Cabarrus Cheap Seats

Okay, I disappeared for a week.  Something about an agreement between the County and Concord, that is precedent setting.  Also, more importantly, I got to help my in-laws celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this past weekend, and as a bonus, got to eat Sunday Dinner with my Mom and Dad (for those of you who are lucky to have yours in town, you don’t know how little I get to do this).

Anyway, I noticed several comments and questions on the budget, and Mr. TBO felt it would be better to post a new column, rather than  try to comment on an old blog.  Here it goes -

Aaron -

I said:

1 – Ensure the Public’s safety.

2 – Educate the next generation and serve as stewards to our community until they are ready to take the lead.

3 – Promote the general welfare and economic prosperity of our community.

You said:

I completely agree with number 1.

I almost agree with everything in number 2

I generally disagree with number 3

When mentioning the General Welfare of the community, let me clarify.  I don’t feel it is Govco’s job to guarantee the economic success of everyone in the community.  What I meant in saying what I said is that we make decisions that either hinder the economic progress of our community, or hurt it.   Economic development activities are clearly a county government function in NC.  We currently half over half of the land in the county either developed or planned for development of residential subdivisions.  Only about 20% is actually in use as commercial or industrial property, which adds tax value, without demanding the services residential development does.  If we don’ make a concerted effort to create a fertile field for small businesses to start, grow, and flourish, then it will be impossible to provide for the quality of life we currently enjoy, without seeing our tax rate continue to climb.

Justin -

1) How much is debt service and how much has that grown as a percentage of the budget over the past decade?

It’s hard to say, but a good stat to look at was actually in last year’s budget.  In 1998, the last year before C.P. came on the board, and the same year he and the CTA made their bold pronouncement that we had enough money to “build a school a year with the cash from Corning and Concord Mills”, the county had $99 Million in debt, or $821 per capita.  By the time 2005 rolled around, this figure was $218 Million, or $1,453 per capital.  In other words, the amount of debt per person in Cabarrus County almost doubled during this time, all while the CTA bunch was bragging about cutting your taxes. 

2) When we’ve talked, you told me that there’s a report that the Budget Czar of the County that tells of the parts of the budget that grow the fastest - could you share that also?

I will see about having this posted on the website; however, in looking at the revenue created by not dropping the tax rate, there is projected to be total of $22.7 million, which will be recurring revenue.  Money, $18.5 million is for new moneys needed to buy land for schools, pay new debt service for schools, and to fund construction of the new jail.  In addition, we lose $4.2 million in sales tax, that must be given up to the state, as part of the shell game they played last year with Medicaid Relief.

Steve -

1. Why does the local government offer services, i.e. education, social services, medical services etc. to illegal aliens????

When we do, it’s because Raleigh or Washington tells us we have to.  By federal law, the public schools have to provide a sound, quality education to all children, without regard for their, or their parent’s legal standing.  Also, illegals are allowed to receive emergency medical treatment, and to get disaster relief aid in-kind (no cash, only food, clothing and/or shelter.) But realize some absurdities - if an illegal couple have a child in this country, then the child is a US citizen, and is eligible for any aid available to any other American citizen.  Also, this means that a woman, who happens to be  pregnant with  a child, can’t get any pre-natal treatment, but once the baby is delivered, then the child is eligible to receive care.   

2. How many positions within the school system does the County fund without any assistance from the State?? Are there any of these positions that could be cut from the school budget??

It’s hard to say, but I estimate over 300, just in the the Cabarrus system.  Liz might be able to shed more light on it.  There are about 120 teachers that are paid locally to reduce class size.  There are 29 assistant principals, whose presence helps to relieve some administrative chores from teachers, allowing them more time and focus to teach.  All clerical and janitorial staff positions are funded locally.  All Technology instructors and other support staff for testing, Headstart, and More@ Four are funded as well.

This also brings up an interesting point - The board of commissioners has no authority to veto any line item, or earmark funding in the school budget.  All we can do is reduce or increase the per-pupil spending.  Any discussion of exactly which local positions that the system can live without would have to be taken up with the school systems. 

Hope this helps, and maybe even generate some more questions.