2011 - 05-02-2011 Reg. Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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24 ,., 104 Aye: Hayes, Oldham, Parks, Paschal, Reives, Shook, and Womack Nay: None The Chairman ruled the motion had been adopted unanimously. Pursuant to N.C. General Statute 153A -52.1, Chairman Shook opened the floor for Public Comments. The following signed up to speak and were allowed 3 minutes for comments: 1. Mr. Ed Garrison, 2215 Lord Ashley Drive, Sanford 2. Mr. Charles Staley, 3117 Hickory Hill Drive, Sanford The Board considered the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for FY 2012 -2016. County Manager John Crumpton reviewed with the Board his recommended CIP that was presented at the March 21, 2011 meeting. A public hearing on the CIP was held during the April 18 meeting, with no one speaking for or against the proposed projects. The only projects recommended for FY 2011 -12 by the County Manager is $1,400,000 for the Lee County Industrial Park, $12,141,600 for renovations to Lee County High School, and $1,745,750 for renovations to the basement of the Lee County Courthouse for a new Emergency Operations Center (EOC), back -up 911 Center and expanded operations for both Lee County Emergency Management and the Lee County Sheriff's Department. Commissioner Womack made the following comments in reference to the proposed CIP: • Concerned that the County Manager mentioned a tax increase four times in his CIP message. • Doesn't feel the county should be considering a tax increase at this time until the economy turns around. • Suggested that a five -year plan be presented on what needs to be completed at this time and only do what we can afford to do at this time. • Thinks the Board needs to study the CIP further before adoption. • Thinks the County needs to tighten up on the budget. • Stated that a group of citizens would like to see the tax rate reduced. • Feels the Board should review the budget line -by -line to make sure money is spent wisely. • Thinks the renovations at Lee Senior High School are the biggest project this year. • Need to study and review the backup 911 Center and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) projects before plans are developed. • Doesn't think the Board is following their policy on funding projects. Commissioner Parks made the following comments: • Citizens say they cannot stand a tax increase at this time. • Not in agreement with much of what the County Manager stated in his CIP statement. Commissioner Hayes made the following comments: • Thinks the expenditures recommended by the County Manager are at a minimum except the new EOC. • Doesn't feel a tax increase will be required the way the County Manager has outlined projects. • Funds from the 911 Fund can be used toward the new EOC. • Doesn't feel there is anything extravagant in the recommended CIP. • Urged the Board to resist the temptation to put us behind rather than keep us at pace at this time. 2