The Lenoir County Board of Commissioners got done what it needed to get done at its meeting Tuesday.
Sometimes that’s all that’s necessary.
In a rather uneventful session, commissioners approved budget ordinance amendments and resolutions ahead of the first discussions of the next fiscal year.
One of the more unusual budget requests was an increase in the Board of Elections budget of $20,847. County Manager Mike Jarman wrote in his proposal to the commissioners this was the first time in 16 years the Board of Elections went over budget. He said it usually reimburses the county about $50,000.
“A lot of the things from the Board of Elections are dictated by the state,” Commissioner Reuben David, board chair, said after the meeting. “We had an unusual election situation this year, with the early voting and, of course, Sunday voting — there were some overtime hours. That was a situation that wasn’t anticipated that there would be that much overtime with the Board of Elections.”
Commissioners also approved the issuance of general obligation refunding bonds, with the maximum amount of $35 million. In essence, it’s a refinancing plan to save the county money in repaying some of the $69 million in bonds approved for school construction in 2006.
“They were ’07 and ’08 bonds, and we have an opportunity to lower the interest rate, which will save us some money,” Jarman said.
He added, “To us, it was significant when we get $69 million worth of debt with bonds that we borrowed — that we’re paying that amount toward interest — and we get a chance to lower our payments, we think it’s a good thing.”
Commissioner Roland Best said one of his highlights from the meeting was the approval of a position to be filled at the Lenoir County Health Department — filling a vacant nurse’s position with a physician. The new doctor would provide backup for the family nurse practitioner, who is currently on leave, and serve as medical director.
Commissioners start to work on next fiscal year’s budget beginning with the next meeting, on Feb. 4.
“There will not be any decisions made, but we’ll try to determine what direction the board of commissioners needs to go for the next fiscal year,” Davis said. “With the economic downturn like it is, we’re going to do everything in our power to handle within our finances without having a tax increase.
“I don’t think there’s a member of our board that would like to see a tax increase. It’s going to be quite a chore, but I really think we can accomplish it.”
Wes Wolfe can be reached at 252-559-1075 or wes.wolfe@kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at WolfeReports.
Breakout Box
The next Lenoir County Board of Commissioners meeting is Feb. 4 at 9 a.m. To view agendas, full agendas, meeting minutes or to view previous meetings, go to www.co.lenoir.nc.us/commisionermeetings.html.