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The Warren County Board of Commissioners dealt with a variety of concerns at their April 22 work session. Commissioners Fleming, Davis, Alston and Ross spent the first part of the meeting listening to the Departmental Annual Reports..
Larry West, Director, Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), reported that since 1990 farmers in Warren County had received over $1,400,000 in compensation for various programs. He explained that the SWCD worked with county, state and federal agricultural organizations. SWCD contests for school children included an essay writing contest, a poster contest, a public speaking contest and a Warren County Annual Ecology Field Day.
Robert E. Mitchum, Tax Administration, reported that field work for tax assessment was 90% complete and final reviews would start soon. The initial meeting of the Board of Equalization and Review was scheduled for the current week, with one appeal pending. $275,000 had been collected as a result of the Delinquent Tax Program. He was asked the cost of collecting this money. Mr. Mitchum said there was no cost, as the collection fees were added to each bill. He said Norlina collections were up and Warren County were behind last year, probably because of the slowdown of the economy. Cards had been issued to county employees so that each vehicle could be monitored. Mr. Mitchum said that the goal was total accountability. He said that tax bills would no longer be on cards, but would be in envelopes. There was a discussion about the cost to the county for gas. Mr. Mitchum said that county cost was about 40 cents below the pump price.
Charles Ayscue, Building and Grounds Supervisor, reported that he was very careful to monitor costs, purchase in bulk and do all work possible in-house. He said that all contracts were negotiated. He advised that they had been doing renovation and were on time and under budget.
Dr. Sue Loper, Library Director, Warren County Memorial Library, said that she had only been in the position since July. She noted that they had a new building and were doing grant writing and fund raising projects in connection with that. One fundraiser was “Fill the Shelves” in which friends of the library could contribute funds for books in memory of someone. She advised that Jimmy Harris had donated $500 to purchase equipment for an oral history project. Mary Lib and Clayton Taylor had donated a microfiche reader/printer and the Historical Society had donated $5,000 for microfiche and supplies. Dr. Loper said that friends of the library had sponsored a Christmas event and raised $2,000. A new initiative for the Library was a program to improve cottage industry visibility. She said that the Library was working to establish a co-operative program to spotlight home grown and handmade items. She said that she was very proud to report that Terry Henderson had received her Associate Degree in Library Science.
An internet connection for Courthouse Square had been discussed at previous meetings. Marcus Johnson, IT Supervisor, and Marcus Whitaker from Embarq presented a proposal. Commissioner Davis asked why the cost was so high just to make internet access available on Courthouse Square. Discussion of security and liability ensued. Commissioner Ross recommended that IT and Embarq work out what would accomplish the goal.
A prior meeting had addressed County Administration Building needs and alternatives had been developed. A decision had been made to adopt Alternative 4, at a cost of $178,300. Renovation and possible relocation of the Hendricks Building was discussed. Commissioner Fleming emphasized that the Hendricks family had donated the building, and historic preservation was important. Commissioner Davis said to consider donating the building to the Historical Society. County Manager Linda T. Worth was asked to determine how much land came with the building and get back to the board. All agreed that the Hendricks Building should be renovated. Mr. Ayscue was asked to look at the building and report back to the Commissioners what was required.
A study group had recommended that the National Guard Armory be renovated for use as a multi-purpose community facility. This recommendation was put on the Agenda for May 5.
The proposed Room Occupancy Tax had been discussed in previous meetings. The Lake Gaston Association and several citizens had written letters in opposition to the proposal. Discussion ensued. Mr. Roland Buchaine spoke against the tax, saying that the timing was not good. Commissioner Fleming noted that improvements to I-85 and potential motels were in the plans. He said that the tax could take up to 2 years to process, so should not be abandoned. It was noted that most of the opposition was from realtors and people who had Lake rentals. Commissioner Fleming suggested that perhaps Lake rentals could be removed from the Tax proposal. The issue was scheduled to be re-visited at the next work session.
Mr. Thomas Harris from the Wise-Paschall Ruritan Group noted that several grants had been received. He said that Lowe’s Stores of Henderson and Roanoke Rapids had provided help to restore the old Warren County High School building. Mr. Harris noted that this building was built in the 30’s by Julius Rosenwald, an African-American Philanthropist. He said the Group intended to sell interest in the building to be used as tax credits. He said that H. G. Reynolds had been awarded the construction project. Commissioner Davis asked if there had been competition. Mr. Harris said there had been. He advised that an application had been submitted for $300,000 to be used for construction/heavy equipment training for the Trade Program. He told of a Memorial Weekend Fish Fry, and invited the Commissioners.
Charles Jefferson from the North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislative Group addressed the Board. He said that the 100 county group was working with the legislature on county versus state responsibility for Medicaid. He felt that there would be a net gain for Warren County. However, he said, senior transportation was a problem with the rising fuel cost. Mr. Jefferson explained how crucial transportation was for senior citizens. He asked the Board to consider increasing money in the budget for transportation needed for 2008-2009.
The meeting was adjourned.
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