Western loop debate will continue


Here is the agenda for the Vance County Board of Commissioner’s meeting tonight:

* Sheriff R. Thomas Breedlove will ask that canine “Bojak” be declared surplus property and released to Deputy Sean Brake for the remainder of his life. Bojak is eleven years old and beyond the normal life expectancy of a police dog. Breedlove will also request that retiring Detective Lieutenant James M. “Jimmy” Cordell be awarded his service weapon and badge upon retirement.

* Alton Abbott will appear before the board to discuss a senior citizen property tax exemption. In a letter to the board, he stated that “the Vance County Tax Office has immorally and unethically and possibly criminally collected taxes from the elderly and disabled in Vance County”.

* County Finance Officer Jerry Tucker will appear before the board to conduct a public hearing on the Rural Operating Assistance Program application to be submitted to the North Carolina Department of Transportation by May 12, 2006. The program provides transportation assistance to the elderly, Work First, and general public employment transportation needs.

* Gladys Allen will appear before the board to discuss the naming of the Western Outer Loop. She will petition the board to name the loop for Mike Decento.

* Planning Director Ken Krulik will update the board on the Zoning Ordinace and the Citizen Advisory Committee’s request for an extension in reviewing the ordinance and map.

* Finance Office Jerry Tucker will ask the board to appropriate funds to adjust the salaries of Cooperative Extenstion employees. He will also request an appropriation of Senior Center donations to pay for expenses incurred by KARTS.

* County Manager Jerry Ayscue will recommend that the Department of Social Services be allowed to fill a vacant Social Worker III position. He will also recommend that the Vance County Jail be allowed to fill a Court Liason Officer and a Correctional Officer I position. He will also request that the board approve the filling of a Firefighter/EMT position.

Because of a concern expressed by Breedlove and the Properties Committee regarding trees near the jail facility that could cause damage in the event of severe weather, the County Manager will request that up to $21,000 be appropriated from the contingency fund for their removal.

According to the County Manager, problems with some of the security system equipment at the courthouse warrants its replacement. The total cost is $9,015.50. Grant funds obtained by Breedlove in the amount of $1,850 may be applied, creating a need for $7,165.50. Ayscue will recommend that the latter amound be appropriated to replace the equipment.

Ayscue will recommend that the board resolve to continue participation in the Criminal Justice Partnership Program.

The County Manager will recommend to the board that a gift deed to the City of Henderson be approved for the county’s share of the Central Fire Station’s property, with final boundaries to approved by the County and City Managers before finalization.