MACON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS  CONTINUED SESSION MAY 21, 2019 MINUTES  Chairman Tate reconvened the meeting at 6:02 p.m. in the commission boardroom as recessed from the May 14, 2019 regular meeting. All board members, the County Manager, Deputy Clerk, Finance Director, County Attorney, members of the news media and interested citizens were present. Chairman Tate said the primary purpose of the meeting was to have some initial budget discussions, and the board heard comments from Sheriff Robert Holland and Emergency Services Director Warren Cabe, both of whom stated that while they did not get everything they asked for, both were generally "okay" with the proposed budgets for their respective departments. Macon County Schools Superintendent Dr. Chris Baldwin made a presentation to the board. He provided a number of handouts to the commissioners, and focused his initial comments on a regional funding comparison with other nearby school systems, a teacher salary comparison, and a list of the impacts on the school system stemming from the County Manager's recommended budget. A copy of that document is attached (Attachment 1) and is hereby made a part of these minutes. He cited the need for four new teachers to be paid with local funds, plus the need for additional teaching assistants. The board then heard from Angela Phillips, a second grade teacher at Cartoogechaye Elementary, who shared stories of how times and things have changed during her 27 years of teaching. Afterward, a lengthy discussion centered on a number of the items in Dr. Baldwin's list of impacts. The board members heard a request from Scaly Mountain/Sky Valley Fire Chief Tommy James regarding a proposed tax increase for the volunteer fire department. Mr. James told the board that the department was looking to add a full-time paid fireman and compensate the department's secretary. The department's current rate of 4.86 cents per $100 valuation would increase to The board had also planned to hear from representatives of the Highlands Fire Department. However, Chairman Tate noted that the Town of Highlands was  5.86 cents under the proposed plan. No action was taken.  Minutes 05.21.19 Page 1 of2    holding a public hearing on the proposed tax rate increase for the department Upon a motion by Commissioner Beale, seconded by Commissioner Shields, the board voted unanimously to approve the following budget amendments: #231 for an agreement addendum for Fiscal Year 2020 that includes $10,131 in funds that are budgeted to pay for June 2019 expenses in the Minority Diabetes Prevention Grant; #232 for an agreement addendum for Fiscal Year 2020 that includes $8,047 in funds that are budgeted to pay for June 2019 expenses in the Tobacco Grant, and #233 for Emergency Services to appropriate $10,000 in funds received as a trade-in credit. Copies of the Following discussion, the board members agreed to hold another budget work session. Upon a motion by Commissioner Beale, seconded by Commissioner Shields, at 7:49 p.m. the board voted unanimously to recess the meeting until Monday, June 3, 2019 at 4 p.m. in the commission boardroom on the third floor of the Macon County Courthouse, 5 West Main Street Franklin, NC.  at this same time.  amendments are attached.  Derek Roland  Jim Tate Board Chairman  Ex Officio Clerk to the Board  Minutes 05.21.19 Page 2 of2