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nbsp; The
Alleghany County Board of Commissioners met in recessed session on
=
Present: Chair Ken Richardson, Vice-Chair <=
st1:PersonName
w:st=3D"on">Randy Miller, Commissioner Doug Murphy, Commis=
sioner
Milly Richardson, Commissioner Steve Roten,
Chair Ken Richardson reconvened the recessed meeting.
Duane Davis, Chairman of Alleghany Group Homes board, st=
ated
that he is aware of the very difficult task before the Commissioners. He talked about the adults service=
d by
their programs. He explained =
that
they are willing to look at this year for cuts, and the problem is that the=
y could
get by with one year of cuts but if all of the funding was cut it would
devastate them. He talked abo=
ut how
these citizens are depending on the Board to support them to make sure they=
that
have a place to stay and a place to work. He thanked the Commissioners for =
their
consideration.
Commissioner
Commissioner Doug Murphy talked about if a position is
eliminated, services are eliminated and funding is decreased.
Commissioner Steve Roten and
Commissioner
Commissioner Milly Richardson and
Commissioner Doug Murphy and
Commissioner Milly Richardson, Commissioner Doug Murphy =
and
Commissioner Milly Richardson and
Commissioner
Chair Ken Richardson talked about how he and Don attende=
d a
regional tourism meeting on Friday, and
The Board of Commissioners talked about the stage being
built by volunteers and materials donated at costs. They further talked about people
vacationing at home.
David Higgins came before the Board to discuss the reque=
st
of the fire commission which is the fire departments/rescue squad. He talked about the issues that th=
ey
have. He explained that the o=
riginal
increase was 10% across the board.
He talked about a grant through the State for equipment that they ha=
ve all
have been approved for $50,000 each leaving $25,000 for the Volunteer Fire
Departments to raise. He talked about how they are requesting the County to=
pay
$15,000, and the fire department to pay $10,000 to cover the $25,000 requir=
ed
match. He said that the reque=
st is
for $90,000 total being $15,000 for each department. He talked about how the grants may=
not
be there forever. He explaine=
d that
the turnout gear is only good for 10 years, and the State has come up with =
new
guidelines for safety vests now everyone has to have new safety vests. He further explained that every man=
has
to have a safety vest on for insurance coverage. He said that all of the department=
s need
air packs that run around $9,000-$12,000.&=
nbsp;
He talked about Steve Allen’s report and read a portion of the
report. He talked about how t=
he departments
have people that are qualified to do the job they just need the equipment t=
o do
it with. He further talked ab=
out
the recent tornados, town manager’s house burned, EMS building burned=
and
all of this was done without a dime because people are not asking for money=
for
themselves just want the proper equipment.=
He thanked the Commissioners for what is provided and is thankful th=
at the
fire departments/rescue squad wasn’t cut. He explained that the needs are th=
ere
this year. He talked about ho=
w if you
had to hire people to do this, that amount wouldn’t touch it. He stated that they don’t wa=
nt to
lose these grants, and want equipment for the people.
Chair Ken Richardson and David Higgins talked about how =
they
are requesting an additional $4,000.
Commissioner
Chair Ken Richardson talked about gathering all of this
information tonight, tomorrow night and the night after, before the Board
starts discussing the budget. He
asked what can the Board do communications’ wise.
David Higgins said that he would like to have each chief=
say
their own opinion but as for Chief for Glade Creek, he would like to see
dispatch moved and not have the dispatch be the greeter for the
Brandon Jones, Captain with the Rescue Squad, agreed with
David on communications. He t=
alked
about how the dispatchers have to be the greeter and the secretary if the f=
ull
time secretary isn’t there. =
span>He
said if you go to other counties to see their communication center,
Chair Ken Richardson talked about the importance of these
discussions. He explained tha=
t Commissioner
Milly Richardson represents the fire commission well. He talked about the county is in a
situation to do something now. He
further talked about the possibilities of using a portion of the Jimmy Church, Chief for David Edwards with Sparta-Alleghany fire department talk=
ed
about attending the recent program for the CAD system demonstration. He further talked about their amou=
nt of
training. He said he doesn=
217;t
know how much training dispatchers receive. Chair Ken Richardson and David Edwards discussed having =
one
department that handles all emergency calls properly. Chair Ken Richardson talked about how the Board depends
heavily on the fire commission and the need for input from you to guide us =
in
the right direction. David Edwards talked about Steve Allen’s presentat=
ion
and following through with his recommendations. He further talked about keep going=
with the
plan, and everyone has to work together.&n=
bsp;
He stated his appreciation for your time listening to us. Larry Adams, Chief with Piney Creek, talked about this
opportunity before us through the Department of Insurance (NCDOI). He explained that he read some stu=
ff
yesterday from Wayne Godwin with NCDOI that made him concerned for fire/res=
cue. He talked about the new regulations
regarding the air packets that made the price double. He further talked about the new
regulations for the safety vests, and how they only have a few. He talked about how their air pack=
s are
aging and not passing inspections.
He further talked about having to meet the regulations. He explained that they do a lot of
fundraising to try to cover their costs. Commissioner Doug Murphy, David Higgins and Larry Adams
talked about the deadlines for the grant.&=
nbsp;
Larry Adams stated that everyone was notified May 15. Chair Ken Richardson asked about establishing a
communications department. Larry Adams stated that he hadn’t thought about th=
e Brandon Jones stated that they greatly appreciate that t=
hey
didn’t get cut in the budget.
He talked about how every department but David Higgins reiterated their appreciation. He explained that everyone is here=
for
the same reason. He talked ab=
out
Glade Creek’s truck payment and insurance being $35,000 with everythi=
ng
else has to be fundraising. He
thanked the County for not cutting the fire departments/rescue squad and for
listening. =
Chair
Ken Richardson recessed the meeting at Respectfully
submitted, &nb=
sp; Clerk to the Boar=
d &=
nbsp; Attest: Ken Richardson Chairman