Minutes - 19770705 - Laserfiche WebLink

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~~. Mr. Willhoit stated that the Municipal Support far recreation in Chapel Hill and Carrboro is to enable the towns to hold the gyms in the schools open for use of all citizens in the County during off school hours. He added that the County and the two towns would be making long range plans for a complete cooperative recreation programs in the future. Bobby Nichols, a local farmer, stated that he felt land value had been inflated, and that he was not being taxed on what he could produce. He stated that he felt this should be taken into consideration when the County tax reate is set. Commissioner Willhoit asked how many farmerB were taking advantage of having the land taxed based on its use, instead of the market value? Mr. Nichols replied that most farmers did not want to market their land. He added that he had checked out the taxation based on land use as opposed to the market value and that there is no sufficient savings. Chairman Whitted spoke of the jail renovation. He stated that he felt it was more prudent to appropriate money this year for the jail. He stated that the County would know within six months what the State require-- ments for a jail will be and he felt the jail should be taken care of this year, as the capital needs of the school systems will continue year after year. Ben Lloyd asked that the jail be dropped completely and wait until another year to increase taxes. Further discussion ensued regarding the 1977-78 budget and the pro- posed renovation of the jail and the Grady Brown School building. Chairman Whitted declared that the original motion of N!r. walker had died for lack of a second. Commissioner P7alker then moved that the Board honor the requet of those present and that a public hearing be scheduled for discussion of the renovation of the jail, Grady Brown School building and discussion of salaries and wages. Commissioner Pinney asked the County Attorney if the budget was finally adopted on June 22, 1977, or if it is adopted whin the budget - ordinance is adopted. The County Attorney stated that the County was operating under a tentative budget until the Budget Ordinance is adopted. Commissioner Pinney then seconded Commissioner T4alker's motion. The Chairman called for a vote on the motion. Voting aye were Commis- . sinners Walker and Pinney. Voting nay were Commissioners Gustaveson, Whitted and Willhoit. The motion was declared defeated. Discussion ensued concerning salary increases pxopased far County employees. Commissioner Gustaveson stated that it was legal for Board's to go into executive session to discuss different topics. He added that the opinion of those that the .executive session was illegal was based on one person's opinion, that there are different opinions among attorneys as to what can be considered in executive session. Mr. Gustaveson stated that this Board of Commissioners has been accessable to the public and has been willing to listen to what the people have to say. He stated that this meeting today is evident of that fact. Further, Mr. Gustaveson stated that he would defend the budget, that he feels it is a good budget. That planning for over two years included the cost savings by remodeling Grady Brown instead of building new buildings, Commissioner f4alker stated that he did support the schools, however, he felt there were other areas within the budget which could have been cut to keep the tax rate down. He spoke of the executive session and stated that the Board was led into the session with the idea of talking about job performance. Job performance was not discussed' Faut salaries and wages were discussed. He stated that he felt this was the azea that was illegal. He stated that wages were a public mattez~ and 1~^x. Walker then moved that another public hearing be scheduled to discuss salaries and wages. Discussion ensued. Commissioner Walker asked that his motion be amended to include that the budget ordinance not be adopted until after the people have been heard.