1. Public Hearing – FY 2012 – 2013 Proposed Budget
The agenda for this June’s Board meeting opens with two public hearings followed with the public comment period. The second public hearing was specifically intended for the public to speak on the proposed budget. Not one person of the seven people attending the Board meeting spoke at either public hearing or the public comment period. Commissioner Wright asked if the public had been made aware of their opportunity to speak to the Commissioners about the proposed budget. Mr. Asycue said the public had been made aware. Did anyone see an announcement in the paper? I didn’t. Did anyone hear the local radio station make any announcement that tonight was the time for the public to speak about the budget? I didn’t. The agenda for the meeting was posted on the County’s own web-site and HomeInHenderson last Friday. I was aware and had nothing to offer regarding the budget or the Rural Operating Assistance Program, or as a general public comment beyond what I posted Monday morning. This Thursday the Commissioners will meet to discuss the spending side of the budget. We may attend and listen. I think our opportunity to speak about the budget has past. Our collective silence has told the Commissioners we approve the 2012 – 2013 fiscal budget. We had our opportunity and did not step up and speak.
2. Education Committee
“The [Education] Committee discussed a request from the Board of Education regarding the use of loan proceeds remaining from the Clarke Elementary School project and a portion of reserves from the Schools’ Capital Outlay Fund for renovation of the first floor of the currently vacant building at Eaton Johnson Elementary School to accommodate the new STEM program. All Committee members emphasized their strong support for the STEM program. After discussion about concern of reopening and renovating part of a vacant building, a majority of the Committee agreed to recommend approval of the Board of Education’s request to the full Board of Commissioners.” (Refer to agenda page 7) A couple of key words in that statement, first all three committee members support the STEM program. Second a majority (two out of three) of the committee members agreed to recommend approval.
Commissioner Brummitt, an Education Committee member, reiterated his support for STEM before explaining why the location would not work. He said the proposed location does not meet ADA requirements, is lacking adequate central air conditioning system, is lacking a cafeteria creating a safety issue at lunch time, and the proposed renovations only partially address the buildings physical decline. Commissioner Wilder made it clear he supported STEM then said the renovation of the vacant building was an unwise business decision. Commissioner Hester stepped up and said he to supported STEM, then stated that renovating the abandoned building was clearly not a good business decision. Chairman Garrison, an Education Committee member, made a long statement first reminding everyone that commissioners are elected to represent their district and the community as a whole. Adding that for the future of Vance County it is important to take in the needs of future students. Followed with, in view of the many problems within the county this type of project would help. “It could serve as a magnet to draw people back to the public schools. The most serious problem is white flight from the public school. The schools are 85%” people of color. Did I actually hear the snap of the race card? Commissioner Pegram actually actively joined in the discussion. The objections to the project continued with Commissioner Hester stating that construction wise it would be impossible to have the building ready by September 2012. And Commissioner Wilder asking what happens when the middle school class matriculates onto the high school. Chairman Garrison had no answer. Commissioner Brummitt asking how many students will be attending the STEM program. When time came for the vote to spend some $300,000 partially resurrecting a long abandoned elementary school for a STEM middle school the four nays prevailed over the three ayes. To which the Chairman said, “well that failed. If you don’t succeed try try again.” This topic will return with a vengeance and the unneeded divisiveness remaining unsettled until the change in Commission membership in December.
3. Pending Business
USDA funding of the County Wide Water has a looming end date of September 30, 2012. Mr. Asycue is or has prepared papers to request the USDA extend funding cut-off date. Without the extension the county would not have the funding to complete the project and those already signed up will pay the full freight for what the majority seems to be rejecting.
4. Executive Session
This topic was not on the original published agenda, time for wild speculation and guessing. From what was said someone within the county’s management team has surprised everyone by resigning or retiring. Please feel free to offer your speculation or tidbit of a factoid as to the purpose of the executive session.