2006 - 05-01-06 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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BOOK 20 PAGE 9 Aye: Adams, Brown, Hincks, Lemmond, Paschal, Reives, and Stevens Nay: None The Chairman ruled the motion had been adopted unanimously. The Board discussed the County Manager's proposed FY 2006-07 budget. Chairman Hincks stated that the Finance Committee will hold a work session prior to the May 8, 2006 budget work session. The Finance Committee is composed of Commissioners Adams, Brown and Reives, with Commissioner Brown acting as Chair of that committee. A public hearing has been scheduled for 7:00 p.m., Monday, May 15, 2006, to hear comments from the public concerning the proposed FY 2006-07 budget. No action was taken. Library Director Mike Matochik gave the Board an update on a new initiative presented by the Library Board of Directors to use available space at the Jonesboro Library for a Hispanic or Latino Resource Center. Mr. Matochik stated that the Jonesboro Library has recently been restored inside and a storage room has been converted for use for the public. It is felt that the Center will help bridge, at this time, a language and cultural divide of a significant and growing Hispanic population in Lee County. Some of the numbers received show that up to 27% of Lee County's population is Hispanic. The aim of the Center is to make available both printed and audiovisual materials and resources, along with human resources and human services. Over the years Lee County has responded well to the situation of having new neighbors and new workers come into the County who have language and cultural differences. The schools have special counselors, the community college offers English as a second language classes, and the Hispanic Task Force was founded at the Jonesboro Library in the early 1990's. Over the years the Library has had State and Federal grants dealing with specific issues involving the Hispanic community, and also the County and City are employing more Hispanic staff. It is hoped to have various types of printed information and referrals along with CD's, citizenship information, English language information, video's, tax information - survival information on how to get along in a new community. County departments are furnishing significant information on services provided that can be distributed both in English and Spanish. The City of Sanford has furnished a liaison person to assist with City resources. Federal and State agencies have also been contacted to obtain useful information, along with other agencies in town. These resources will be for all county residents and/or prospective residents. Companies wishing to relocate to the area might also find the Center helpful as it pertains to the workforce. No additional cost will be required to begin the Center due to volunteers that will be used. There will be no changes in current library services due to the new Center. No action was taken. Strategic Initiatives Director Lesa Price discussed the FY 2005-06 Work Plan. Changes in target dates for completion of some projects were noted. Ms. Price stated that the Customer Service Program started last week and is being taught by County employees at the Cooperative Extension Office. It was suggested that the Commissioners attend one of the Customer Service Programs to see first had what staff is doing. A final report on the Work Plan will be presented in June. No action was taken. 5