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4 <br /> COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD <br /> Commissioner Hartwell explained that this project is the last one under <br /> the old regulations. He encouraged the property owners affected by this <br /> project to agree and move forward with the project as quickly as possible. <br /> Greg Szymik asked that the Board postpone the adoption of the Final <br /> Assessment Resolution for Moriah Hill Road and Timberly Drive until the <br /> September 8 meeting to allow staff the opportunity to contact a number of <br /> persons who have signed the petitions to verify the status of their position <br /> and to give staff time to evaluate the comments received at this public <br /> hearing. <br /> Motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by Commissioner <br /> Hartwell to continue the public hearing until September 8. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS. <br /> AUDIENCE COMMENTS - MATTERS NOT ON THE PRINTED AGENDA <br /> Dr. Lunsford spoke to the issue of school bus driver salaries. He <br /> indicated it was his understanding that if the state did not fund an increase <br /> in the salary for school bus drivers that the Commissioners would reconsider <br /> this for County funding. The State did not fund this item and he emphasized <br /> that the problems still exist. He asked that the Board reconsider this item. <br /> Chair Marshall expressed an understanding of the problem but stated that <br /> the tax rate has been adopted and there is no money available to make changes <br /> in the budget at this time. The process of waiting until the legislature has <br /> approved the State budget before final approval of the County budget will <br /> need to be reviewed for future budgets. <br /> Commissioner Hartwell stated he would like to find a way to allocate the <br /> money needed for this increase to each school system. <br /> Commissioner Halkiotis emphasized that a strong voice in the legislature <br /> is a must for issues like this to be heard and considered as a priority item. <br /> He offered to work with the two school superintendents in an effort to <br /> develop an effective lobbying process for those issues which are crucial to <br /> both school systems. <br /> Chair Marshall asked that Commissioner Halkiotis also include the two <br /> school board chairs, the manager, and the finance officers in these <br /> discussions. <br /> CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT <br /> 1. CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING <br /> Chair Marshall presented the certificate to Finance Director Gordon <br /> Baker who in turn gave special recognition to his staff and the auditing firm <br /> which performs the county audit. The County has received this award for five <br /> years. <br /> D. RESOLUTIONS OR PROCLAMATIONS <br /> 1. WOMEN'S EQUALITY DAY <br /> Judy Eastman presented the following proclamation for approval. <br /> Motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by Commissioner <br /> Hartwell to approve the proclamation as printed below and to authorize the <br /> Chair to sign on behalf of the Board: <br /> WHEREAS, on August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution <br /> of the United States was ratified; and <br /> WHEREAS, that amendment reads as follows: "The right of citizens of <br /> the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged <br /> by the United States or by any state on account of sex. " ; <br /> and <br /> WHEREAS, the power of the vote is the gateway to continued improve- <br />