January 3, 2011: BOC Decisions & VOTES !

This was certainly one of the most contentious meetings and one of the longest meetings (approximately 8 hours) that I have seen in my 6 plus years on the BOC. I really enjoyed the citizen turnout; I just wish we had enough space to get everyone inside the meeting room. Maybe one day!

Public Input Session: We had 34 citizens who wanted to speak and after considerable discussion, we voted to allow all who were signed up their 3 minutes. Vote 4-1 (Bock). The normal session length of 20 minutes expanded to approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, but the important point is that everyone who signed up was allowed to state their position on the subject that brought them to the meeting.

Contract for County Jail: We all agreed that staff could go forward with contract negotiations for the architects, but would bring it back to the BOC for approval. We will be looking at our Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) over the next few weeks and have to decide what may have to be delayed.  The jail could fall in this category.

Construction Management Services Contract for Chatham Schools: We all agreed to hold off on this decision until we get into our CIP discussions.

2009-2010 Audit Report: Martin Starnes & Associates, CPAs, PA presented their audit results and Chatham is fiscally well and all aspects of the audit met the highest standards. Vicki and our staff have always done a great job with our budget. Our budgeting process is considered among the best in the state by the UNC School of Government and the Local Government Commission.

Judicial Center: We also agreed to hold off on borrowing funds for the construction of the judicial center until we get into our CIP/Budget discussions. 

Budget Cost Containment / Streamlining: I would have preferred that these discussions and actions be taken up during our budget process, but I’m not in charge. The new board majority felt an urgency to proceed and that we did. 

1.      Resource Management Position:  Salary/Benefits/Operating total $86,149.09 per year. Deleted Position. Vote 4-1 (Kost). We already know we will have to make budget cuts in the upcoming budget and this position has not been filled. The recession negated this need at least for now, so I had no problem with deleting this position. If the need arises, we can put it back!

2.      Obesity Prevention Coordinator:  Salary/Benefits/Operating total $62,929.50 per year. Deleted Position. Vote 4-1 (Kost). This position has also never been filled even though obesity is a national problem. The Health Department Director stated that the Health Department and Chatham Schools Obesity Prevention coordinators are covering this area. Again, if justified, it can be reinstated.

3.      Human Relations Director: Salary/Benefits/Operating total $99,578.20 per year. Deleted Position. Vote 3-2 (Kost & Cross). This was obviously one of our more contentious items as the position was filled and this was an emotional subject for many citizens. I voted against deleting this position now because this position was filled and deserved more consideration during the budget process. 

4.      Sustainable Communities Director: Salary/Benefits/Operating total $151,523.00 per year. Deleted Position. Vote 3-2 (Kost & Cross). This too was a contentious and emotional item as this position was also filled. Again, I voted against deleting this position now because it was filled and deserved more consideration during our budget process.

Note: Any or all of these 4 deleted positions may have fallen in the delete category even after going through our normal budget process, but I would still have liked to have considered these options within the overall budget picture.

   

    5.   Land Use Plan Consultant: $300,000 over 2 years. Delay for Review Vote 5-0

  

6.      Pittsboro Express: $39,000 max contribution per year. Not cancelled yet! Plan to check Chatham Transit capability to replace service / not renew. Vote 3-2 (Kost & Cross). Our $39K contribution to this service will be met in late March, so we will continue to have this service through June at no additional cost. Commissioner Petty said he had spoken with Chatham Transit and they may be able to provide this service. Even if they can, I would assume it would come with some additional expense to the citizens. We’ll be looking at this during the budget process. There are many facets to consider when discussing the pros and cons of public transportation. It’s not just a ride!

Leadership: “If you’re doing all the talking, you can’t be learning anything!”

                             …my momma!