Agenda Package - 09-15-08 - Laserfiche WebLink

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00,16 of $45 million. Currently 89% of Lee County is composed of farmland (46,084 acres) and 99,188 O acres of forestland. Unplanned development of these lands can have a negative impact on the county's budget, erode natural resources and threaten agriculture heritage. Ms. Condlin stated that sixty (60) counties and two (2) municipalities have adopted Voluntary Agriculture District (VAD) Ordinances. A VAD is designed to encourage the preservation and protection of family farms, to increase the visibility of agricultural, forestry and horticultural operations and to protect and promote these land uses. The Ordinance seeks to preserve open space; and increase the visibility of agricultural operations so new or potential landowners are aware of the potential for dust, noise, and smells associated with agriculture. Representatives from the Tax Office, Register of Deeds, GIS, Planning, Soil and Water, NC Cooperative Extension, NC Forestry, area farmers, agri-business, landowners, reaitors and others have worked on the proposed Ordinance. Commissioner Reives moved to approve the Voluntary Agricultural District Ordinance, a copy of which is attached to these minutes and by this reference made a part hereof. Upon a vote, the results were as follows: Aye: Kelly, Lemmond, Paschal, Quiggle, Reives, and Shook Nay: None Absent: Brown The Vice-Chairman ruled the motion passed on the first reading. The Ordinance must he considered again at the September meeting since Commissioner Brown was not present for the vote. The Board considered the Tax Collectors Annual Settlement for FY 2008 and Prior Years. Tax Administrator Dwane Brinson stated each year the Tax Collector must make settlement with ® the governing board per NC Gen Stat 105-373. As part of the settlement, the governing board charges the Tax Collector with collecting taxes for the current fiscal year, which in this case is FY 2009. Mr. Brinson stated this "charge" gives the Tax Collector authority to use enforced collection measures and gives notice that the tax lien is first in priority. A power point presentation was presented to give highlight aspects of this year's settlement as well as to clarify the performance of the Tax Office for FY 2008. After discussion, Commissioner Kelly moved to charge the Tax Collector with collection of FY 2009 taxes and a Resolution approving the Tax Collector's Annual Settlement for FY 2008 and Prior Years, copies of which are attached to these minutes and by this reference made a part hereof. Upon a vote, the results were as follows: Aye: Kelly, Lemmond, Paschal, Quiggle, Reives, and Shook Nay: None Absent: Brown The Vice-Chairman ruled the motion had been adopted unanimously. The Board considered the contract for Mortgage-Style Foreclosure Program Commissioner Shook had pulled from the Consent Agenda earlier in the meeting. Commissioner Shook stated she would like to see a spreadsheet showing the number of parcels numbered by owner, outstanding taxes due, and also questioned the expense and cost to Lee County for this program with Zaccheaus Legal Services (ZLS). A representative from Zaccheaus Legal Services was present and answered questions from the Board. After some discussion, Commissioner Kelly moved to approve the contract for Mortgage-Style Foreclosure Program with ZLS as presented, a copy of which is attached to these minutes and by this reference made a part hereof. ® Upon a vote, the results were as follows: