Minutes - 2-3-14 Reg. Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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B K: 00026 PG M40 The Chairman ruled the motion had been adopted unanimously. Pursuant to N.C. General Statute §153A -52.1, Chairman Parks opened the floor for Public Comments. The following signed up to speak and were allowed 3 minutes for comments: 1. Jay Calendine, 210 High Ridge Drive, Apt. 4, Sanford (discussed Resolution opposing lawsuit approved by the Board of Education), and 2. Bob Finch, 1414 Chatham Street, Sanford (withdrew his request since Mr. Calendine discussed everything he had been planning on presenting) The Board considered a Resolution Opposing North Carolina School Board Association School Voucher Lawsuit. Commissioner Womack presented this Resolution to Commissioners at their January 21 meeting for review. Commissioner Womack discussed the Resolution and the Lee County Board of Education's recent decision to support and join the NCSBA lawsuit that seeks to overturn Session Law 2013 -360 implementing Opportunity Grants for low income facilities in the State of North Carolina. He also stated the School Board's support of the lawsuit was an embarrassment to the County's hard working taxpayers and could prejudice the North Carolina General Assembly's view of the values and integrity of our county. Commissioner Womack stated the Board of Commissioners did not appropriate nor approve the expenditure of tax dollars for use in any litigation against the State of North Carolina or its jurisdictions. He further stated he thinks the lawsuit is using taxpayer money and the Resolution is a statement of fact and the Board of Commissioners did not endorse the Board of Education entering into this lawsuit. Commissioner Womack moved to approve the Resolution Opposing the NCSBA School Voucher Lawsuit Against the State of North Carolina, a copy of which is attached to these Minutes and by this reference made a part hereof. Commissioner Dalrymple discussed research she had completed on the matter and urged fellow Commissioners to vote in opposition to the Resolution. Commissioner Reives stated he didn't understand why the Resolution was being so hard on the School Board and thinks the language is too harsh. He further stated he didn't think the School Board was out of line in joining in the lawsuit. After further discussion, the results of the motion to approve the Resolution were as follows: Aye: Knecht, Parks, Smith, and Womack Nay: Dalrymple, Frazier, and Reives The Chairman ruled the motion had been adopted by a 4 to 3 vote. Commissioner Dalrymple asked if result of the vote could be shared with our legislative delegates. Social Services Director Brenda Potts updated Commissioners on the NC Fast Program. Ms. Potts stated she did not have enough staff to take care of the job in a timely manner and would be asking for additional staff in the near future. No action was taken. The Board considered the tax lien advertisement for delinquent 2013 real property taxes. Tax Administrator Mary Yow stated that North Carolina General Statute §105 -369 (a) requires the tax collector to report to the governing board all unpaid taxes for the current fiscal year. The governing board must order the tax collector to advertise the tax liens. Commissioner Womack asked that the delinquent taxes be posted on the County website so citizens could review prior to being posted in the newspaper. After discussion, Commissioner Dalrymple moved for the tax collector to advertise delinquent 2013 real property taxes as authorized by statute. Upon a vote, the results were as follows: Aye: Dalrymple, Frazier, Knecht, Parks, Reives, Smith, and Womack Nay: None 2