County Commissioners Approve New Budget

As of Wednesday, June 22, 2011

After a sometimes fractious debate on proposed amendments, the Moore County Board of Commissioners on Monday night adopted a 2011-12 budget that is reduced by more than $100,000 but retains the existing property tax rate of 46.5 cents.

The vote was not unanimous. Commissioner Tim Lea, who voted against several of the amendments, cast the dissenting vote.

However, the three-hour meeting ended on a more cordial note with the commissioners praising County Manager Cary McSwain and his staff for the work that went into the budget, especially in another year of economic slump.

When it was time to vote on the budget, Lea took a moment to thank Chairman Nick Picerno for allowing such broad discussion of budget issues in spite of their differences.

The adopted budget reduces the General Fund to less than $85 million. Removed from the budget was a budget director position requested by the manager, a line item of $72,000. Other cuts affected Veterans Service and the Department of Social Services.

Among the additions in the governing body line item was a raise promised to the clerk to the board. Board members said the raise for Laura Williams was part of the agreement made when she was appointed clerk.

In other business, the commissioners heard a presentation by the League of Women Voters on redistricting issues. The board also took a look at maps showing possible new boundaries for the five districts in which the commissioners reside. Plans are being made to discuss the issue in more detail at a future work session.

The board also adopted a project ordinance for the Vass wastewater treatment improvement.

More details will appear in the print version of The Pilot.

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pilotreader 1 year, 11 months ago

"Other cuts affected Veterans Service and the Department of Social Services"

Just what I like to read as I'm heading out to work this morning. Looks like we'll continue to do the impossible with nothing.

weteachers2 1 year, 11 months ago

Was there any increase for the school system?

Arestorer 1 year, 11 months ago

Of coarse not...They are a mostly Republican Board...

Arestorer 1 year, 11 months ago

Admin. and Waste !!

Arestorer 1 year, 11 months ago

Didnt they drop a line item admin. job to cut cost?

CSmithson 1 year, 11 months ago

"Was there any increase for the school system?"

For better or worse, the County gave the school system the funds they asked for. If the schools aren't getting enough funding, it's not because of the Commissioners.

Arestorer 1 year, 11 months ago

GOOD DEAL !!

difflook 1 year, 11 months ago

Good job Gentlemen!

None 1 year, 11 months ago

Commissioner Tim Lea was the minority vote yet again. I suspect for good reason. If Mr. Lea voted against part or all of the budget, you can rest assured there was issues. Just like the Moore County Transportation 4-1 vote to decline federal funding. Once Mr. Lea brought the matter up to the board again, it became obviously political. Like so many in North Carolina, I am frustrated with the political posturing going on in the name of future political aspirations. A handful cater to the TEA Party looking for an endorsement later on, in the face of physically challenged individuals who are in need of the services of the MC Transportation. Mr. Lea put them on the pivotal post bringing to light their political strategy to gain favor with TEA party members.

Why then did those same commissioners vote to accept stimulus money for infrastructure improvements at Pinehurst Lake for lift stations and water lines? Not one word from TEA Dee and her lambs who follow her mindlessly. Commissioner Craig Kennedy now has Chair Nick Picerno as his mentor and Jimmie Melton continues his mindless voting based on Larry Caddells' instructions. I have to think there are issues with the budget since Tim Lea voted against it....