner contingent upon the total vote being rounded off according to standard mathematical procedures with each City Councilmember having one vote. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Barone Commissioner Caster Commissioner Sisson Vice-Chairman Mathews Chairman Greer Mayor Betz Mayor Pro-Tern Moore Councilmember Padgett Voting Nay: Councilmember Causey Councilmember Hicks Councilmember Rivenbark Councilmember Youngblood Chairman Greer called for a vote on the Substitute Motion by Mayor Pro-Tern Moore to appoint a nine-member board for the original consolidated board contingent upon the charter being changed to reduce this number if not satisfactory. Commissioner Sisson requested an explanation as to why the Mayor Pro-Tern felt the number should be nine. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CONSOLIDATION STUDY COMMISSION, MAY 1, 1995 BOOK 24 PAGE 655 Mayor Pro-Tern Moore responded the appointment of nine members would provide for a better representation throughout the community and also reduce the responsibilities of each elected official. Commissioner Caster stated, in his opinion, increasing the number of members to nine would not reduce the responsibilities of each board member. He recommended a seven-member board with prioritization of the number of boards and committees to which the elected officials could be appointed. Councilmember Hicks reported the thought process behind seven members was to require more delegation and use of staff; however, he agreed with Mayor Pro-Tern Moore in that nine members would provide a more equitable representation throughout the County. Councilmember Padgett spoke in favor of a nine-member board feeling the responsibilities could be more evenly spread among the members as well as provide for a broader representation throughout the community. Councilmember Causey spoke in favor of a nine-member board to lessen the workload for each member as well as enable the board to be in a better position to deal with districts in the future. Councilmember Youngblood spoke in favor of a nine-member board because of the increased workload that would be placed on each member under a consolidated government. Chairman Greer called for a vote on the SUBSTITUTE MOTION to appoint an original board of nine members with the condition that the charter would be changed if the number was not satisfactory. Upon vote, the MOTION RECEIVED A TIE VOTE AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Mayor Pro Tern Moore Councilmember Causey Councilmember Hicks Councilmember Padgett Councilmember Youngblood Councilmember Rivenbark Commissioner Sisson (Vote Count: 7.4 rounded off to 7.0) Voting Nay: Chairman Greer Commissioner Caster Commissioner Barone Vice-Chairman Mathews Mayor Betz (Vote Count: 6.6 rounded off to 7.0) Discussion was held on the Charter Committee's recommendation for holding partisan elections. Commissioner Sisson objected to partisan elections, particularly on the local level, and expressed concern for the politics as well as the cost involved to a candidate when campaigning through a primary and general election. He stressed the importance of keeping the cost to a minimum so average citizens could run for office. Mayor Pro Tern Moore spoke in favor of non-partisan elections wi th emphasis being placed on the need to remove some of the politics out of government on the local level. Chairman Greer requested direction from the Consolidation Study Committee and reported this issue could be voted on today by the group, or the matter could be further discussed by the Charter Committee. Commissioner Barone suggested allowing the Charter Committee to continue to review the issue with a recommendation being presented to the Consolidation Study Commission for final approval. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CONSOLIDATION STUDY COMMISSION, MAY 1, 1995 BOOK 24 PAGE 656 After discussion of partisan elections being a majority vote on the Charter Committee, it was decided to vote on the issue. Mayor Betz inquired as to whether the Charlotte/Mecklenburg consolidation effort had decided on partisan versus non-partisan elections. Ci ty Attorney, Tom Pollard, responded the recommendation of the Charlotte/Mecklenburg Consolidation Study Committee was for partisan elections. Commissioner Sisson inquired as to whether a non-partisan recommendation would comply to the N. C. General Statutes? County Attorney Copley responded that special legislation would be required. Commissioner Sisson recommended that Staff legal aspects of non-partisan elections for government. investigate the a consolidated Mayor Pro-Tern Moore recommended calling for a vote on the issue to determine the desire of the group. She reminded everyone that the Wilmington/New Hanover Consolidated Government would be the first government of its type in the State and reported the General Assembly would render a final decision; however, by voting on the issue, the legislators would know the desire of the elected officials. Councilmember Hicks recommended that Staff contact the N. C. League of Municipalities for an opinion on non-partisan elections. City Attorney Pollard reported the included non-partisan elections with method of election as presently being Special legislation would be required Assembly. last consolidation charter the election and run-off used by the City Council. if approved by the General Commissioner Barone commented on the need to be realistic and stated when asking the local legislators to support or oppose bills that impact local governments, she felt a partisan board would receive more support from the local delegation. She commented on serving as a Councilmember and County Commissioner and reported on the differences in the services provided by the County, such as schools, public health, social services, etc. She stated the local legislators had been a valuable asset in supporting or opposing bills that would greatly impact County funding for these programs which are mandated by the N. C. General Statutes. Councilmember Rivenbark disagreed and stated, in his opinion, a partisan or non-partisan board would not make a difference. He expressed concern for the politics involved with partisan boards and reported a non-partisan board would remove some of the politics and at the same time provide a more equitable form of government. Chairman Greer reported he was for partisan elections. Motion: After elections on the by Councilmember vote, THE MOTION discussion of the need to have non-partisan local level, Mayor Pro-Tern Moore MOVED, SECONDED Rivenbark to hold non-partisan elections. Upon RECEIVED A TIE VOTE AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Mayor Betz Mayor Pro Tern Moore Councilmember Hicks Councilmember Rivenbark Councilmember Padgett Councilmember Causey Commissioner Sisson (Vote Count: 7.4 rounded off to 7.0) NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CONSOLIDATION STUDY COMMISSION, MAY 1, 1995 BOOK 24 PAGE 657 Voting Nay: Councilmember Youngblood Commissioner Barone Commissioner Caster Vice-Chairman Mathews Chairman Greer (Vote Count: 6.6 rounded off to 7.0) Consensus: After further discussion, it was the consensus of the Consolidation Study Commission to accept the Charter Committee's report with the exception of Item 4, partisan versus non-partisan elections, which will be discussed at the next meeting. CHARTER COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULED FOR MAY 17, 1995 The members of the Charter Committee scheduled the next meeting for Wednesday, May 17, 1995, at 8:00 A.M. in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Administration Building, 320 Chestnut Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. REPORT FROM THE UTILITIES COMMITTEE Mayor Betz presented the following preliminary recommendations of the Utilities Committee: (1) The form of consolidation should be a Water and Sewer Department. Options for drainage/stormwater management are still under study. (2) The budgets and functions of the County District and City Water and Sewer can be combined with the following results: Sales Tax revenue transfers can be phased out over three years as follows: 1996/97 - $3.666 million; 1997/98 - $2.566 million; 1998/99 - $1.347 million; and 1999/00 - $0. An increase in user rates for 1996/97 at 10%; 1997/98 at 9.75%; and 1998/99 at 9.75%. A facility impact fee of $736 per house for water and also for sewer. (3) The Committee recommends that the Consolidated Government initially assume the operation of the District's system through an interlocal agreement. The District would remain in statutory existence for this purpose only. A lengthy discussion was held on the County's current impact fee of $375. Councilmember Padgett inquired as to whether the $375 was the entire cost of getting sewer to a house other than paying for a plumber? Assistant County Manager, Dave Weaver, responded the $375 was a facility fee placed in an escrow account for future expansion of the County's sewer system. He noted the County did not have an impact fee for the transportation of sewer. Councilmember Padgett asked if households were assessed when the County extended sewer into a neighborhood? Assistant County Manager Weaver responded when the bond referendum was held several years ago, bond proceeds were to be used to pay for the transportation of sewer as well as for construction of trunk lines. The debt service for the bond issue had traditionally been paid from revenues generated by the sales tax. Councilmember Padgett commented on the fact that all citizens were paying for the sewer expansion and inquired as to the cost involved to the individual homeowner? NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CONSOLIDATION STUDY COMMISSION, MAY 1, 1995 BOOK 24 PAGE 658 County Manager O'Neal reported the County was not using the property tax to pay for water and sewer services. The 1/2 cent sales tax was being used for sewer construction, which was approved and designated for this purpose by the General Assembly several years ago. Councilmember Youngblood inquired as to whether the rate increases projected would provide for extension of service into the new consolidated government. City Manager Gornto reported the projected rate increases reflect the removal of the sales tax subsidy on the County Sewer System and a modest extension of service. In response to the question asked by Councilmember Youngblood, the cost figures being reviewed by the City for extension of water and sewer service into the entire annexation study area are not comparable to the figures presented. Using these figures, the City's $71 million fund balance and the Water & Sewer District's $7 million fund balance would be used. If the utilities were not consolidated, residents of the City would not receive a 10% increase. Commissioner Barone reported the Utilities Committee was aware that certain inequities would have to be worked out. Commissioner Sisson explained that a sewer system without water cannot be compared to a sewer system with water. Most sewer systems barely break even. The majority of municipalities provide both water and sewer with the sewer being supported by the water fee. Mayor Betz pointed out that not only would cash reserves be blended, but the City's debt of $61.4 million with the County's water and sewer debt of $34.6 million would be blended providing a 2-1 ratio for debt service. CONSOLIDATION STUDY COMMISSION SCHEDULED FOR MAY 22, 1995 It was the consensus of the group to schedule a Consolidation Study Commission meeting at the Coast Line Convention Center on Monday, May 22, 1995, at 8:00 A.M. Councilmember Causey reported before adjourning the meeting he would like to report the minutes of the Wilmington City Council reflect that Council addressed annexation as an orderly plan for consideration contingent upon a vote on consolidation. He stressed the importance of everyone understanding that the City will proceed with its annexation plan if the voters oppose consolidation. Councilmember Rivenbark reported the residents of the County did not request another study of consolidation until the City announced it would proceed with its orderly plan for annexation, which was slowed down in 1987. In his opinion, if the plan had been carried out as proposed and not slowed down by the City, the two governments would not be discussing consolidation. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Greer expressed appreciation to the elected officials for their comments and adjourned the meeting at 10:50 A.M. Respectfully submitted, Lucie F. Harrell Clerk to the Board