1989 - 08-07-89 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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eo:t 12 841 those invited and was no different than the 3 P. M. appointment the Sanford Herald had with the Board members and our consultants. When Alex Gunn called me during lunch in reference to the open meetings law, I did not decline. Time simply did not permit an explanation. I told him plainly that we would discuss the entire process when they met with us, and we did. We announced at the beginning that the meetings were an 'informal assembly' with influential people whom we had hoped to enlist in support of anticipated Board action to go forward with the jail and courthouse project, subject to our regular meeting today. In response to the 8/5/89 Sanford Herald article, I repeat that I referred to the meetings held Friday as 'informal assemblies' not 'informal sessions' as stated in the newspaper. This may be a minor point, but it nevertheless is a fact. The bond referendum, if passed, would probably require 3C/$100 valuation for 3 years and 9,~/$100 valuation in the fourth year, but I want to emphasize that this would not necessarily require raising County taxes. There is a possibility a tax raise will not be required. No promises can be made now on this possibility which everyone in this room must understand. If our figures are right, this would require 'County residents (to) pay an average of an additional 6%z4/$100 valuation over the life of the bonds' (as the N/P stated). This does not mandate a 6z(/$100 valuation tax increase as may have been inferred in the newspaper article. The growth of our tax base, non-recurring items in our education budget, and economies in operations and other factors just might negate a tax raise for this purpose. Incidentally, the new facility would have three(3) floors - not (4) as stated in the Herald. If the attorney for the N. C. Press Association was told these meetings quote Involved deliberations or the sharing or examining of evidence that would help Commissioners make a decision end quote as reported in the Herald Article, the Press Association will have to more carefully evaluate their informant's input. For further clarification, I quote from a booklet prepared by the Institute of Government as follows: An official meeting occurs whenever a majority of the members of a group meet - in person or by some electronic means, such as conference telephone call - in order to: - conduct a hearing, or - deliberate, or - take action. In one court's words, "to' deliberate' is to examine, weigh and reflect upon the reasons for or against" a possible decision." Deliberations thus connote not only collective discussion, but the -2-