May 29 Budget Public ForumPERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS May 29, 2007
MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT
Johnny Myrl Lunsford, Chairman Steve Carpenter, County Manager
Jimmy B. Clayton, Vice-Chairman -ABSENT
Kyle W. Puryear Faye T. Fuller, Clerk to the Board
Larry H. Bowes
Larry E. Yarborough, Jr.
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The Board of Commissioners for the County of Person, North Carolina, held a Budget
Public Forum on Tuesday, May 7, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Room of the Person
County Office Building.
Chairman Lunsford called the meeting to order. He stated the purpose of the meeting
was to receive comments on the proposed 2007-08 Budget. The information received tonight
will be used during budget considerations.
Sheriff Dewey Jones – Salaries & Wages Overtime- due to mandated training, overspent
this year and would like to increase for next year. Call volume up - would like four additional
personnel for patrol. He also asked for additional judicial staff. Requested the Board not cut the
funding for the DARE and GREAT programs.
Lt. Dennis Allen – Requested two additional fulltime personnel. Currently there are
three full time officers. Also utilizes part time personnel. His part time budget is already
overspent. Transport is a part of the service his division provides and the volume of transports is
up. His division also provides security in the courthouse as well as the courtrooms.
Sgt. Kevin Crabtree – Explained both DARE & GREAT programs – Asked that
$22,000 request not be reduced.
Dr. Jim Owen – requested additional $47,000 beyond Manager’s recommendation.
Connie Mundy – Recreation Arts & Parks – Asked that Board reconsider two positions
for Arts, Parks and Recreation Department. She said programming has increased. Kirby Gallery
needs to have Administrative Support Specialist position full time.
Marcia O’Neill – Asked that funding for the Personality Festival continue as in current
budget.
Clyde Glass – Good Samaritan Family Enrichment Center - $12,000 request be
reconsidered. Good Samaritan offers after school tutoring to minority students. Parent, Pam
Oliver offered positive comments about the Center and the services they provide.
Tina Williams – CEO Person Family Medical Center - $10,000 request be reconsidered.
Funds will help the uninsured gain access to certain medical procedures.
May 29, 2007 – Budget Public Forum 1
May 29, 2007 – Budget Public Forum 2
Amanda Garrett – Requested additional personnel and additional shelving for records.
Asked the Board to reconsider her proposed budget.
Johnnie Gentry – In 1996 funding option for local volunteer fire departments began –
Requested that funding be increased to $29,000 per department, plus $12,000 for those with two
stations.
George Naylor – Budget format change would make document easier to read. Some
departments show no revenues. Need to be sure children are looked after.
Gordon Powell – Chairman, Person County Board of Education and School
Superintendent Ronnie Bugnar spoke of the need for additional funds. With current budgeted
amount, position cuts may be necessary as well as the need to use Fund Balance monies. The
SRO position is needed. Funds proposed will not be enough to fund “necessities”. Asked that
Board give consideration to the Board of Education’s request.
C. T. Hall – Cut the budget and keep the tax rate the same.
Clyde Whitfield – Asked for no property tax increase.
Cherie Damron – APS – Spoke in favor of additional staff at Animal Shelter in order to
allow current staff to focus more on educational services to the public.
Chairman Lunsford thanked the department heads and citizens for their comments.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear, seconded by Commissioner Bowes and
carried to adjourn the meeting the 7:08 p.m.
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Faye T. Fuller, CMC Johnny Myrl Lunsford
Clerk to the Board Chairman