First to present during the Vance County Board of Commissioner’s meeting on April 2 was County resident Joseph Sears.
Sears stated a concern that the budget and the budget process should be open and transparent. He stated that the budget was important for fire, rescue, and schools.
Sears also said that people need to be trained and budgeted for disaster gear.
The resident also stated a concern about zoning. Citing the past chemical fire in Apex, he told Board members that zoning can’t keep legitimately licensed businesses out.
Vance resident Wayne Dickerson also spoke to commissioners regarding the budget. He told the Board that he had learned the power of citizens since 2005 and that they were “no longer content to go to the polls”. He said that citizens were more savvy in communications.
“You are our employees,” he told the Board.
Dickerson told commissioners that the County had wasteful priorities in spending. He said that department heads need to be accountable.
The resident cited “government meddling in private property rights” as part of the problem.
County resident Rusty McMahon asked commissioners what he termed a “simple question”. McMahon requested each department head’s budget request forms and asked where he could pick them up.
It was indicated that he should contact County Manager Jerry Ayscue regarding the request.
At the conclusion of the public comment period, County Commissioner Deborah Brown, the Chair of the Vance County Board of Commissioners, told those who had commented that their “remarks won’t go unnoticed”.