Commissioners hear requests for more funds

By Lisa Majors-Duff

A work session, which had been scheduled for tonight (Thursday) to discuss last week's requests and any other changes board members hope to see in next year's budget, has been postponed until 5 p.m. Thursday, June 20.

Sheriff Jim Cruzan, whose department is proposed to receive funding for four additional jailers and an administrative assistant, requested a total of six jailors be employed to staff the new jail, which is part of a $6 million Law Enforcement Complex expected to open later this summer.

"Once you see the facility, you'll see I asked for the bare minimum," Cruzan said. "We'll actually need more in the future."

Former commissioners' Chairman Wayne Hooper requested next year's budget provide funding for a community development center in Cullowhee. Land for such a building, he said, is available on N.C. 107 across from Cullowhee Valley School.

Peter Roberts of the Cashiers Humane Society told the board that one of his organization's main funding sources was lost this year, leaving the group some $40,000 short. He requested funds be added to the $2,500 proposed for rabies shots in the amount of $100 per animal assisted, the same amount given to the county animal shelter.

In an effort to ease the shortfall projected in the town's budget, Sylva Mayor Brenda Oliver requested the county turn over to the town some $40,000 in ABC funds. Of those funds, some $25,000 is proposed to go into the general fund, while the recreation department is proposed to receive $10,000 and $8,000 is proposed to be used for rehabilitation services. Oliver said the town would be willing to give the Sheriff's Department $6,000 for their services with regard to alcohol abuse.

Several of those present last week spoke in favor of funding for Community Health Link, including Department of Social Services Director Bob Cochran, Health Link Director Lorna Barnett, Oliver and Public Health Department Director Randall Turpin. The organization, which was established about four years ago to coordinate and enhance health services, has requested $40,000, which was not included in the proposal.

Webster Enterprises Director Arlene Stewart appeared before the board to ask for complete funding of her agency's $49,000 request. Webster Enterprises provides training and transitional employment for county residents who need these services. According to Stewart, Webster Enterprises generates about 85 percent of its budget, while 12 percent comes from fees for services and 3 percent is provided by the county and other donations.

Those who praised the proposed budget included Turpin and Hooper, who complimented efforts made on behalf of county employees. Salary adjustments have been recommended in two parts. In lieu of a traditional cost of living adjustment, a step increase has been proposed for county employees, which would amount to a 2 percent raise.

Also, a longevity plan is proposed to recognize "loyalty and dedicated service." If approved, each employee would receive a $50 salary supplement for each full year of employment. Employees would be given three options for receiving the funds.

In addition, both the county librarians, Michael Cartwright of the Sylva branch and Diane Stumm of the Cashiers branch, thanked the commissioners for proposed 7 percent increases in operational budgets.

"We believe this is money well spent," Cartwright said.

Barbara Carlton, who was instrumental in the development of the Cashiers library, also thanked the board for funds for a feasibility study to determine how to enlarge the building. She also requested capital outlay money be set aside for construction once the study is complete.

Additional budget highlights

The following is a list of items proposed in this year's county budget as outlined by Manager Ken Westmoreland in an executive summary to the board: - New fee schedules have been proposed for both building inspections and ambulance services.

- Cullowhee Volunteer Fire Department is proposed to receive $75,000 to purchase land for a new headquarters and $100,000 for a substation in Caney Fork. - Qualla Fire Department is set to receive $400,000 for a new headquarters.

- Funds from the emergency telephone line item will be used for radio repeater sites in both Qualla and Canada, a 911 system upgrade and a radio upgrade for the Sheriff's Department.

- A 7 percent increase over last year has been proposed for school system current operations. Schools are also recommended to receive nearly $700,000 to replace an activity bus, band uniforms, vocational supplies and computer equipment, among other capital items. Funds left from the Scotts Creek School project are proposed to be used at Smoky Mountain High School for facade improvements.

- Funds have been earmarked to build a storage facility and janitorial services at the county Recreation Park in Cullowhee.

- New employees proposed (in addition to those already mentioned at the Sheriff's Department) include a planning director, a building inspector, information technology supervisor, an accounting technician and a certified sanitarian to administer the Clean Water Revolving Loan.

- Also recommended is for land records director Bobby McMahan be named to the newly-created position of deputy tax assessor. Cecil Dills, the current tax assessor, is set to retire in September 2003. McMahan's appointment would allow him to understudy during a critical revaluation period, Westmoreland said. In addition, it is projected in the future to integrate the land records department with the tax assessor's office.

- Two tax clerk positions are proposed to be promoted to deputy tax collectors to comply with state law defining who may engage in delinquent tax collections. - Seven cars are proposed for the inspections department, while the Sheriff's Department is scheduled to purchase six new vehicles.

- A 7 percent increase is proposed for both county rescue squads and all fire departments.

- Funds are proposed to make the Justice Center fully handicapped accessible.

- Funds are proposed for additional imaging equipment for the register of deeds office so that documents can be made available on the Internet.

- Some $15,000 has been proposed for temporary repair of the old courthouse cupola, which is leaking again, despite extensive repairs to the building in 1995.

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