Okay. I'm going to put it in the oven. I'm going to put it in the oven. I'm going to put it in the oven. I'm going to put it in the oven. I'm going to put it in the oven. I'm going to put it in the oven. I'm going to put it in the oven. I'm going to put it in the oven. I'm going to put it in the oven. I'm going to put it in the oven. music The The The I'm going to put it on the table. I'm going to put it on the table. I'm going to put it on the table. I'm going to put it on the table. I'm going to put it on the table. I'm going to put it on the table. I'm going to put it on the table. I'm going to put it on the table. I'm going to put it on the table. I'm going to put it on the table. I'm calling the order of the meeting of the Board of Commissioners for people 7th. The commissioners first time on their agenda is the Pledge of Allegiance. We do have a special guest here tonight from the North Carolina School Board Miss Angel King. Angel, would you please lead us to the Pledge of Allegiance? The United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands One nation under God in the visible with liberty and justice for all Thank you, Angel everybody Commission next item is the agenda for all of the Civil of the Board. Motion we approve agenda. Second. Motion second. Any discussion? Here you're going to call a question. No, the Clayton raised your right hand. Any opposed? Light wise. Here. Thank you. commissioners six items four one one five this is a population are not a word to veteran john thombs heel on this 100 birthday. Mr. Jeal's special guest of board of commissioners tonight and we'd like to welcome him to the chambers. No one and we can recognize him in providing a proper mission for the board to consider or to approve. And as he's walking in here, I need to read the proclamation. Resolution on the World II, Vagna John Thomas Hill. Whereas, roughly for county A, John Thomas Hill and of the US Navy on September 7, 1943, and whereas John Thomas Hill served in World War II aboard the aircraft carrier, USA, serotonin, in the Pacific as a poop. And whereas John Thomas Hill was honorably discharged from the US Navy on January 5, 1946. And whereas John Thomas Hill was awarded the American Theodore Medal, the ASEA Pacific Medal, and the Victory Medal for his World War II service. And whereas John Thomas Hill returned to of the county after the US Navy service and has continued to live in his native county throughout his life. And whereas John Thomas Hill will celebrate his 100th birthday on April 17, 2025 in his native Ruddford County, therefore be inclined that the Ruddford County Board of Commissioners wish to honor John Thomas Heel's military service on his centenary birthday by declaring April 17, 2025 as John Thomas Heel Day in Rutherford County. Be it also for playing by the Rutherford County Board of Commissioners, that the entire community hereby should offer its admiration, congratulations and very best wishes to John Thomas Heel on his 100th birthday. Approved this, the 7th day of April 2025. Board to committee. We're going to stay behind her for a photo of. I'm going to give you a second. I'm going to give you a second. I'm going to give you a second. I'm going to give you a second. I'm going to give you a second. I'm going to give you a second. I'm going to give you a second. I'm going to give you a second. I'm going to give you a second. I'm going to give you a second. I'm going to give you a second. What's happening? What's going on? There he goes. I was saying space. Thank you. Second on proof say aye. Ah! All right. Pass. Thank you for your service. The cake not going to be able to do that. I'm not going to be able to do that. I'm not going to be able to do that. I'm not going to be able to do that. I'm going to get a Happy birthday. Happy birthday. Hey. Hey. Give me a wish. Yeah, I know. Okay. What's that? I can't believe it. Can you tell it's free? I'm protecting you. Hey! I'm sorry, I didn's free to protect your child. Hey! the commissioners the next item is Information-4-107. This is a confirmation for Lionel Walker's Appreciation Day. I have a few guests here. I'm getting ready to walk in here. Gentlemen, come in. Line up up front here. All in the back. All right. I don't know if you guys have power at your house right now. But when we didn't, these teams are the ones that came to our aid. And would you go from one side to the other and identify who you are and which entity you're with? We'll be in the next couple of minutes. All right, go ahead. We'll roll in the top. Mr. Mayor. Oh, the bill will be in the bottom line. The bill will move, close the lid. Got any good words for the letter? Let's give them a round of applause. Applause. I'll say the price is right. We're not sure yet. Hazel has a proclamation. Haz. Lion worker appreciation day. Whereas on April 10th 2013, a resolution was passed in the United States Senate to recognize April 18th annually as National Lion workers appreciation day. And whereas the profession of the electrical blind worker is steeped in personal, family, and professional tradition. And whereas, blind workers are often first responders during storms and other catastrophic events, working to make the sense safe for other public safety officials and to expedite return of vital electrical power to our communities. And whereas these brave men and women work with thousands of votes of electricity, high-o'-talk power lines 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, risking, risking, and sometimes losing their lives to keep electricity flowing. And whereas line workers are often faced with dangerous conditions far from their families as they work to construct and maintain the energy infrastructure throughout the state of North Carolina and the United States. And whereas line workers must use their technical knowledge, physical strength, and ingenuity to teach the states in challenges they face every day. And whereas the Rutherford County Board of Commissioners thanks the skill and heroic line workers who break hurricanes, ice storms, snow storms, floods, and other natural disasters to maintain our community's energy. Grief, now therefore be in resolve that I, Ryan A. King, chairman of the Rutherford County Board of Commissioners and the Commissioners, do hereby for claim Friday April 18, 2025 as line worker appreciation day and brother for county. This is Saturday, April 2025. Commissioner, does the resolution for you? I'll make a motion for you. Thank you for the population. The motion is in seconds. We've got a second. You've discussion here and on. A call question on favor. Say aye. Aye. Opposed? It is done. Thank you, gentlemen. Thank you. Thank got a second. You've discussed it here and on. I'll call a question on my favor. Say aye. Pose. It is done. Thank you, gentlemen. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. this is a public hearing, a public hearing on something called Project Colt. This time I like to open the public hearing on Project Colt. I'd like to recognize that you can open the public director. Bergen. Good evening commissioners. Those were two extremely difficult items to follow. items to follow and I hope I live up to half that height. But I'm pleased to stand before you this evening and bring to you yet another project for Rutherford County. The excitement behind this is the fact that it means great things are happening here in our community. Economic Development Office has been working with the company code name project called for the last several months. This company is considering setting up operations in Forest City and the proposal includes 88 new jobs. And that would be in the first three years with an average salary of $50,411. And along with that would come an investment of $6,450,000. This evening, the board is being asked to consider a resolution to confirm your support for this project through a local industrial grant equal to 50% of the personal property taxes. This would extend for up to five years provided that jobs, investment, and wage levels are met and maintained. Tonight's public hearing aims to gather public input on the matter before your vote. Thank you. Regarding this public hearing and this project cold, are there any questions from the Board of Commissioners to burger this time? This is going into minutes to have a four-city. Yes, it is. Any comments or questions? Thank you very much. This is a public hearing on Project Cold, or item number 4103. At this time, is there a member of the public that would like to speak regarding this matter, Project Cold. We have an economic development opportunity for our community, the Project Cold. We have this public hearing happening right now and the purpose right now is, there's a member of the public that would like to speak regarding Project Cold. satisfy my attorney, I'm saying this three times. Regarding project code, is there a member of public like to speak regarding that? Seeing none here, I want to close up here. Commissioners before you, is there a recommend motion and resolution? So this so this time I look for the will the board Motion we approve the resolution second. Thank you. I have a motion to second in discussion I'm gonna call the question all favor raise your I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. Sorry, I'm on the wrong page here. We do have a stack of people we're welcome to speak. You have three minutes to speak on it no matter if you're concerned. I will attempt to pronounce your name. If I could read it, I'll read the last four digits of your telephone numbers so we can identify them. We do have folks in this room and two other locations, so there may be a slight pause as we wait for that person to come, but they'll come to the podium here. You'll have three minutes. Generally, we do not engage because we're receiving information. If you haven't had any kind of documentation or papers or handouts or anything, people would just leave it on the table up here to not bring it to the diast. And our clerk would be sure that we would see you sometime after the meeting. And the first person in the zone, the SNF Sir Norris is what was given to me by Deborah. Alexandria Langley from Rutherford, 435. We do have our rules that cheering and booing and having, you know, was hit in the number person with opposing views from speaking so it asks if we just keep us in a business like matter. Certainly to appreciate that. Hello. Good evening. Commissioners, our schools are the heart of our community and it's time invest in their future. Say I'm here to share how increased funding can profoundly impact our schools with examples from my personal experience. Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Alexandra Langley and I stand before you as a committed advocate for the well-being of our children and the future of our community. So I'll speak with you candidly now. I moved here from Florida about three and a half years ago. I visited the area visiting my in-laws over the last few years, fell in love with it here and decided this is where I wanted my forever home to be. So my family and I are uprooted from Florida and moved here. Now, the reason why I'm here today to talk about increased school funding is because one issue at hand is having a school resource officer on site at all of our schools in Rutherford County. And the reason why I'm so passionate about that is because I was personally affected by the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas mass shooting that occurred on Valentine's Day so many years ago. That was my community. And I can tell you that is a shadow that will never go away on a community. It will forever be tainted. I would take my daughters to go play at the local playground, and it was named after one of the victims at Marjorie Storm and Douglas. We would drive past the high school and there would be the purple ribbons in honor every single one of those students. So I can tell you here right now that that is something not want to affect this community and especially our innocent children. Sorry, I got very passionate about that and I got away from my my notes here. Another thing I do want to know is I want to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of our school. The teachers and staff who will go who go above and beyond every single day. Just this morning when I dropped my children off at the car line. There they all were, all of the teachers in a row, pouring down brain, they had their umbrellas, getting my kids safely out of the car. The guidance counselor who taught my daughter certain strategies for dealing with her anger, the principal who, when I messaged her one day, immediately sent me back a reply, allowing me to meet with her to talk about school safety. So, how I want to end today with what I have to say to all of you is, whenever you are approached or given the opportunity to increase funding for our schools, I hope you always vote yes. Because when we invest in safety, education, and the well-being of our students, we are investing in a brighter and stronger future for our entire community. Thank you very much for your time. I appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. The corner, handsley, the number I can't read right with hand right is 179. Looks like the telephone number. The corner. Living corner road. Go on once. Connor. Hensley. It's hard to read the handwriting of Slot. Well, it's not clear. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I standing for you this evening to you about the school budget. As a 2022 graduate of Chase High School, I was involved in many extra curricular activities, baseball, football, carpentry, agriculture. I've now taken a job with the brother for county building inspections department. And the Carpentry class with Mr. Joie Allen is where I've developed many of my skills that I use in my job today. As a sibling of three, my older brothers are already graduated. I have two younger brothers that are coming up through the school system. I fully believe that they should have every opportunity that I had as well as the safety to walk in the school every day and know that they're learning their education and that their supporting events are going to be as safe as possible. This is a desperate plea to fully fund our school system, as this is the future of our county. All right, thank you very much. Thank you, Ricky. Thank you, sir. Thank you. Thank you, sir. A Courtney Hauser,24. Courtney. A Our house. H O U S E. Is not. Is not. Are. Here it comes to the body. Oh, Courtney. You know, welcome. You have three minutes. Okay, thank you. My name is Courtney Halzer and I'm here tonight on behalf of the Rutherford County School System. I am a Rutherford County native. I'm Chase High School graduate. I'm also a mom of four. Two of my children have already graduated from Chase High School where they were involved in agriculture, carpentry classes, FCA. They played football and they saw. Bed of these boys are now Rutherford County employees. I also currently have a child at Chase Middle School and want to chase high school. Both of these kids also play score. They enjoy taking electric classes such as agriculture and chorus. They excel in honors classes. They take college classes, have received new century scholars awards. My 14 year old is a very quiet child. He is a freshman at Chase this year. He has started taking agriculture classes. That's where he became part of the Tool Identification team, poultry judging. He's on the hospital golf team, and he has really come out of his shell, and this has been very important for our family, and it's taken these classes that I think helped him. I truly believe that sports and many of our elected classes are what help our students enjoy the day-to-day class of school, and I believe that budget cuts may have a negative effect on these. And I also know that many of our students don't have the best home life and sports and elected classes are where many of them find their outlets. As well as our tall valuable lessons about life that they may not get at home. And my kids at this point always want to call her the per counting home and our students are the future of our county. If we don't invest in them, we are hurting ourselves. I'm also a local realtor here and as many of you know we have many people moving in here every day and the majority of these have children the number one question we get is what are your public schools like? Many of them have research Thomas Jefferson they already know about that but the majority do want public schools. I have always been a huge supporter of our school system. I share feedback with them for myself personally. I tell them feedback from my kids. I have friends and family who are administrators, teachers, and financing. And so this is very important. If we cut funding and we can't get budget funding from y'all, it's probably going to cause a lot of these people not to move here and we're going to see people moving out, which is going to affect our county more than just a school system because when they leave or come their paychecks are going to and so is our county tax money. So, tonight as a citizen, a mom, a realtor, and a taxpayer myself, I'm asking all of you to please really consider the future of our children, the future of our county. And please help with the fun in that our county school is made. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. next room. Jerica Bailey. Jerica Bailey. Jerica Bailey. Jerica Bailey. Jerica Bailey. Jerica Bailey. Jerica Bailey. Jerica Bailey. Cliffsile Mentory. Jerica Bailey. Jerica Bailey. Cliffsile Mentory. Thank you. I feel like I'm in Rutherford County. We are a run-in, work-in cattle operation and we do have two kids who are in Rutherford County schools and I'm just here tonight to say that we support Rutherford County schools, we support, we'veside as where our kids go. We always give that feedback to the school and we do do a lot of things with our farm as far as field trips go. We do have several field trips from Cliffside. We also go to Chase Middle School and we also had East Hospital. We have a self-contained class that will be coming out. So we do give a lot of our time, a lot of our energy to agriculture, education, and also to Rutherford County Schools. And we just do not want funding and budget cuts to affect these programs and these things. So as taxpayers, as farm owners, we do expect our money to be going to fund in the Rutherford County schools and especially in the agriculture department. And that's it. All right. Thank you so much. Guess is Keisha Kirby. Spend elementary. Kirby last age at 0 three one zero. Yes. That's it, you should. It's gonna work. It's gonna work. Yeah. It's gonna work. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. It's gonna work. It's gonna work. It's curving. Well, you did it. I'm sorry. It's curvy. Welcome. You have three minutes and you're ready to go? Okay. Okay. My name is Kayi Shikarbi and today I'm speaking on behalf of Spendale Elementary. My purpose for this meeting tonight, which you all is to represent the school system and school board funding for the schools and I want to assure that the county supports our children and teachers by fulfilling the rough-to-cending school board funding requests for the upcoming school years. And I would also like to ask that you continue to support the funding for the schools for the children so that they can have access to the technology and resources they need to thrive. The commissioner invests in their education today and shares their prepared to contribute to society tomorrow. And your continued commitment will make a lasting lifetime of difference in the children's lives to come. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Tina Carr, C-A-R-R. Tina Carr. Tina I was looking down. It's hard welcome. You have three minutes later here. Good evening, gentlemen. Thank you so much for this opportunity. I'm from, I moved here in 2022. I'm from St. Louis, Missouri. And I found out tonight that this works a little differently than we do there. We ask the question and then you guys talk back. My understanding is I ask a question. That's it. Okay. I did fortunately with talk to a gentleman earlier today to get me some information. But I'm representing about 175 families. Most of those that have disabled veterans, senior disabled veterans, who are wondering, this was brought to my attention about a month ago, the private property debris removal being handled by the Army Corps of Engineers. We understand that chimney rock and lake lure, they are in this program currently and the citizens are wondering why are not all the others cities in Rutherford County able to take advantage of this. They have thousands of pounds of trees along driveways near their homes. And so the question is just why, but I don't think I can get an answer to that question tonight after finding out what I did. So basically, I did find out that it is in the works, that you guys are working on it. My next question, which probably, I don't know if I can get an answer on this or not, but how to find out progress on this. And that's so basically I just wanted to, we wanted to bring attention to the fact that there are a lot of families out there that desperately need this. They do not have the funds nor the physical capabilities to move a 4,000 pound tree. So, thank you very much for your time. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your time. Tom is from Atomas Turner, Elboro. Thomas. Good evening. Our country is considered by meaning to be a representative democracy. In an order for a representative democracy to function and not lapse in a disorder in chaos and into self-apploorption, to flourish, it depends wholly on an educated and virtuous citizenry. And this cannot be done without proper formation of mind, body, and character, and without the securing of necessary and fitting means of provision, this formation. Further, what makes us uniquely and definitively human is not simply the ability to make fire or walk upright, but the ability to know and understand what is true and to act freely from a place of understanding what is true and good and service of neighbor and self. This does not happen by chance, but through consistent and loving formation and intervention. In ways which directly and intentionally respond, the unique gifts and personality each student has in its particularity in which they may contribute for our local and national polity. Our mission statement in Rutherford County Schools is to prepare all students for lifelong learning in a global community by partnering with families and communities to promote a safe, nurturing school environment and provide rigorous and academic and career preparation experiences. Investment in this mission, non-investment and ivory tower, it has immediate, embodied, and direct influence on family and present and future community flourishing. Formation which responds to students in their individuality of gifts and interests has immediate, embodied, and direct influence on their peers, eventual workplace, and life, and this formation cannot be recovered and lost. The mentorship of various forms that takes place within these contexts, the source of priceless and irreplaceable good. And so I submit this to your consideration that this mission is worth investing in. Thank you for your time and what you do. Thank you, Senator Donald. Thank you. Thank you. Jennifer Garperson. Jennifer, I'll see you. Welcome. You have three minutes. Thank you. Good evening, commissioners. Marion Wright, Edelman, founder and president of the Children's Defense Fund once stated, education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it. My name is Jennifer Robertson and I'm here this as a member of the community, as a parent of a child in this school district, and as a proud teacher of children with exceptional needs. This position is indeed a calling for me and it is not just a job. I am passionate about what I do and I deeply love the children I serve. Our students today require much more than students of recent years. Not only do we serve as their teacher, we also serve as their mentor, social worker, counselor, cheerleader, and in some cases is their provider. While we also work to provide a stable nurturing environment for them, we help to meet their needs, including in some circumstances by providing clothing, shoes, and coats. But above all, we work to be sure that their needs are met. We desperately need more funding in this district so that we can continue to passionately serve our students. 15.2% of households in Rutherford County live below the poverty line according to the North Carolina rural center. With a quick glance of the salary schedule for teachers in this county. It is obvious that many of our own teachers also live below the poverty line. So think about that for a moment. Every month, many of us squeeze from our personal budgets to help our students with the essentials they need. It is not uncommon for us to serve children that have been living in a car, or have to sleep on a couch, or reside in a foster home. It is not uncommon for us to serve children that rely on two meals a day at school, so they are fed. In some schools in our district, many request for exceptional children services services are coming from the parents. They are recognizing that they need more help and are relying on more resources from Rutherford County Schools in order to support their children. These services are not optional. They are indeed mandated, according to the federal law, which is the individuals with disabilities education act. These services must be provided regardless. Our future children and grandchildren deserve the very best education that Rutherford County has to offer. Our school district needs your support in providing necessary funding, so we can continue making a difference. In the lives of our students. Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today. My name is Rachelle West. And I came before you not only as a parent, but also as someone who has experienced at first hand the power of education, both in overcoming personal challenges and in seeing how education shaped my own children. In 1984, I was in my first year of second grade. Yes, my first year. I struggled with reading and at that time there were no standardized tests or IEPs to help identify disabilities, the way we have now. I was far behind and it was suggested that I repeat the grade. My mother agreed. And as a result, I was separated from my friends. I was bullied, humiliated, and made to feel like I didn't belong. This created a sense of hopelessness that led me to drop out at the age of 16. But my story did not end. When I became my mother at 19, I decided I wanted something more for myself and my children. I returned to school, earned a high school diploma, and later pursued a degree in manufacturing technology. Today I'm a maintenance planner superintendent, and continuing my education and business administration. While I was able to turn my life around, it did not have to be this difficult. Years later, my daughter entered second grade at Sunshine Elementary. I saw the same struggles in her that I had faced. After working closely with the teachers and having her tested we discovered that she needed additional support. She was placed with an IEP by the end of the second grade year. There was the questions about whether to move her to third grade. I panicked. All of the hopeless feelings that I had experienced at her age rushed back and I feared she would be faced with the same challenges as I did. But the teachers at Sunshine didn't give up on her. They provided her the time, attention and one-on-one support she needed. They believed in her and she was promoted to third grade. By the end of fifth grade, she was a straight-A student excelling in academically and became a role model for her peers. Today she is an eighth grade at East Medall, taking ninth grade classes, maintaining straight A's, excelling in sports like soccer, volleyball and track. This success is a direct result of the unwavering dedication of her teachers, educators, not only taught her how to read, but they taught her how to believe in herself. What made the difference was the resources and the support teachers who had the time and ability to focus on each child. We cannot fail them fully funding rural, county schools. is not a luxury. It is a necessity. Our children's future depend on it. Our community's future depends on it. And I know firsthand what it means to fall behind. And I also know what it means to have a second chance. Let's ensure that no children in rural for County has to wait for that second chance. Thank you. Thank you so much. Chair, it's Guffie. I pronounced it correctly. Yes sir. I'll have a welcome. So you have three minutes and I'm ready when you are. Good afternoon, commissioners. My name is Jerk Guffin. I would like to speak about the railroad trail extension and the Rutherford County School budget. On the first topic, I'll be speaking mainly to Commissioner Benfield and Commissioner Holt. I like many others who this proposed trail will affect or immeasurably against. The proposed trail will continue in your districts in the majority of the community, those who elected you to be our voice, do not need it and do not want it. I understand that in the town and the cities the current trail has a use with shops, businesses, restaurants and open areas that are around the general public. But on the news section there's no economical gain for the communities which it passes through only private property. After it's complete who's going to pay for the yearly maintenance on the trail that it'll need who will pay for the cleanup of the trash and the needles accounting that's who the verdict already stretch resources and assets. Who's going to make sure that the trail is safe? The Sheriff's Department there are not not enough officers in the department to effectively, safely, or remotely make that happen, and none of you can guarantee it. The public records request, there have been approximately 670 calls for service in four years. That is a call for service every two and a half days. Now, some of those calls are also medical and and welfare related but the vast majority are law enforcement related. These are private properties. These are generations of landowners who don't want to worry about their children playing outside. Going on vacation, I late night at the ball field homelessness and transient people coming on to their property. Their home is being broken into in the sanctity of their home taking away from them. I venture to say that neither of you or any of you are affected by the current trail or the proposed trail. I know foothills Regional Commission has started this process, but the commissioners have the ability to end it. As for the school, commissioners, the way the state has the teacher salary schedule is hoarded. From years 15 to 25, teachers received no pay raise and their salary stays the same no matter what degree they have. That's why the local supplement is so important. But in that it's only $1,100 a year split into two paychecks and then tax. Over the past 10 years the taxes and cost of living has risen and the local supplements have stayed the same never increasing. On the financial side the teachers are bringing home less now than they were years ago. And given this they still remain in Rutherford County and still want to be here. To those concerned with the education standards and books in the library that children's read North Carolina has Senate Bill 49 which is the parental bill of rights which allows you to access all of the educational materials and books available in the school. Middle and high schools are full coverage with school resource officers while elementary schools do not. There are multiple officers cover multiple elementary schools during the day leaving those schools vulnerable to issues that may arise. Why is this even a discussion? You're the body and the means to resolve the issue and if not, it's not when something happened, it's we end. And let's hope it's not due to indecision. Thank you, sir. I really appreciate you, John. Thank you. Thank you, sir. Thank you, John. Commissioners, we have another public comment. Speaker Julie Pittman, a brother for Tim. I think she's coming. Oh, let me spin it. I'm going to go to the next floor. I'm going to go to the next floor. I'm going to go to the next floor. I'm going to go to the next floor. I'm going to go to the next floor. I'm going to go to the next floor. I'm going to go to the next floor. I'm going to go to the next floor. I'm going to go to the next floor. I'm going to go to the next floor. The former teacher advisor for the State Superintendent for North Carolina Public Instruction, and the proud parent of two essential heel toppers. I spent the last six years working and advocating for schools across the state, for the schools, teachers, and students. I chose to come back to Rutherford County Schools to my home school just two short months ago that teach students in our community, in our community. And now I stand here advocating for these schools and our county and our school system. I could give you any number of reasons why I think funding our local public school system is the right thing to do. But I want to read a statement by my former student and current friend who's in the back of the ring. Jesse Whiteside, who was too nervous to speak for herself, she's the owner of South and Main Salon in Brother Burton. There here is her letter. My name is Jesse Whiteside. My child Colby Whiteside has battled with severe health issues since the age of five. After his first diagnosis of leukemia, we chose to put him in Trinity School because it was small and we were nervous about a big school. Brotherhood County Schools rallied around our family at that time and helped support my child, Kobe, but also his younger sister, Korra, who was basically raised in the hospital with Kobe. Our essential did not forget that my husband and our proud hill stop, Hill'll toppers, and they stood by us even after we had started our family and our own business and even after we put our kid in a different school. After Kobe's second relapse eight years ago, I am proud to say he is cancer-free and in full remission. His health issues have affected his physical growth, but not his spirit. And he's right back there in the cowboy hat. Last year, Kobe told me he wanted to go to R.I. Central. Both his daddy and I were proud that he wanted to go to our school. We believed in these county schools, but we were nervous how Kobe would do at a big school with kids much bigger than him. But Kobe was determined. He wanted to be a part of building that house in the front yard of that school. To learn about electrical traits and carpentry. He wanted to be a part of that big school community. He may be little in size, but he has big dreams and R.I.C.C. was making them come true. Not only is he excelling in his traits courses, he has become OSHA certified this year as a freshman, and he is making straight A's in all of his classes. classes. This is due to the fact that class sizes are not big at our central. His teachers are able to really deliver to all the students. Funding for our Rutherford County Schools is essential to help kids like my Colby know that they have a place where they can learn and grow in this community. Without R.C.E. High School, I know that my boy would not be where he is right now. I know his dad he and I would not be either, nor his sister. Please vote to fully fund Rutherford County Schools for Colby and all the kids like him who depend on these schools. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I'm currently a member of the local advisory council for far city Dumb, President of our PTO, and a dedicated volunteer in our school. I have two children who are enrolled in Rutherford County School system, and I'm deeply invested in their education and future. As a volunteer, I spend a lot of time in our schools, and what I'm seeing right now is concerning. There is a growing sense of low morale among our teachers. The budget shortfall is creating a climate of uncertainty for them leaving them unsure of what the next school year will look like. This uncertainty is not only affecting their ability to teach but it's also impacting students who depend on them for guidance and support. Our PTO works tirelessly to raise money for our teachers and students, but it's clear that this alone cannot solve the larger issue at hand. While we're doing what we can, the reality is that the county needs to invest more in education and the people who are shaping the future of our children. As a parent, I want to ensure that my children receive the best education possible. They will be in Rutherford County Schools for many years to come and I believe that investing in our schools today will create a brighter tomorrow for all of us. Borsening the closure and sale of any of the elementary schools in this county would add to already crowded classrooms and even longer bus routes. Further disrupting the learning environment. This will only make it more difficult for our students and teachers to succeed. So my question is this, how can we as taxpayers be told that the money we've all contributed will not be used to invest in the future of this county. Our communities deserves more, our children deserve more, and our teachers deserve more. Thank you. Bryson, Brian Thompson. Mr. Thompson? Well, actually, there's two of them. Good evening. My name is Bross and Thompson and I'm a freshman in RS Central High School. Rough and County Schools offer a lot of different electives and trades and career options to get prepared for our future. These types of jobs that we learn in our, or rough for county schools, help us figure out what we want to do when we grow up and get a job. A lot of classes in our other schools gives us sit and look at computers or worksheets, but Rutherford County Schools offer things that give students hands-on experiences. And my carpentry class when learned skills to help us build houses. My teacher, Mr. Vaughan, has a strict father figure who teaches great things about carpentry and also had a rack right in the real world. real world. Things I learned in this class are helping me and my dad built our own family house. In my foos class we learned a lot about how kids in our school don't have a lot of food security and we are learning how to cook for ourselves and it sometimes gives some kids another place to eat food and take it home straight from the classroom. A lot of my friends are taking a public safety course and learning all different pathways that our community needs but a lot of our teachers are depending on their own knowledge and their own while it's teaches even our math sites and English teachers are using their own funds to make learning mean something for our students and it shouldn't be that way. I think all I our teachers definitely deserve to not come out of their pocket. I'm here to tell you the other reason you all were sitting in your chairs today. I don't want my school to become a place where kids just sit and desk and they work. That will happen if we don't give enough money to keep teachers key classes and class size as small. It gives students the experience as we as students deserve. Funding our schools and teachers to have what they need to teach us to make them better and help us and help make us better prepared to be working adults when we graduate. And I'll say this too I'm sure those mocks that are in front of you then come out of your pocket. Do you take it as that to you? Coming out of our teacher's pocket. Taking an example, my history teacher. He has to use the other history teacher's pencils when we need them down the aisle. She don't want to have to come out of her pocket. And I mean it's just sad. It really is that they do so much for us. And I know they did a lot for you. I'm sure that y'all have plenty of teachers that help y'all out in school. And I think I deserve a little bit more credit. He's going to talk for just a second for the last little bit. That's okay. Gentlemen, I just want to say, I just want to remind you, and I'm sure you all took oath you work for the people in this county Taxpayers you don't sit up there behind that desk and work for yourself. You work for the people All these people come out tonight to speak up because this is what needs to be going on Happen and as I've watched for the last 12 second I've watched most of you sit up there and give a care less of what all these people have to say Y'all put a smile on your face and be thankful for this county and these people. Thank you. Thank you. sit up there and give a care less of what all these people have to say. Y'all have to put a smile on your face and be thankful for this county and these people. Thank you. Thank you. Williams say, is it Danielle Williams? I guess not. That's not in elementary, middle, and high school. I am a very active mom. There is a school of meeting. I am there. I am on the local parent advisory. The district parent advisory. I have three kids that attend schools in Rutherford County. I have one in elementary, middle, and high school. I am a very active mom. There is a school of meeting. I'm there. I'm on the local parent advisory, the district parent advisory, PTO, and I'm mentor for robotics. If my kid has a ball game or a band competition or a robotics competition, I'm there. And in the past 12 years, I have gotten to know teachers, principals, custodians, lunchroom ladies, SRO workers. I've got to know them very well and have the deepest respect for all of them and I see how hard they work and the effects that it has on our children. In recent weeks, Rutherford County Schools has started marketing on Facebook that has been to inform our community about Rutherford County Schools. Dr. Sutton and our school board have gone above and begun to be as transparent as possible. They have worked hard to debunk the myths that we have heard spread around our community about Rutherford County Schools. For every myth and why that has been shared, there have been facts to back up the truth. I don't know if you have seen these Facebook posts, but I can assure you that the majority of our community has. And not only has our community been educated about Rutherford County Schools, but it is also caused us to voice questions. Questions like where are all these myths coming from? And why would our county commissioners not support our schools? Or even questions like where are all these myths, or excuse me? Why would our county commissioners have close to $60 million sitting in an account and not want to fully fund our schools. I think the Facebook marketing campaign has gone great and it's a great reminder of how powerful social media can be. In case you haven't been following, Rutherford County Schools Post-A, why Education Matters Post Monday through Friday with Mythbuster, Monday, and Transparency, Tuesday and so on. I looked back before coming tonight and to see how often these posters being shared and it's summer up to 800 shares and that's not counting once it's shared as someone to else shares it. So this going out to thousands in our community. So these posters literally reach thousands of people every day. People that are members of this community and are your constituents. And so far, all we hear from our county commissioners are excuses and myths. I just want to remind you as elected officials that you were elected to help our community prosper. It can grow without a fully funded public school system. It blows my mind that we are even having to fight to get these funds approved. But after seeing how powerful social media has been for Rothford County Schools, we as parents of Rothford County School children can do our own marketing. Thank you. Thank you. I appreciate your time. I think it's Chessley. Chessley Gray. I know I messed up your name. I apologize. Just a pant it to her. Thank you. I apologize in advance for reading from my notes and talking fast what I have a lot to say. My name is Chelsea Gray. I'd like to briefly outline my credentials, not to emphasize personal accomplishment, but to establish the context for my information and recommendation. First and foremost, I am a parent. My children are 14, 11 and four. I'm the parent of a child with a severe disability. My daughter is in seventh grade at RS Mino School on a modified schedule, and average is 110 seizures a day. Because of her needs, I have unique insight on how the county functions and teach those with disability. Secondly, I'm a parent advocate with NC Child, specifically representing Rutherford County. North Carolina's NC Child is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that uses data-driven research to work closely with legislators to create policy that helps children in our state. I also work in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Intellectual Developmental Disabilities. Time for the facts. 77 out of 1,000 children in our county have been assessed for suspected abuse and neglect. The state average is 46. School staff is the number one reporter of abuse and neglect. Infant mortality rate in Rutherford County is three times the state average. 24.1% of children in Rutherford County are food insecure. Our school speed our children. 19.8% of residents in Mother for County have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is versus 33.9% statewide. This greatly impacts our county. 12% of babies born in our county are born premature and underweight. We have 69.1 deaths for 100,000 children in the state. Investing in our schools is not just an expenditure, it's an investment. We are not talking about short-term fixes, we are talking about building a stronger, more resilient community for generations to come. A well-educated workforce attracts businesses and creates jobs. Studies have shown a direct correlation between educational attainment and reduced crime rate. Education is linked to better health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. Please remember the mortality and child death rate I mentioned before. Education empowers parents to provide better support for their children, creating stronger and more stable families. Some may argue that we don't have the resources to increase school funding, but the statistics say we cannot afford not to do it. Lastly, I have seen firsthand how Rutherford County staff is being overworked and overwhelmed, and it is led to significant issues regarding adherence to IEP laws within our school system. My child has had her IEP violated 12 times in the one and a half years that she was at an elementary school in this county. Since the point of this meeting is budget, I do think it is important to remind the county commissioners that disregarding professional requests or help will expose the county to costly and disruptive lawsuits. If you choose to disregard the pleas from our educators who are begging for more support to help our children and our children with disabilities do not be surprised if there are costly mistakes that come unexpectedly out of your budget. All right, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. next floor. Michelle Flynn. Welcome. Good evening. Three minutes. Good evening. My name is Michelle Flynn. And tonight I'm here to just share my heart. First as the parent of a student athlete in Rutherford County Schools. My sign is a two-sport athlete and he is in his junior year. He is already getting looks and having lots of conversations with colleges, universities. However, if the schools are not fully funded, one of the major things that will be cut is athletics. If he doesn't get to play his sport, he loses his dream. He's not the only one. I mean, you're speaking for all of those those students to know you. Next, I'm also the president of the Big Red football boosters. I've watched those coaches pick a program that was not existed three years ago and build it into something wonderful. That did not magically happen. These coaches have sacrificed over and over and over for those athletes that are on their teams. But it's not just about the sport. They have mentored them, they have been counselors to them. My son has come and told me about teammates struggling in different areas, contemplating things that we know they're dealing with and who did that get you but they're coached. Yet we can't even find a stipend for them. And what they're getting paid already doesn't even pay their gas and forth and we should appreciate them more than that. But lastly I'm here as a follower of Jesus. We should be willing to sacrifice for our kids because they are a future. Matthew 186 says, if anyone causes one of these children to stumble, it would be better for them to have a meal stone tied around their neck and drown in the sea. Now I'm not saying anybody's causing them to stumble, but I am saying we can prevent that. So I'm asking you, work together. Be it you're it out, we're smart people, make a plan. I don't know what that looks like, it's not my job. But I know that our kids are worth it. And I ask you to invest in the future of our students and our community and make this thing happen. Be the hero. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Here we got somebody coming. All right, thank you. Welcome, good evening. Good evening, commissioners. My name is Corey Hinkle and I'm a chair graduate year 2000. After 21 years of service to my country, I retired in 2023 from the US Army and now operate a small transportation business within the county. I'm on the local advisory committee for each brother for middle school, the district parent advisory committee for Elimboro Elementary, and I'm the treasurer of the East Rutherford High School Bamboosters. Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today about an issue that affects not only our children but the entire future of our community. I stand before you as a concerned citizen, apparent, and an advocate for our future, asking you to invest in our schools, not just as institutions of learning, but as a very heart of our community. Our schools are where our children build the foundation for their future. They are not merely buildings, they are environments that foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Every dollar invested in education translates into a stronger workforce, more engaged citizens, and ultimately a more vibrant local economy. When we support our schools, we empower every student to reach their fullest potential regardless of their background or zip code. We are at a pivotal moment in our history, with the decentralization of the Department of Education, our community faces many challenges, but among them is the challenge of providing an equitable, high-quality education for every child. Studies have consistently shown that well-funded schools are more capable of attracting and retaining excellent teachers, maintaining safe facilities, and offering diverse programs that cater to different interests and career pathways. Colleges not for everyone, and our current CTE curriculum fills those boards. By proving this this funding you are saying that our children deserve arts programs advanced placement courses and extracurricular activities that nurture leadership and innovation I understand that budgets are tight and that every expenditure is scrutinized but according to your published documents the money is there however I ask you to view this funding not as a cost but as investment one that yields yields dividends in the form of safer communities, lower crime rates, and improved quality of life for all residents. The successes we celebrate in our county schools today will be the building blocks of the community's success tomorrow. I urge you to consider the lives and futures of our children and let's work together to build a community where education is not just a privilege for the few, but a promise for Phil to every child. For the past several months, I've attended meeting after meeting discussing costs and the inability to lower them. My daughter is already unable to take honors, comp, and east as a freshman because the teachers have been cut from six to four. Buses are being shared, SROs are being shared, teachers and synergies are far below the main for surrounding counties. Where are the places for savings? Because we don't see them. How can we expect to lower our student teacher attrition, right? When you, as commissioners, refuse to give the schools the money that need to maintain basic operation. The answer is you won't. Students will leave, teachers will continue to leave, and Rutherford County will lose its ability to provide a quality public education. For whatever reasons you have chosen to hold back on funding next year's budget, I urge you to reconsider them. We cannot move forward without it. It isn't fair to our teachers, our students, or our communities. And I didn't serve my country for 21 years to see my children use as political weapons. And that's exactly what you're doing. Yeah. Woo! A Grant Bailey. Grant. A Grant Bailey. Grant. Grant Bailey. You grant? I am. Welcome. Thank you. I appreciate that. Thank you. My name is Grant Bailey. I'm a resident in the Ruffford County for 14 years. And I like a lot of people I chose to leave. I'm a resident in the Ruffford County for 14 years. And like a lot of people, I chose to live here. And one of the reasons that I chose to live here was because of the balance of things that were offered. Natural beauty, community, but the school systems are a big part of that. And I don't know if you have heard, but there's a budget shortfall. And I know that this situation is not of the county's creation. There's a balance of factors. There's a lot of things going on. The state is not stepping up. But we're at a crossroads where they don't have anywhere else to turn. They need you guys to step up. And I know that you are trying to do your absolute best to balance a range of priorities. You're trying to exercise good fiduciary responsibility. You've got a lot of mouths to feed within within the county and these are not ordinary times. But this year, even though it's not good policy to use fund balance to fund public schools, that it's really what's required. I know that you guys have had some, I've heard rumors that there's some difference of opinion on whether funds should have gone to this or that. And I'm sure that with any budget negotiation of this size of there would be some friction within the stakeholders that's certainly part of the process. But I think we can, I think you can and all parties involved can offer each other the grace that we're all trying to work for the common good, that we all want the same things and do what we need to do. Because we have really excellent value for dollar with our education system in Ruffer County, but that is not a renewable resource. It's not a hedge that can be trimmed, it's an egg that can be broken. And I've seen it at my own children's schools, the class sizes, the programs aren't offered. There are things that have been very important to my education, which, you know, we're just frankly not available here, and that's an acceptable compromise for me because of all the other things that Rutherford County has to offer. But if this goes further, if there are further reductions of programs, it would make it a much more difficult choice for me to, you know, to continue with my children in Rutherford County schools. That's, you know, obviously that's not a change I want to make. But I think you also make it a harder choice to move this community for the schools. So I would ask you, gentlemen, to rise to these extraordinary times and meet the budget. And I hope that in the future that we can go farther with that. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Bailey. Appreciate that. Alice McClellan. I'm trying to read that. Eight, five, nine, five. Alice McClellan. That's what it looks like. It's hard to read the Clooney, sorry. I think that. Well, I didn't when I was trying to read it. I didn't read it looks like. It's hard to read the, the Clooney. Sorry. I didn't when I was trying to read it. I didn't read it at all. Good evening. I'm here to voice my concern regarding budget decisions that have been made over the last several years that have negatively impacted Rutherford County Schools, the Sheriff's Department and many of our other vital organizations in the county. First and foremost, I'm a product of Rutherford County Schools and I'm a parent of a Rutherford County Schools and I'm a parent of a Rutherford County Schools student. I've taught in Rutherford County Schools and I'm teaching the next generation of teachers now. I see the work that teachers, assistants, assistant principals, principals, bus drivers, custodians, and cafeteria staff do every day for our kids. Everybody in every school works to the bone for the benefit of our children, and they deserve more. You have failed to provide with for county schools with even inflationary increases for the last two years. You have failed to support the ongoing needs to provide SRS in every school. You have failed our children. But I'll tell you who hasn't failed our children. It is Rethra for county schools who has not let your failure to support them affect children to the best of their ability. They cannot continue to carry your responsibilities. There are classrooms across this county with 35 plus children in them because they are trying to consolidate their resources as best they can. Is this fair to our kids? No, it's not. I would invite every single one of you to spend the day in a classroom across this county and find out what's actually going on in the school and why they need more from you. Now I want to focus a little bit on your own budget audit report and examining how we can do better for our kids. So I want to draw your attention to page 82 of your 2024 budget audit report. This is a list of your revenues that you collected for the fourth county for 2324. The thing that I find most interesting is that your investment earnings category, you earned $3.7 million in that category alone. I'll told you revenues category, you took in almost $4.9 million more than projected. That's almost the entirety of the break even needs for Rutherford County Schools next year. Now, to make clear, that is almost $5 million in positive revenue that this county has earned, mostly off my dime in every other taxpayer's pocket in this county. Now, moving on to page 84 of your vote of your audit, you started the year 2023 with a fund balance of $54.6 million. At the end of the 2024 cycle, you had a fund balance of about $63 million. That's a gain of $8.3 million almost. I do understand that of that 63 million in the fund balance, that some of that was already designated for the 2425 budget. If you look at page 71 and you're audit report, you still had fund balance. If 31.5 million that was not designated going into the 2425 year. While RCS cut every possible penny, they could to make sure the power stayed on and they had enough adults to survive but not thrive. You made over four million on my dime and everybody else's dime in interest. Fund to schools completely along with every other department you're responsible for. Thank you. Megan Mathis. 1565. Megan. School. Thank you for seeing me. My name is Megan Mathes. I'm a product of RS Central Class 2004. I want you to remember three key terms. Autism, dyslexic, and ADHD. After I finish my time in the US Navy, I decided to come back to small town friendly brother for county. Guess what? I wanted the best for my child that has autism, dyslexia, and ADHD. When we moved back here, we didn't know he had those. We knew he had ADHD. Because of the people at Pinnacle Elementary, we got the help that he needed. Yes, he had a repeat degree, but that's fine. Because guess what? He's at reach now and he's getting ready to graduate next year with an associate's degree along with a high school diploma. He already has colleges looking at him for swim. Which, you know, that was underfunded also, But it's okay, we move forward. If you close pinnacle elementary, because of the budget cuts, you are disserviceing over half the county. If you look at the county map, majority of it is purple and it is served by pinnacle. I did not join the military just on the whim. It was because of Miss Shamball at Gilkey Elementary. Then I attended Union Mills. During my time at Union Mills, it was closed and I had moved to our instrumental. That's good. I guess my bus ride went to two hours. What are those kids and like Lou, we're going to do if you close these elementary schools? Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. John Bridges. Hey, John Bridges. Hey John Bridges. Welcome. Good evening, sir. You have three minutes. Good evening. Thank you for the opportunity to speak to this assembly. My name is John Bridges. I'm a 2002 graduate of East Rutherford High School. And my wife a 2004 graduate of Chase High School. We have two children in Rutherford County Schools. I'm here to not provide public recommendation for the support and supplement to the Rutherford County Schools budget. Our schools have leaking ceilings. Our children have to temporarily move classrooms because of repairs. We have broken windows, doors that can't shut, grounds and buildings that are in bad need of cleaning and beautification and large pot holes They have to be dodged and the pickup and drop off lanes as anyone in this body Bend to any of the schools Especially the older schools in the county to see what their needs are Carb Bungarner, Jill Price, Jennifer Davis, Paula Waldrup, Brittany Wall These are all individuals that have poured into my children despite all these interruptions and distractions. And despite being what I know first and to be underpaid, see my mom was a teacher and many other members of my family. Despite their lower tier salary, the educators of Rutherford County Schools show a compassion and a performance that is unmatched. Our educators don't do it for the money, but they should be afforded a salary that reflects appreciation and the ability to survive. It's heartbreak in the here teacher, whose spouse is also a teacher, contemplate whether home ownership is even a possibility. North Carolina ranks 41st in the nation for teacher pay, and I don't know where Rutherford County County ranks in North Carolina But I'm willing to bet that it's near the bottom of the list We're losing amazing educators to better paying districts great educators are not a dime a dozen This body can do something about that It's necessary to remind this assembly once again as others have that the future of this county is in the education that the children of this county receive. We need a generation that does not take their talents elsewhere. I hope that this body understands that. People stay when they know that their children have opportunity. While this assembly and rather for county schools have whatever kind of disagreement you have, the children and educators suffer. And I don't care in anybody else in this lobby, in the parking lot, anywhere, there are people everywhere, do not care what the dysfunction is. I sincerely appreciate all of you for running the county finances in the black, and I do mean that. But it does no good to run in a surplus when the house is cabin' in. Please saving more money than necessary while these children and their educators do without. The point that I'm making is a very simple one. Invest in this county by investing in our children in the largest employer in this county. The more money you invest locally, the healthier the local economy becomes. Please do what you are elected to do. And I'll end by saying this, please double whatever they're asking. It doesn't matter. Your question to them should be, can we do more? Do more. Yeah! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! All right. Looks like David Hensley, our Hensler. Does that look like you next floor. Yes. All right. It's close. Hey, welcome. Good evening commissioners. My name is Trent Hansley. I wife and I are both third generation attendees of Rutherford County Schools. You can say we've been here for on bar and both of our city. We have a lot of work to do. We have a lot of work to do. We have a lot of work to do. We have a lot of work to do. We have a lot of work to do. We have a lot of work to do. We have a lot of work to do. We have a lot of work to do. We have a lot of work to do. We have a lot of work to do. We have a lot of work to do. deeply concerned about the direction that we're going. Public schools in this county are being stretched to their limits. Budget needs are going unmet. Teachers are overwhelmed. Facilities are aging without proper attention and families are left wondering why is such a foundational part of our community continues to be overlooked. I'm not here to speculate or accuse, but I am here to speak plainly. When our public schools are consistently underfunded and when more energy seems to go toward limiting support, then building it up, the message is clear. Public education is not being prioritized by you. And that's a problem, not just for students and teachers, but for the future of Rutherford County. Education shouldn't be a privilege for those who can afford private tuition or qualify for a charter lottery. It should be a promise. A strong, reliable public education for every child, no matter their zip code or their background. Our public schools are the great equalizer. When we fail to fund them properly, we're not just failing institutions. We're failing kids who don't have other options. Some fear we're on a path toward closures, consultations, or shifting resources to private hands. Whether that's intentional or not, the impact is the same. A two-tiered system where opportunity depends on access and privilege. Not fairness and investment. We cannot allow that to happen here, not in this county, not to our children. Commissioners, I urge you to reflect on the values this community holds and to match those values with action. Fully fund our schools. Not just the bare minimum, but what's right, what's needed, what our students and educators deserve. Because public education, it's not a charity, it's a public responsibility, and it must serve everyone. Thank you. All right, thank you. Thank you. Adam Yolton. Adam. Mr. Yolton, welcome. Good evening, everyone. I'm Adam Yelton. Thank you for being here and for caring about the future of our children, our schools, and our community. I stand before you today, not just as a concerned citizen, but as the husband of a Rutherford County School teacher, the father of children who attend Rutherford County schools, and the product of Rutherford County schools. And let me tell you, I have seen firsthand the incredible dedication it takes to educate our kids. As a parent, I want my child to learn in a safe, well-equipped classroom with access to qualified teachers, updated material, and the support they need to thrive. I've watched my wife for hours into lesson planning, grading assignments, saying that late, trying to figure out how to reach each one of her students, and spending her own money to make sure her classroom is a safe and welcoming space. It's a calling and I can tell you that she as well as many other public school teachers are deserving of our county commissioners doing the right thing and approving the proposed budget. Across our county teachers and administrators show up every day to give their best despite being underpaid, under resourced and most often underappreciated. However, passion and love for the job can't keep the lights on in our schools. Love for the job can't buy the necessary education materials or fix our buildings and maintain the facilities our kids deserve. No teacher, no matter how gifted, can give your child the safe, high quality education they deserve without the necessary funding. Rutherford County Schools requires that teachers be certified and or obtain their certification via lateral entry. Yet, Rutherford County schools is required to give funding to a local charter school that doesn't require the same. Our teachers are the foundation of a strong and effective education system. They undergo years of training, continuous professional development, and a certification process to ensure they are equipped to meet the academic needs of our students. They are not just subject matter experts, they are mentors, role models, and advocates for our children. Having certified educators in the classroom makes a direct impact on student achievement and long-term success. My teachers with Reliver County Schools were some of the most influential people in my life. Some believed in me, most challenged me, but they all helped shape the person I am today. Their guidance and dedication gave me confidence and knowledge I needed to succeed and I carry those lessons with me every day. Public school funding isn't just about money, it's about values and priorities. When we underfund our schools, we're sending a message to our children that their education doesn't matter. We're telling teachers that their sacrifices aren't worth it. Most importantly, we're risking the education system and safety that our youth are so deserving of. Inadequate funding means overcrowded classrooms, fewer counselors, and less security. It means kids falling through the cracks and teachers being burnt out. It's not just an education issue, it's a community issue, a safety issue. So today, I'm asking all of us to think about what kind of future we want to build. I'm asking you to stand for our teachers, our students and our schools, because investing in public education isn't a charity. It's our responsibility. Thank you. I believe it's Tommy Dick. Tommy? I'll show you Shelby I guess. Welcome sir you have three minutes. Good evening my name is Tommy Dick I'm the owner of Carolina Power Solution Corporation and currently serving as the beacon of the Hillbad District. My wife is an oncology practitioner at Levine Shelby. I start with this and let me know that my son is a, right now, a fourth grader at Sunshine Elementary. We send him out of district despite leaving in Cleveland County. Now I want you to know that because we have choices, we have options, we have alternatives. When it became time for my son to start school, we went and we toured many places, public, Christian, secular, looking around, finding for that best spot. Until we finally, and what can only be described as the divine providence found sunshine elementary school, immediately recognized the school for what it was, a place where the goodness and worth radiates beyond its walls, spilling into the community like the sunshine it's named for. We had toured other schools, Christian and secular, we had engaged with other staffs. This was different. Our son was hindered as so many were by COVID, and as such a gap was there that needed to be bridged. Nestled in that valley inside those walls, sunshine staff worked diligently to close that gap. Thomas, now these few sunshine field years later, was selected by Ranger Randy at Sunshine to be the lead programmer of the robotics team. This is a testament to the work of those special individuals at Sunshine. But their service extends beyond academics, not to be mistaken or understated. Academics is definitely at the forefront. But that is kept in balance with the overall well-being of the child. When we lost my father, Charlie Dick, the staff at Sunshine once more poured into Thomas, and a new yet equally important way, our family was in mourning, in pain, I was in pain. And yet the day of my father's death, when I would have without hesitation, considered to my son staying home from school, he asked with a face still damp with tears to go to Sunshine. Once there, Mr. Higgins at the time and the staff served a student in a way far beyond what someone would describe to a job. They were in the truest and most pure sense the embodiment of a teacher. In such real ways that even now years later, I would lose composure if I tried to put it in words. I would simply say this in my life when I felt my weakest sunshine was there for one that I hold muster. It was sometime after this we learned of the impending retirement of Mr. Higgins. I'm a firm believer in the importance of the responsibility of leadership and the vital nature for the good of the bad. I can only describe once more the vying providence that in a place where the root scourred deep is the mountains that lovingly embraced that precious school that one was selected to assume the role of leadership that was tied into those roots. Mirce Davis was selected as the new principal and the new leader of the school, which we had logically and spiritually chosen, but which we had grown to love. Having seen Mirce Davis' decisions and observed the fruit that were bared by those decisions, it is now with complete confidence that Thomas has dropped off each day. We see sunshine for what it is possibly is only someone without ties to Rutherford County can. A place of knowledge, a place of learning, a place of truth, and a place of love. It is because of how truly special sunshine is that we are choosing. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Sometimes they've probably appreciated it. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I appreciate it. Thank you. Amy Kimper. Miss Kimper. Spindale. 1339. Amy Kimper. It's Kimper, welcome. Hello, I'm Board of Spindy Elementary Schools, PTO, and I come here to address the budget burning with the skull and stuff. As you see, I'm a power parent. He goes to spend a little bit of time and without the teachers and the funding, he would not be where she's at today. He's had trouble with her reading and stuff and they have worked tremendously to help her get the where she's at. And I just want to have the support for the schools, for the Rutherford County Board of Education and everything. And I want to ensure that y'all will support the school system and help with the funding. And I hope and pray that with each testimony here from everybody and from all of the taxpayers here, I'm sure that we would love to see y'all fulfill their findings and help these children. They are our future. They're what we have to look forward to, the ones that's going to be caring for us when we get older. So I hope y'all will look after our children and look after our future and hopefully I hope y'all will, like others have said, double their funding and double what they've asked for, to better see their children. Thank you. Oh, thank you. Have a good evening. As a Jeff Dalio. Dalo. Dalo, D-A-L-O, or D-A-H-A. It's kind of hard to read. Forza. Sorry,. Forza. Sorry sir, it's all grinsed together. Welcome sir. You have three minutes. Please provide comments. Before I begin my remarks, what a lovely God-honoring prayer that was to open today's session. I'd like to thank whoever prayed for us tonight. Next, I'd like to say we appreciate you in your role as our commissioners. I'm sure this process has not been easy or fun for your team. You've likely heard many opinions, and I can only imagine that that's made the decision-making process even more difficult. So thank you. each one of you for your patience, for listening to us and for all that you do. Admittedly, I'm not qualified to speak to the details of the proposed budget. I don't have a background in business. I haven't studied the current allocations closely enough to offer specific recommendations. But here's what I do know. Our school teachers, administrators, and staff are truly special people doing incredibly special work. There are more than educators, as many have said tonight. There are nurturers, mentors, and caregivers. I've seen them give of themselves. That's officially time and time again, for the sake of our children and our community. They didn't choose this profession for the compensation or the work-life balance. For many of them working in the school system is quite literally a labor of love. But that labor is becoming more of a burden. Our educators are tired and stretched too thin. The resources they have simply aren't enough. Not because of poor management, but because the needs are great. We need to do our part to help carry that burden financially. When our children were toddlers, my wife and I considered all the options. Home school, Christian school, charter school, and public school. We chose public school and our kids have been at Mount Vernon Ruth since day one. Since then we've learned that a school isn't just a system. It's a special place filled with people who truly care. We really appreciate those people. So many of them. That's why Mount Vernon Ruth and schools like it across Rutherford County means so much to families like mine. It's not just about the resources, it's about the relationships, and our kids loved so many people that work at that school. So I'm asking on behalf of my family and many others for you to please consider more funding for a public school system in Rutherford County, and thank you so much for the opportunity to speak. You serve. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Eva Rogers. This is Rogers. Eva. Eva Rogers. 4065. There you go. Welcome. Good evening, please. Will the public comments you have three minutes? Thank you. I mentioned hers. We understand that there's a budget, that there's only so much money that comes in, and that everything has to be prioritized because every family has a budget. And we have to decide where every dollar, every dime, sometimes every penny goes. So we understand that this is a hard decision. But if you're a homeowner and your gutter is leaking, you say, well, I don't have the funds right now to fix this. We can let it wait for a little while, so we get the money've got other priorities but at a certain point you start to realize that if you don't fix this gutter you're gonna have rotten siding, you're gonna have mold and you're gonna have a weakened foundation. And I think all of us are here because we strongly feel that school system is at this critical tipping point that if you don't step in and put money into this, there are going to be a whole lot more expenses down the line. You know, I'm a parent, a volunteer, and a substitute teacher. So I've seen the school system from the outside and the inside. And I see how hard these employees work. And last few years, they have been carrying the workload of two or three positions. And you just can't carry that kind of a load for so long without feeling the effects. But I know how much they love every child in these schools. And just like a house is the most valuable asset that most families have, school system is the foundation of our community and if our foundation is cracking and weak the whole community is going to feel it. It is the basis of our county. Our school system is the most valuable asset that we have and because of that we've got to find the money to prioritize them. We have faith. We elected you to be able to find a way to put our priorities in order. And if you ask any family in this county, and we have so many diverse families, I'm pretty sure that most of them will say that the most important thing in their life is their family. So if you're asking us what we want to put our money for in this community, it's for our kids and our school system. Because that is what makes a strong community. Thank you. Thank you. Looks like like Gary Scroogs. Gary Scroogs. Gary good evening. You have three minutes. Thank you, Mr. G. Thank you, County Commissioners, for being here for a lot of everybody to speak. I grew up in this county. I was going to hold off here. We're up in the same quarter mile. I went to Cliffside Elementary, went to Chase Middle when it started. Graduated Chase High, graduated ICC. 42, almost 43, be here in my whole life. I'm proud of my community. My wife, he's at Cliffside, my daughter's in kindergarten at Cliffside. Cliffside was built in 1920 by Relliford Haines that started Cliffside Mill. It wasn't built by the county. It was over 100 years old. And it's still there, it's still functioning. For my dad went, it's where my uncle graduated high school. I'm lucky enough now that I have my own business. I'm able to work in the county. And in this round of the area, you don't have to Charlotte, any warden, don't have to go to Greenville. Those places, I see a lot of houses, whether it's new bills or rewiring and building. I know the Cleveland counties growing. I'm Rulfa County's growing song. We need strong schools to attract families. I know people that I graduated with left and came back 20 years later the rights of the family here, because they wanted this community. They didn't want to live in a city, they didn't want to live where they were. And I know that we all have to be good stewards of our money and I know in the past you've asked the county to reduce admin staff and they've done that. They've put people back in the classroom. SRO, you know, I think it's important we have a SRO at ever school because there's nothing more important than our family members, our teachers, our kids. You know, last thing we want to be on the news for something bad. When I was in school, you know, I went to school with a kid that stabbed a girl 80 times. You know, it didn't happen at school, but it affected the whole school. And those things are there. We have a lot of poverty in our communities. And our teachers are the ones that are serving. Cliffsize not much. I don't even know how many of you have used to ever been to Cliffsize. You've been to Cliffsize Elementary School. They've got Mayday coming up. I welcome you to all come out. You'll see that community support at school. You'll see people that don't have much, but they love that school. They love those teachers. They love this Ellis. They're please support our schools. If you want the county to grow and invest in the schools, because people aren't going to bring their kids and their family here. If they don't believe that they're going to get a good education. Thank you. Thank you, sir. And fish Kim. Fish Kim. Regarding sunshine, school. Another. We are adding sunshine at school. Another public comment versus sign up, a Jan Fish Kim. Looks like there's that in there. Jan Jan going once. Is there Jan fish Kim? Last word did just a cell number. I can read that. 1716. handwriting just... Also, they're the side for right now. The gentleman shows up, well shows up here in three minutes. A Larry Skipper Larry. Is there Larry Skipper, Republic comment? Thank you for opening this up for people to speak at. First of all, I'm glad my Lord Jesus allowed us to good for the bill. I'm not sure if the bill is a little bit more good for the bill. I'm not sure if the bill is a little bit more good for the bill. I'm not sure if the bill is a little bit more good for the bill. I'm not sure if the bill is a in the county. building new schools and whatnot. You know, the schools in the county, all of them, you know, are affected by the budget cuts worrying about money, where it's going, and where it's coming in. The teachers in the county should not have to lay in bed at night worrying about their next sheet of paper where it's coming from or their next pencil or their next eraser. You know about of the schools in the County do fundraisers I help cliffs side with their ball carnival in the fall they raised a good amount of money for just essentials that they need. Fundraisers shouldn't be for essentials. Fundraisers should be for extras for the kids. They do good all year. And then take them on field trips, this and that, and whatever they want to do with it. The essentials should come from the school board and the county commissioners. That's what y'all are here for. First and foremost, they should never worry about where their money is coming from. It should always be there. Education should be the first and foremost thing that the county commissioners worry about. If you don't worry about that, then the students leaving the earth for county schools are not going to be educated well enough to get the jobs that may be coming in here from industries that we can attract from there. Okay. Another thing I wanted to say was you know Cliffside I grew up in Cliffside and resident Cliffside got to my son's already been through Ruthford County Schools my daughter will be a freshman in the fall but there's when I went to Cliffside school and I'd choose here somewhere tonight in Michelle, I love to do clements. She's principal at RS Elementary. Just people that went through Cliffside and it started just Cliffside, it's all schools in the county. But you know, there was always passion at Cliffside for the students. And there is today, this Ellis that is a principal there today and her staff, just full of passion for the kids. I hope Putnam, I went to school with her, she's a kindergarten teacher there, you know, and I've seen her and talk about, her talk about, you know, buying stuff out of her pocket for her kids. That should never have to happen with any teacher in any classroom in the school system. So I just I heard you. Thank you, sir. Appreciate your time. Tyler's Shults. There will have another public comment from a Tyler's Shops. There will have another public comment from a Tyler's Shops. Morseboro regarding PPDR. Tyler, okay. All right, we'll skip somebody else then. Just kidding. Come on in. Fine, sir. Glad you're here. Welcome. And when you're ready, you have three minutes. All right. My name's Tyler Schultz. I'm a rough and county citizen. And I'm working the intake for the PPDR program, the private property debris removal. Insurance don't like to cover anything unless it hits your house or blocks the driveway. So the US Army Courts made this program. We can take care of that. If you're a tax paying citizen, if you pay federal taxes, then you're overqualified. I have to sit there and tell people, hey, you live in Elimboro. And then they look at me with dreaded eyes. I'm like, I can't help you. But, you know, chimney rock and lake luer, they're under the same umbrella, same people, same, I might actually be moving there, far as I've been doing pulp intake. But right now, starting tomorrow, potentially, I might be doing the lake luer and rather for county or Lake Louer and Jimmy Rott. So I just want to bring it up. For my understanding they said that this level denied the program and my main question was why and if that's not the case or you know just buy simple question and it's hard. It's hard to tell people hey you can't. And it's hard. It's hard to tell people, hey, you can't help because it's invisible line. It's a, you know, you might be two miles off the line. There's people on Cox Road with roughed in County and their name, but they pull county taxpayers and they're getting it. And it's offered free. It's not funded by FEMA. If that makes any difference, then you want to know. It's funded by the US Army Corps engineers. And I would just be really appreciative if we could look into it for our citizens in this county because I'm serving our neighbors. And you can ask them, I believe the Army Corps is doing it in one heck of a job. And see what they say, see how it's been and maybe moving forward we can do this for our citizens here in North of County. And also I wasn't really wanting to speak on the whole education of the school but a big voice tonight. So there's two big coin facilities in this county crypto currency the golden age is coming and We've been mining crypto in this county for like a year possibly to maybe we should tax that because that's a pretty big bill Just maybe we can grab some money from crypto and put it in the pockets of the teachers and such Well, not quite their I believe I... Trying to make sure I use all three minutes. Insurance? You're doing great. Thank you. The insurance is not... It's not gonna just qualify you. We just wanna make sure that you don't claim and pocket the money and then get free care from the US Army. So that is a question. Oh, I've helped someone look at their deed and get their life squared away for after life plans. So I have to prove that they're citizens, but look at your deeds. Get it ready for it. Get it. Thank you. You used all your time. Appreciate it, sir. Jessica Gawfrey. Jessica? Jessica Goughrey, Jessica, regarding county schools and funding. Jessica Goughrey. Oh, there you go. Welcome. Good evening. Thank you for this opportunity. been overwhelming to be here tonight just to see all the folks in the room next door and in this room. I am a Rutherford County native, a product of the county school system. I am a hospice grief counselor. That job requires a master's degree and luckily I had wonderful educators, guidance counselors, teachers poured their love and support into me, made sure I got to college and got the training and education that I needed. My husband is the manager of spiritual care and education at atrien Health Cleveland. He is also a graduate of our essential high school class of 2004, we're representing well tonight. Just want to speak to the funding of the schools. I have a second grader at Reatherington Elementary School. I was terrified when she was about to start kindergarten. You hear rumors about starting school and where should you go and all these decisions that should never be on kindergarten parents, but they are. And we chose to go to Reffton Elementary. That is the closest school to our home. We have loved it. She has thrived. She loved school. I'm also the daughter of two retired rather for county educators. My mother always said if I can get a child to love school that is 99% of the battle. My child loved school. She has a younger sister who is about to start kindergarten next year at Reptine Elementary, who is excited about school just because her sister loves it so much. And if you are so excited to go to a place every day, I want to go there too, she says. So the school said, we need people to come out and show support and plead for funding. And so I don't normally talk in this type of setting. This is not my element, but I can because it's important. So please. I'm going to give you a hand. Casey Brown or Casey Bowen? Casey Brown. Casey Brown. 4072. I'm going to give you a hand. I'm going to give you a hand. I'm going to give you a hand. I'm going to give you a hand. I'm going to give you a hand. I'm going to give you a hand. I apologize but I messed up on your name there. I just don't know. I mean I'm kind of smaller than everybody else. Good evening Chairman King, commissioners and Mr. Garrison. I'm here today to express my deep concern over the decision to withhold funding from the Rutherford County School system. What may seem like a standoff between leadership and a clash of egos is in reality causing real and lasting harm to our children and educators. There is talk of cutting extracurricular activities, something that would be absolutely detrimental to both current enrollment and graduation rates. Many of our students are driven to succeed in the classroom because they know it's the key to participating in sports, clubs, and activities they love. For some, these opportunities are their only chance at a future beyond high school, including access to scholarships and college acceptance opportunities they may not have otherwise. I know this firsthand because my own son is one of those students. He never cared much about academics, but because of his love for athletics and more importantly because of the teachers and coaching staff who refused to give up on him, he worked hard in the classroom. That hard work led to an opportunity to play collegiate ball. And now because of that door opening, he's not only continuing in his sport but also on the path to earning a college degree. That wouldn't have happened without this sport and structure of our school system provided. But it's more than just academics or athletics. For many students, school is their only safe space. The only consistent routine they have is where they get a warm meal by entrusted adults and experience a sense of stability they may not get at home. Losing access to that stability, whether through canceled programs or increased stress on teachers, that's their well-being at risk. And let's not forget our teachers. They are here because of their passion for teaching and the love they have for their students. We all know our educators are underpaid and underserved. Yet they show up every day, give their all, and often reach into their own pockets just to ensure their students have what they need. They can't give their full attention to teaching when they're constantly worried about how to fund basic supplies or whether their programs will be cut. I agree that there are larger issues to address when it comes to how funds are managed within the school system. However, punishing our staff and students by disrupting their education and essential services is not a solution. I urge the commissioners to do what's right, release the funds needed to keep our schools functioning at a level our students deserve. Let's keep the routines intact, their opportunities alive, and their futures within reach while holding leadership accountable behind the scenes and not in the classrooms. Thank you. Oh, thank you. We do have another public comment. It's a Christine Hagen or Hager. I can't read the last character, but I think it's Hagen. For City. Christine. Welcome. Good evening. Good evening. I have been a proud resident of the Chase community since the 93-94 school year. My oldest daughter was part of the first class to attend Orstead B. Hunt. As a grandparent slash parent due to circumstances in our lives, I have a six-year-old, ten-year-old, twelve-year-old, and a sixteen- year old, due to the passing of their mother, my daughter. I would like to highlight some of the resources I had many, but I don't have enough time for that. Because if it was not for the support that I received from 4W Hunt, Chase Middle, Chase High School, and now, the Artdford Opportunity Center, I would not be able to do this by myself. One of the biggest things that I was able to have as a resource is that in school grief counseling for her children, because with the whirlwind of everything that was going on, I don't think taking them outside and into a private facility or this type of counseling, I don't think I would have been able to accomplish. Sorry. I know through experience, the our educators, resource officers, counselors have on our children that they will always carry with them. At my age and due to the circumstances, I should not be on the front lines of the school system at 60 years old. Both my daughters graduated from Chase High School. Being on the front lines and being seated behind a desk, you cannot possibly have any knowledge of what is needed. to have a principal with three to 400 plus students. And. not possibly have any knowledge of what is needed. To have a principal with three to 400 plus students and countless staff, it is unheard of that one of their concerns should be where the funding is gonna come from. I have such a busy lifestyle with the situation that I have. I didn't have much knowledge of what was going on in the county due to the funding that they're not receiving. But to me, this whole thing is really unnecessary and it should have been a given that these funds should be available to me the biggest part of our county is the public school system. And I think that's all I So thank you very much. Thank you. Appreciate it. Thank you. Amanda, can I do better that time? Okay. Good evening and thank you for this opportunity. Amanda, I'm going to have a good time. Amanda, can I do better that time? Thank you for this opportunity. My name is Amanda Cassias and on March 3rd I came before the board with concerns in regards to the Rutherford County Schools yearly funding, questioning the decrease of enrollment and some concerns about inappropriate and decent and harmful material in the classroom. I have partnered up with moms of liberty, the North Carolina Value Coalition, and also the pavement education project, which has a lot of resources. Using the Destiny Follett system, which is used by the Rutherford County Schools, I have found 128 books. They're inappropriate and kindergarten through 12th grade. They were deemed harmful according to the North Carolina State Law definition at general state, 14-109-13-17A and 17C. These books, and I know that children are here, I did not know that. I will ask that the parents please turn down the volume of their auto if they're listening by phone or please have them leave the room where the monitors are. These books are disgusting and horrible and inappropriate content that shook me. That shocked me. It contained detailed sexual activity, sexual nudity, of scenes referring to fingering intercourse masturbation, gay and lesbian practices, promotions of drug and alcohol use, gender ideology, abundance of profanity, exalting suicide, critical race thinking, violence, hate, bestiality, and diverse equity inclusion. These books rated zero to five in the severity of their content. 128 books in the Rutherford County schools that rated two to five for your sake, all that information is there. There is a book titled Drama that is in most of the elementary schools in Rutherford County which contains a picture of two boys kissing. They're in a drama, one is dressed as a soldier, the other boy is dressed in a red dress, and they're kissing and there's an image in that book. In four of the schools here in Rutherford County. Middle school, a book called Hate You Give, inflammatory racial comments, six different profanity words used a total of 236 times. There's a page that says that talks about throwing rocks in garbage cans at windows at McDonald's, saying burn the B word. I don't curse here nor anywhere else. So standing on police cars, throwing rocks at police cars, F the police, multiple times not only on that page, but many pages. Talking against the white race and I'm not white nor black, I'm brown so page 234, mother's talking to their daughters asking if they're taking their birth control bills. Page 320, which is African Americans, ganging together saying we want our freedom, we want to end police brutality, complete freedom, justice, and equality at any means. And my time is up. My time's up. Thank you so much. My concern is there. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Tony Smith. Are you Tony Smith? Oh, hey, Tony. Welcome. You have three minutes. Thank you for having me here tonight. Appreciate everybody. Everybody coming out. I'm on the Ms. Tony Smith. I'm 30 years. I was worked in the Rutherford County school system. I retired as a principal there in the county with school systems. I was in the trenches and my wife also 30 years. She's been in the school system and I have kids who went to school in Rutherford County school system. I have kids who become teachers in the system. matter. In fact, I had two pe pet dollars that became teachers. One is still teaching at Ellenborough now, and I'm very proud of them. And even more important personally to me now, I have grandchildren that are in the system. Two in the system and two that will be in the system very soon. Rutherford County is a great place to live. I moved here right out of college, got my first job at East Rutherford High School and stayed there and stayed here in Rutherford County all this time. We have you know a lot of great resources. The community, the town has really grown and changed all throughout the county over the past 10 to 15 years especially especially for those of you who have been around know what I'm talking about. But we want our kids to have all of opportunities and resources that you hear about. You know, we hear all the time, well this is what they do in Mecklenburg County, this is what they do in Raleigh, this is what they do in Guilford County. We know our kids can have those same same opportunities and those same resources and we want our kids to to live their lives and want to stay here and grow this community even more and when they have their kids we want their kids to go to school here you know to end the county also. So I guess, you I guess a lot's been said and the message is pretty clear that I urge each and every one of you to listen, especially to our school leaders. They're the ones that are in the trenches. They understand what their needs are and what's going on and please. It's time for us to step up, all of us, and think about our children, and we need to invest all the resources that are needed and for the kids in the Rutherland County Schools and I mean all the childrenyson, sorry. Good evening. My name is Allyson Flynn and I'm a lifelong citizen of Rutherford County. I'm also a graduate of Rutherford County Schools. I graduated in 1995 from Chase High School. My mother also was employed as a teacher in Rutherford County Schools. My oldest son graduated last year from Chase High School, where he was ranked sixth in his class. Now he is a first year student at Western Carolina University. And anticipates that he will graduate in the fall of 2026 with his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Law. He will be able to achieve this as a direct result of the opportunities that he had through Rutherford County Schools with advanced placement courses and college courses through RISOT Thermal. My younger son is currently in fifth grade at Harris Elementary and was recently in the county spelling bee where he placed second place as a fifth character. I'm excited that he will begin middle school this fall. However, I'm very concerned, will he have the same opportunities once he reaches high school that his older brother had if funding shortfalls continue from the state and from this government body? Education, along with many other vital services, has fallen victim to partisan talking points. Making education a partisan issue risks prioritizing agendas over facts, compromising intellectual integrity and undermining trust in educational institutions. Education and voting on matters that involve it should be free from political agenda and instead focus on ensuring that all learners have equitable access to information and opportunities. An educated populist is one that can uphold democracy. I implore you please consider the needs of Rutherford County Schools students and others who are employed by Rutherford County Schools as they are also many of them lifelong citizens of Rutherford County. adequately fund our schools, and thus you will be funding our future. Because I have a little time left, I also would encourage you, if you haven't made it out into our schools and seen all the wonderful things that are happening later. Please do, please visit. I'm sure that any of them will welcome you. I will tell you you Brandon Hill is here. He's principal at Harris. He would absolutely welcome you in at any time. All right. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Jennifer Silvers. They're Jennifer Silvers. Hello Jennifer, welcome. Please come up. You have three minutes. Okay. Marie this best. I'm here tonight to advocate for the children, teachers, administrators, and support staff of Rutherford County Schools. Additionally, I'm advocating for our local residents and business owners who rely on strong public schools to keep our community thriving. Communities without strong school systems do not attract the talent necessary for economic development and we cannot afford to let that happen here. The citizens of this county elected a conservative school board that we trust and we expect you to trust them too. Make our schools your number one budget priority and fund our kids. While it is true that Brotherhood County Schools Enrollment has declined by 24% since 2008, full-time staff has been reduced by 36% in response. The L7161 students and 900 into employees remain. These aren't just numbers, they represent more than 8,000 individuals whose education, livelihoods, and futures depend on the decisions made here. Many of you were products of our county schools as MI. For many, school is the one place where they feel seen, supported, and encouraged. Why would we choose to take away the opportunities we had and not fully fund these needs? Our children not worth this investment. Research shows that children facing poverty or adverse childhood experiences are more likely to struggle academically. Rutherford County has high poverty rates with 69.2% of students considered economically disadvantaged. While the overall Rutherford County school's population has declined, they continue to serve the vast majority of the county's most vulnerable students, including those needing IEP services. I believe these students deserve the resources and attention needed to thrive and Rutherford County School deserves the funding to continue being the best. While we hope every child has a safe, loving home, the reality is that many rely on the teachers as their only consistent resource or source of care and encouragement. These students need educators who aren't stretched so thinly and overwhelmed by huge class sizes and diminished resources and who can give them the support they deserve. As a parent of Rutherford County, children of Rutherford County schools, I've seen firsthand how schools do more than educate. They help raise our kids with compassion and commitment. In a small town like ours, families from all walks of life depend on these public schools and the staff in them. Safety for our children and the staff who care for them is also paramount. For those of you who are fathers, you understand there's no price to have your child safety. Hiring enough school resource officers to place one full time in every school would cost an additional $416,000 and should be funded. But not by playing politics and making our school board choose to cut their other areas. Okay, I'm running out of time so I just want to say, please I urge you to approve the requested funds for Rutherford County Schools and consider an additional amount of a total of 5.8 to include full time protection in each school. All right, thank you for so much. Thank you all for your time. Thank you. Thank you. I have a Garen Hill. Is there a Garen Hill for a public comment tonight? Garen Hill. Hello, sir. You have three minutes. Welcome. Thank you all for having me. My name is Garen Hill. I am the pastor of one of the churches whose picture hangs on the outside there. I'm very proud of that. But for 177 years, folks in our church, it's not the building, it's been the people in our church who have been going out and loving our community. Many of them who have been teachers. Spoiler alert, I've not been the pastor for 177 years. I came 10 years ago, and before I came 10 years ago, my sons attended Thomas Jefferson and they attended Thomas Jefferson for years. And when we moved here, they had attended Thomas Jefferson for years. They still, to this day, attended Thomas Jefferson. I follow an ancient carpenter though though and long ago he was asked about his family and his response was it's the people who do the will of God or the people who are my family and I will admit to you that I saw a family member of mine when I walked in this room and they're sitting in the beside me. And they're probably still standing out there in the rain and they're watching by the hundreds online. I'm here on their behalf today. I love this place. I think you all have done a wonderful job. I've had the opportunity to be a part of leadership Rutherford, which has been so cool to see the opportunities that people are going through. Just all the things that are going on here. It's fantastic. I love this place. I love being a part of it. It's cool to see the economic development that is happening and the businesses that are coming here. What is interesting though is that when we talk about economic development, we're talking about getting people into the county and my son's 17 years old. He talked about being a teacher. I don't know if he will or not. I'd love for him to come back and be the art teacher at our essential or the drama teacher at East. I wanted him to have that opportunity. We have people who are in the room already that I'd love to be able to take care of. We talk a lot about who we can get in. We already have people here. It's the low hanging fruit. We can keep them without having to attract other people. I hope that that can happen. The last thing I want to share with you is I think the narrative around this is going crazy. I want you to know how I'm going to walk away from this. I'm going to walk away from this entire experience. Saying, you know, you all had different ways that you thought about spending the money, but what you came to the conclusion of, I don't know how many people normally attend your meetings, I'm guessing it's not this many, you heard the groundswell of all the people and you saw the people who were sitting over here and the people who were outside and the people who stood in the rain for hours and the hundreds of people who watch online and you said, you know what, we had to listen to the people because that's what we do and that's the story that I'm going to tell of what you all did after this is all over and I'm very grateful for that so thank you for all you do for this county.. Is that Julie Finder? Fenture. Fenture? Fenture. Is that it? Julie Fenture. Okay. It's Vanger. Vanger. Well, just, we're going to do a handwriting class. Come forward. That was, I was the last one to sign up. Okay. And she was having to take it from my hand as I was signing up, but I still got in here. I mean, all of them. Not just you. But yes, mine is very, very, very. Welcome. Welcome. three minutes. Hold on. It's like reset clock. Okay now give for three minutes. All right thank you. Welcome thank you all for letting me speak this evening Good evening as I've said my name is Julie Fincher and I have two daughters who attend brother for county schools I've had the opportunity to get to know many school staff over the years as I have served as a PTO president parent-afigate advisory council member, district advisory council member, and as a parent volunteer in several of our schools. I've often told my daughters over the years that they are loved and protected both at home and at school, but the harsh reality is that for many children our community school is the only place where they feel safe, loved and protected. While providing a quality education is the main mission of our school system, our educators and staff go far beyond that goal every single day. They offer compassion, support, attention, and guidance, meeting not just academic needs but emotional and social needs as well. I know everyone in this room has a story of a beloved teacher or school staff member who made a lasting impact on them. I certainly do. I have many of those. From my own childhood to the experiences of my daughters, I have seen firsthand the difference that dedicated educators make. From the very first day we walked into Forest Hun Elementary for kindergarten orientation, our family has been deeply touched by the love and support of teachers and staff. I remember my oldest elders first day of kindergarten. The way her teacher hugged me would love in her eyes and promise to protect my baby girl. I remember the tears of joy from teachers when my daughters have one science awards, Olympic science, Olympiad, book challenges, volleyball and soccer games and art contests. And I remember the calls and messages from school staff checking on them when they were sick, and the comfort invoices that answered my own calls when I had concerns or fears. Every single day, our teachers, administrators, custodians, cafeteria staff, librarians, coaches, and support teams show it for our children, even as they face to windowing supplies, funding shortage, and growing demands. They stay late, cover for sick co-workers by supplies, food, clothes, out of their own pockets, and still find the time and energy to lead extra curly-grillers, help with the bus duty, and offer one-on-one support in tutoring. Imagine what could be achieved if instead of just scraping by, our schools were fully funded, not just at the minimal level requested, but with the full backing of our county commissioners and community leaders. We elected you to support the residents of this county and help our county grow. There is no greater investment you can make than in the success of our public schools. When our schools thrive, our county thrives. A quality education from the public school system leads to higher education, better jobs, increased local spending, and stronger communities. But this cannot happen without adequate funding. We must invest in enough staff and teachers. We must provide safety through SROs. We must fund sports, arts, and other extra curricular activities. We must ensure our classrooms are equipped, supported, and ready to serve every child who rops through these doors. Thank you. Thank you. And we'll try a repeat. Jan Fishkin was called earlier. Jan Fishkin, four digits of cell numbers, 1716. Regarding sunshine. This is one of the earlier request and I was giving her one more chance. Because I shoved it near the end. All right. We have a Mr. Stewart beam, a Stewart beam from, I guess, Farm Bureau. That's what you said. Welcome. You have three measure or. Good evening. Three minutes has been to go by quick, so I'm going to be very fast in my reading. Commissioner's, my name is Stuart Maine. I'm here on behalf of Rutherford County Farm Bureau organization. For those that don't know Rutherford County Farm Bureau is a nonprofit organization in Rutherford County, consisting of almost 7,000 members that are all based here in Rutherford County. And our mission is to promote agriculture, agriculture education, and support our rural communities. And that is why we are here tonight. I'm also 2009 graduate chase high school, where my education there and wonderful leadership training pushed me into entrepreneurship here in the county. I'm a full-time farmer, I own beam farms and co-owner of Big Bottom Mill Company. I stand before you today to advocate for something that is fundamental for the future of our community and that is education. Specifically, I urge you to fully fund the budget request for other frickianny schools. In real communities like ours, education is more than just a path to opportunity. It is the life line that connects our children to a brighter, more promising future. Our schools are the heart of our communities. They are where dreams take root and futures are shaped, but they can only thrive if they have the resources they need to succeed. In Rutherford County, North Carolina, a third-grade assistant teacher can still remember the names of many of her students 20 years after those students attended her class. Miss Micahby at Harris Elementary remembers my name. Not because I was a stellar student, but because we had small class sizes, assistant teachers, and a supportive atmosphere, all of which are made possible through adequate funding. Because of the previous stated qualities, educational performance in rural counties often exceeds education quality in urban areas. I am confident that nobody here tonight wishes our school system to mirror that of New York, Atlanta, DC, or even Charlotte. When we invest in education, we are not just funding classrooms or textbooks. We are investing in the potential of every child. We are ensuring that our rural students who often face greater challenges due to geographic and economic oscillation have access to the same opportunities as their peers in more urban areas. Our teachers, our staff, our students are doing incredible work, but without the full funding they deserve, they are being asked to do more with less. I urge you to consider the long term impact of your decisions. A well-funded education system means a stronger, more resilient community. It means a workforce that is equipped to meet the challenges of the future. It means that our children, our future leaders, will have the resources they need to succeed in my order. I'm sure you're having a really good time. Thank you. I'm sure you're having a really good time. I'm sure you're having a really good time but as a taxpayer and a concerned citizen. In life, there are moments and events that happen that define how we go forward. We have, I was in college in New York on September 11, 2001. There's before 9-11 and after 9-11. And there's before Hurricane Helene and after Hurricane Helene. I really encourage you, I don't know where it is because I've sent multiple emails. I'm a mostly deaf person. I communicate mostly in writing and by email. I've sent emails to ask about the private property debris removal on my journals and Facebook page last month. I shared a video, a live video that has 8,200 views. There are at least that many people interested in this topic, and I really encourage those in power to do the right thing, to make sure that people of Rutherford County, especially people like me, who live near the Broad River, two miles away, have that opportunity or PPDR. I applied through Lake Lour and was denied because I have a rather for ten address. I don't know why Rutherford County is not at PPDR because every other county in Western North Carolina has it. Thank you. Thank you. Commissioner Nixon, Monor, on monogyn is a consent agenda. Is there an item like to add or remove from the consent agenda? Like it motion we approve consent agenda. Second. You have motion and second in your discussion. You know what I call a vote. All my favourites raise your right hand in your post like one. I'm going to call a vote. All my favorite raised your right hand in the post. That was. Mission's next item is 4-1-2-1. This is a resolution recognizing April 13th, 19th, as National Public Safety Telecommunication Cumcator Week. I'd like to recognize it this time. Scott with there are video sir. I'll see you again. Thank you. Good. What's your body going? We just started. Good evening. I just want to bring the opportunity to ask April 13th and 19th recognizes national public safety, and tell us when to get a week. As you all know, our non-mew on telecommunications managed an unexpected level of calls for service during Hurricane Helene. We manage approximately 400 phone calls on an average day. On that Friday, that Helene first started, in the 24 hours we managed to answer approximately 2,400 phone calls. We also dispatched approximately 1,300 calls for service, DMS, fire departments, law enforcement, DOT, North Carolina, Ohio, control and power companies. We answered the EOC phone calls from that first day into the following week. We had one telecommunicator when a step above and was able to reach out to parents of the son who lived in Canada to ease his work. Others helped coordinate a helicopter rescue saving a subject in Lakelor Another took a call from someone trapped in rising waters only to be disconnected not knowing what the outcome of what's that person. We have three telecommunications that were close to 24 hours shift that day. What we witnessed with me was unprecedented event that I have never seen in my 30 years in emergency services. As bad as that storm was, I want you all to realize that our staff performs this level of passion and dedication on a daily basis. In a single day, they can encounter tragedies, emotional calls, or it could be the simplest day. No matter the type of day they perform the highest levels and work together as a team. When people hear someone mention 911 telecommunications or 911 dispatchers, most people think, oh, they answer the 911 call and dispatch the help. But they do not know or see all that is expected of them. While one telecommunicator may be busy providing CPR instructions to a caller trying to keep their loved one alive, another telecommunicator in the room is dispatching that CPR call. While they're also answering the call takers channel because they're busy giving the CPR, one telecommunicator could be working on a traffic stop to the officer just called in while they're taking recall for a motor vehicle crash. Another telecommunicator could be working a fire in the MS Channel for a structure fire while simultaneously answering phone calls. Point is that our staff manages so much during their shift that the majority of people do not realize all that they do unless they are having to be sitting in the roof and serving. I forgot to mention that while all those scenarios are being played out, they're also managing NCIC paperwork for the five law enforcement agencies in this county. This includes entering, modifying, or clearing all wide missing persons, stolen vehicles, articles, child support, warrants, and domestic violence orders issued from the courts. All this while keeping calm with callers and themselves to manage the phones, radio traffic, had documenting, and anything else thrown upon them at any given moment. Other than my request that you recognize National Public Safety Telecommunication Week, I ask that you take a small part out of your day during that week to visit our sample. See the hard work that they perform, listen to their stories of what they dealt with during Helene, or maybe a good field story, or that tragic phone call they took for someone who could not be saved. All of us that have worked in 911 has at least one story like that. All too often our staff are referred to as the unrecognized heroes, voices in the dark, or never seen but always heard. They're often overlooked when thanks are being shared in incident or life-saving events. We often see thanks and out to medics, firefighters, officers which I'm not lessening any of those. Their value is extremely important to this county. They do not do for the glory as I think anyone in public safety feels. Our team simply just wants the same recognition when all first responders receive for their part and the rest of the county's public safety team. I'd like to have you all just recognize the important work that our staff does. Thank you for being here tonight. Yeah, thank you. Hey, so I believe you have a resolution you wanna reinforce, correct? Yeah. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for being here tonight. I think so. I believe you have a resolution you want to reinforce. Correct. Resolution, recognizing April 13 through 19, 2025 as National Public Safety Telecommunicated Week. Whereas the National Public Safety Telecommunicated Week event was originally established by Patricia Anderson in the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office in California in 1981. And whereas the purpose of the week is to celebrate and share thanks and appreciation for all those individuals who served the public to public safety communications. And whereas the second week of item was to set aside to honor and and recognize telecommunicate a personnel and all the work they did each day. Now there will be a resolve by the local candidate for the commissioners that the week commencing April 13th, 2020 forward and concluding April 19th, 2025, she'll be recognized as National Public Safety Telecommunicate week in Rutherford County. Adopted is the 7th day of April 2025. Thank you, Hazel. And may I ask, was that April 13, 2024 or 2025? Okay, thank you. I'm quite fine. Commissioner, there is a resolution before you, and I look for the Wheel of the Board. Motion in prayer, resolution. in prayer resolution kind of motion Motion a second. Thank you. Is there any discussion? Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you You're gonna call the question all the favorite razor right hand and post lot was and let's give them around Thank you Ciao to views prevention month, proclamation, we have a black record that recognizes DSS director on D.Hont. I'm sorry I didn't see you beyond the podium there. Good to see you, man. Director. Good evening, Chairman King, commissioners and our county leadership. My name is Dolores Hunt and I have the honor and the privilege of serving as the director of the SS, our Department of Social Services here and our county. I'd like to thank you for allowing And just a few moments to speak on the matter that is not only central to the mission of the SS but also vital to the health and future of our community, Child of Youth Prevention, each April across North Carolina and of course in our county, and our nation, we recognize Child of Youth Prevention Mom. It is a time for reflection, for recommitment, and raising awareness about the role every one of us plays in ensuring that children wrote up in a safe, nurturing environment, free from harm, and filled with hope. At DSS, we are privileged, but also burdened with the responsibility of protecting our most vulnerable citizens, our children. We do this work with compassion, with determination, and a deep sense of duty. But we never do it alone. We depend on our school system who reports most of our reports. We depend on band resources. We also depend on our churches and our community to help us protect the children. But I want you to know that the support of this Board of Commissioners has been unwavering. Whether through policy, funding, or partnership, your commitment to child welfare has strengthened our efforts and made it possible for our staff to respond to families and crisis, offer critical prevention services and build bridges towards safety and healing. On behalf of every social worker at the Department of Social Services, case worker and child and I here, I want say thank you. As we present our proclamation of Childes prevention, we ask that you read it aloud and formally accept it not as a symbolic gesture but as a reaffirmation of our shared dedication in this county through the well being of our children. Together we can continue to raise awareness for families and build a community where every child is safe, loved, and given the opportunity to thrive. We want to say thank you for your leadership and for standing with us in this essential work. Thank you. And you actually hit each of the bullet points in the proclamation of the resolution. I hit some of them, not all of them, but I just hit some of them. This is actually on our agenda. It's before you commissioners, regarding the proclamation for child abuse month. What is the will of the board? The motion we approve. The proclamation. We got a motion and a second. Any discussion? Thank you. Thank you. I'll call a question on the favor of your right hand. Any opposed? Five points. Now thank you. Yeah. Appreciate it. Commission's next is 4-1-1-1 National Day Prayer Proclamation, I'd like to recognize Vice Chairman Alan Tony at this time. There's something that comes up every year and I'll read the proclamation. Whereas from the earliest days of our country's history, people have turned all mighty God for helping guidance. And whereas in times of national crisis, when the country is striving to strengthen the foundations of peace and security, citizens standing special need of divine support. And whereas the Congress, by joint resolution approved on April 17, 1952, has provided the President shall set aside and proclaim a suitable day each year other than a Sunday as National Day of Prayer, on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation. And whereas the first Thursday of May has been designated by the Congress of the United States as the National Day of Prayer. And whereas the Rutherford County Board of Commission has recognized that distinction. And whereas the Rutherford County Board of Commissioner recognizes the need for our citizens to join in this prayer effort. And now therefore be hereby resolved that the Rutherford County Board of Commissioners encourages Rutherford County citizens to unite in prayer on May the 1st, 2025. And I'll make this in a form of a motion. Thank you, Commissioner Hill. Second. Thank you for that motion. The second, any discussion? Hearing none, I call the question. All the favourites raised your hand. Any public flag wise. Thank you, your legions. Appreciate it. Commissioner, next item is for. That's great. 4101, this is for me to the Social Services Board. I'd like to recognize Hazel Hings? Thank you, sir. There is a vacancy under Social Services, but with mutual resolution, the position has been advertised in applications happening in September. We didn't see three applications for appointments. I think each of you are a copy of those. You may wish to make an appointment at this time since the applications have been received. Commissioners, there's three applicants and looking for an appointment. Is there an emotion or an appointment? There's an emotion for a Sydney Pillar Green here. We've had an emotion need a second. I'll say it. Thank I'll say thank you. Got a motion. A second. Any discussion? Here no more call the question. All the favourites raise your right hand. The public light was carried. Thank you. The mission's next time is four. Four, one. Pull this to the Forest City Board of Planning and Adjustment. Electure recognizer clerk to the Board, Hazel Hanks. There are presently two vacancies on the Forest City Board of Planning and Adjust of Foreign Affairs, the Foreign Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Foreign Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Foreign Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Foreign Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Foreign Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Foreign Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Foreign Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Foreign Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Foreign Minister of Foreign Affairs, the but the recommendation for the second position will not be on the Foresty Town Council's agenda until April 21. So you may want to consider making the appointment of Mr. Flag to do some cheers. Commission wasn't well to work. Make a motion to report. Chuck Flag. Thank you. We have a motion to look have a second. Please second kind of motion a second. You need discussion You're gonna call the question long favor raise your right hand to give folks like wise carry second Point to the Trans-advisoring board is next. This is 4098. Electro-recognized. Pay the raise. You're welcome tonight. A. Retirement created a vacancy only Transit Advisory Board. And this vacancy must be filled by a social services employee who is involved in Medicaid transportation. Mrs. Susan Anthony, who needs the criteria for that position, has applied to serve, so you may want to consider that appointment. Thank you, Ms. Hanzo. Commissioners, what's the will of work? I make a motion to appoint Susan Eppley. Thank you, Commissioner. Good motion to your second. Second. Been a motion to second. Any discussion? You're going to call the question. on the favor raise your right hand. Any opposed like? Likewise cares 4102 appointment to partners be of our health management board We can't stop here Like to recognize again, Hazel Hayden stays I'm Gian to recognize again Hazel Hayes. I'm Jim Tarradon, 2025. They can see more current on the partners' behavioral health management board because County Manager Garrison has served two consecutive terms. Two consecutive three-year dreams will not be eligible for real employment. I feel there's at least one in year last they do have turn left on that board. So you may wish to advertise the Bayon City exact application and make an important and future meeting. Thank you. Commissioner, it's been for you right now. What's the will of what? I think this needs a commissioner and if I'd like to nominate 100 haze, if it be, Haines'd be willing to serve on it it involves LME MCOs and I think it's just important to have a commissioner that can make those decisions or be a part of us since our money If you would accept that nomination. I'll accept it Need a second. Yes, sir. We've got a motion a second actually., this is, thank you, sir. Very much. There. This is a very important part of our service to the community, and especially how it ties in with funding, especially the people that they serve. So thank you. I had a motion to second any further discussion. I'll call the question. I'll go ahead and raise your right hand. Any pose, likewise, the car is okay? Commissioner next time is 4123 Management operations agreement with the heart of the food fields And at this time we might recognize our accounting manager mr you, Chairman. Extremely excited to be able to present a proposal to you this afternoon. I'm opposed to agreement with the heart of the food hills animal services presented for the purpose of providing animal control services, including operations of the animal control facility beginning July 1st, 2025. This would be a three year term. We have had a multitude of opportunities, leadership team and I to meet with Ms. Parker, director, Parker and her team. And we are getting ready to open up the new facility. I wanna thank Danny Cersei and his planning staff and their hard work to get this facility up and running. And the timing could not be perfect. So just great to be able to see we have this partnership that's hopefully we'll get ready to happen with the heart of the foothills who have a phenomenal reputation in the community as well as being able to introduce them to our facility. So this afternoon presenting to you requests that you would consider a proposed agreement. You have a copy of that that's been provided to you to review Glad to answer any questions you have otherwise look for recommend motion from the commissioner and hopeful approval to allow us to move forward Well, there are any questions from the Board of Commissioners at this time Now make a motion we authorize the county manager and the county attorney and negotiate terms of the agreement and authorize the county manager. Fine hats officer, county attorney clerk to the board and other county officials to sign execute all documents and support of this action. Second, I think we have a motion in a second. Any discussion? I think it's great. Good news. Thanks for all the hard work. Thank you. Thank youdenture medal to this. Thank you for that. For the discussion, we'll call the question. All the flavors raised right hand. You can put a lot of lines. Okay. We got it. Let's get her done. Commissioners, next items. 4-1-1-7 on our GEDA. Gov. Deal auction for Ruffer County. Proper soul like to recognize Mr. Danick serves. Good evening commissioners. As the county continues to review and scrutinize some of the property that we may be able to divest the county from and determine whether it's servicing and good purpose in support of our services, or if it's just a surplus. And figure where you declare one surplus and authorize an online auction through Gubdills. Results of that auction is now in and a Mr. Patrick's Immogulate. That's not correctly. As one of that auction, the amount of $4,550, tonight we'd simply like to ask them, your consideration and acceptance of that winning auction. And if so, there is a resolution. Thank you. Any questions from the Board of Commissioners? your consideration and acceptance of that winning option. And if so, there is a resolution. Thank you. Any questions from the Board of Commissioners? Mr. Chairman. I'm reading this and I'm noticing one type of graphical error if the board would amend the resolution that's in place by pointing out the third whereas clause. a high bid of $4,550 was submitted for the said parcel of real property by Patrick Woodheese. by pointing out the third whereas clause, a high bid of $4,550 was submitted for the said parcel of real property by Patrick, what he said. When Bolia, I believe that is a different name on that third provision if we could so amend the resolution, sir. So the resolution will be amended. This before you where the name on the third whereas will be replaced with the name that you just mentioned as of the way to understand it. Commissioners, is that your understanding as well? Yes, thank you. Now we need to prove resolution authorized to sell properties, prove the resolution as amended. Authorize. Now we need to prove resolution authorized to sell properties. I put the resolution as amended, authorizing the sale properties. Is that a correct and pointed border of I believe? Yes, sir. Make a motion to approve the resolution as amended, authorizing the sale of properties. Thank you. Second. I got a motion in the second. Any discussion? I need you back. Thank you, sir. Okay. Thank you. All right. Thank you. I'll call the question. I want to favor raise your right hand. Needed both light wise. Okay. Thank you, Richard. Mr. Smith, next item is 4105. JCPC finding allocation for 2526. Oh, there you are. You know you're here. You always come out. Welcome, Paul. Please tell us what's going on. Thank you. Chairman King, commissioners, Mr. Harrison, Mr. Williams, thanks for giving me the uptoos to speak to you about the budget for the juvenile crime prevention council, the county funding plan. And if I can just take 30 seconds side note here, I do want to let public note in the commissioner's note, Mr. Garrison has served a great job with the partners board and we were really appreciative of his six years time. Thank you very much, Mr. Garrison. And look forward to you working with Partners Board and good luck to you. Thank you, sir. So I'm here to present again Paul Holden with, I didn't mention that. Paul Holden with Partners, I serve as the regional director here in Rutherford County. You have before you the County Funding Plan for the June of Crime Prevention Council. The thing I think I probably would want to say for the public is we have available funds of $225,234. That funding source is from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety through their community programs. Doesn't come from Rutherford County. it comes from the state. And so each of the counties in the state of North Carolina have juvenile crime prevention councils, which are really agency and advocates for youth programming, and we work very closely with the Department of juvenile justice. I will tell you that the number of offenses for Juvenile's and Rutherford County has gone down quite precipitously in the last couple years. And so referrals to providers are down too, because we don't have as many youth that we're working with. So I want to tell you that's a very positive note and a good thing to happen. Before you have our county budget plan, for what you should know is that in the administrative category and in project challenge, we raised their amount just a little bit this year. I think the biggest thing for you to know as you can look down this budget currently, we've only allocated for 158,000 at the moment with just below that you see an amount of unallocated funds of $66,274. I can tell you the reason for that. Going back three, four years when raised the age was the law in state and North Carolina. I think there was a belief that the evil justice was going to get overrun by 17 and 18 year olds that were going to be referred for services. That hasn't happened and then the legislature has changed that law a little bit so that we don't have near the number of 17 and 18 year olds actually it's really kind of diminished that. So in this county we had two different programs that were doing many of the same services for restitution and restoration. You know, we repay and you also work public service in the community. Project challenge and then also vocational directions. So this year we were faced with a decision that was kind of important. The state didn't want us to have two programs that were doing the same thing. So we had a lot of robust discussion and kind of came down on the fact that project challenge had been able to serve in Rutherford County for a number of years here. And so the allocation committee and then subsequently JCPC selected project challenge to be our restitution program. So currently have $66,000 that we're looking for other providers. So a request for provost will just went out. Last Thursday to try and see if we can't get a mental health provider in this community to help us work with it's our kids. It's, we don't have as many mental health providers in this community. So it's kind of tough, but we're working hard at it. And so that's pretty much what we're looking at. So we are here to ask for approval of our county funding plan. Thank you. Any questions from the Board of Commissioners at this time? I do suggest actually before you. This time we'll look for the Board of Motion. I make a motion that we approve the funding requested as presented by JPC. Thank you. Thank you. I have a motion second. Thank you, Commissioner. Thank you, sir. You're going to call the question. All the favor? Raise your right hand. You both likewise appreciate it. Thank you. Thanks for it. Thank you. All right. We're now onto the budget. 416 budget amendments were April 2025. I'd like to recognize our finance director, Director Roach. Good evening. There's several budget amendments for your consideration this evening. Their first are some donations received for the jail support and reunificationunification program. The next is an HVAC system at our Rothford Center. Veterans, this is appropriating the donations that they received here today. ACCA has requested funds from their college reserve program for the HVAC and to diagnose a building problem at the foundation that's causing leaking. The next item is the contribution to DSS, the other thing next. View items in the DSS fund. Ballster care for E and Kinship. Various programs are funded at 5050 or 8020 and then that difference from county funds is 319,000. Disaster funding that we received due to Helene. Disaster rental assistance, we got several additional allocations for an additional 73,000. They're doing a reduction for the adult essential services because we've not delos those funds, so they'll reallocate those to another county. The next item is that appropriation coming from from the college capital reserve for the HVAC and the diagnosis. E-NON-1-1, this is to appropriate some funds for their capital to replace their consoles if we're able to get everything squared away above this querian. The next item and the last one is for the dozer or an excavator at the solid waste based upon the additional tipping fees. We have received at the landfill thanks to Helene. Then we're requesting another equipment replacement. Thank you. Very questions from the Board of the Missches. Are you training on that excavator? Gonna be done, Mr. Jackson. Oh. Yeah. Mrs. this is before you. It's to the amendments were part of I mentioned in the budget amendment. As you just did. But after consulting with our attorney and my recommendation, he agreed with me. He's been. We're going to address these one at a time, if you don't mind. So regarding the budget amendments for 475, which we just did on that spreadsheet, and then we'll do the ICC budget amendment, then we'll do the school transportation, so we're one at a time. So on the budget amendments, what's the will of the board? Motion we approve the budget amendments. We got a motion to second any discussion? Is there anything on here that's... The DSS funding, you've got revenue and expenses or anything that was not expected. The DSS foster care came in above what we have budgeted for the current fiscal year, so these are based upon estimates to finish out the year. We're hoping these are conservative estimates and not all those funds will be expanded. Okay. Are you further questions? Thank you. There's a good question. Just add real quick. So some of the disaster. Part of this is knee funding. It came in. The disaster relief funding. We got a large allocation to begin with for the rental assistance. And so this is additional allocation that has come from other counties that weren't utilizing the funds. And then like with the adult essential services, then that will be reallocated to other counties because we weren't you lasing those. Okay. Thank you. I had a motion a second. We're in discussion. There's a discussion I'll call the question. All in favor raise your right hand. You put a lot of wise, okay, thank you. Gary, thank you. Commissioners, the Director of the ICC Budget Minimums, the next before us, and then just that's a PDF. And that's requesting how much? I'll see, say, budget amendments are for a title of 20,623. Okay. Can you see there's an attachment commissioners? Yes, we'll do the board. I make a motion that we approve the budget amendments for that. Thank you. We got a motion to do the second. Second. We got a motion to do the discussion. You're going to have to call a question. I'll play a region right hand. Any folks lie wise? OK. Next one is the Brough of County Schools. This is a minimum for the school transportation maintenance facility being amended on April 7. And I see black lines and red lines. And that's why I wanted to do a separate just so you can help people. We are recommended to amend the budget to move money from contingency. furniture and equipment and technology to complete the project This stays within the original funds as budgeted The budget itself doesn't change just the numbers Thank you. Thank you. All right any questions from the board Sorry, I wouldn't know you would. You're fine sir. I look for a motion to approve. Make a motion to approve the request. Any questions from the board? Sorry. I wouldn't know if you would. You're fine sir. You're fine sir. I look for a motion to approve. Make a motion to approve the resolution. Thank you. I'd love you to amend me rather. Yes sir. You got a motion to your second? Second. You got a motion to second in your discussion? You're not going to call the question. I won't favor your right hand. you put fly wise okay thank you you're still standing there must be your next trip oh yes Okay, thank you. You're still standing there. That must mean you're next. I'm sorry. Oh, yes. Commissioner Snicks, I'm sorry. Next sign is 4-101-9. It's the grant project ordinance with Elaine disaster recovery, response in recovery. And please tell us about this. Haleen is a project that will be initially started. We were hopeful that we'd be finished with this project within a six-month period. We are not. We're actually asking for consideration for you all to approve the additional funds to do the second broad river, the debris removal. So this project is likely will still get the water done late June mid-July, the latest is our goal. But this will reallocate the funds for rhodaway disposal, the waterway, the land use agreements as we currently have them. Our emergency protective measures, our rail trail debris removal, and our various county properties if they're not covered by county insurance. By the insurance, then those items will be claimed. And with any project, then you're also eligible for up to 5% for FEMA. or go easy calls and so those items are presented for your consideration. We have been working closely with our FEMA persons. She'll be back this Wednesday to go through and work on another debris reimbursement. Okay. Thank you. Commissioners are there any questions at this time? Yeah, there's have any impact on the P.P. the private property debris removal? This does not, this just does the road roadways and the waterways. There is a request currently standing with North Carolina emergency management for PPDR. And we're supposed to hear back in the next few days we're hopeful. So on the issues we're spoken about tonight we're supposed to hear some resolution on that possibly this week. We're hoping to hear this week next week at the latest. So if I can get a couple of those public comment forms please so that when and if we do hear back then I can make a correct contact. Correct. If I can have additional context to that. I want to thank Scott Carpenter. He actually did a pretty lengthy story on this several weeks ago. I'm thinking Scott, if you want to go back and reference that prior edition of the daily career, that was pretty well covered in that. We have started this process back in late February. The challenge for the county has been is that we weren initially tied to the Army Corps of Engineers when they first started doing work in Chimirok Lake, Lawrence, some of our neighboring counties. We were using SDRs. I think we have some folks that are here with us this evening. Thank you for being here. I'm sure you didn't think it's going to last this long. So I hope you got a hotel room because we need your sales tax. But you. But I think for us, the journey now, it's the shift to try to do a PPEDR. That's private property, the Brear Removal, started in late February. The challenge was it said we were not initially originally tied to the Army Corps. So that required a mission statement. We actually had the mission statement in there originally. I'll take fault for that. We ended up taking it out because we were getting inquiries from a lot of the secondary companies. County, we don't do contracts with subcontractors. It has to be the primary contractors. Primary contractors that are listed through the state's procurement process are noted that that's where it's the arcane from. They were on the state's approved procurement list, so we selected them in phenomenal job. I think so far today we have exceeded $900,000 thousand cubic yards. $900,000 or feels like that to you actually is probably less. $900 cubic yards, probably more than any county or all of the counties combined in West North Carolina. I think that was a wise decision in the beginning to use SDR and we appreciate that partnership because I think they were able to mobilize quicker, get on the ground faster and use a lot of local subcontractors as well here so we do appreciate that. It's still ongoing. We're trying to wind that down but it is still ongoing. Now to shift from them to go to Army Corps, a new mission statement so we had that put in late February and then from that point we've been talking to Army Corps, I already forgot the gentleman's name, Mark Cardwell. Cardwell thank you. And then also too with Joe Stanton with Northcompt Department of Public Safety as well as emergency management and some other folks through their office since that time going back and forth, we really just want to see what it's going to take to get this out and relevant in the county. It's an assessment process that they wanted to go through and do an assessment first to determine whether or not they could roll the program out. It is a little bit late in the game for them for the Army Corps. So that's what we've been waiting on. Did talk to Joe Stantonanton with North Carolina Department of Public Safety on Friday and as Paula I believe I spoke to another gentleman from that office today. We keep pressing just want to know what the status is. So as of right now we're still being told that they're still considering it. I think part of the challenges that these guys are so successful in doing the debris removal. I think they have to really do a full assessment of the whole county as a whole to determine whether or not they're going to roll the program out for our décor. Part of the challenge, too, is that they cannot do debris removal. I'm going to wire this down a little bit because it's not my expertise. I do know that they can only do debris removal for those properties that are in the immediate vicinity of the home or improved properties around the house, which could include driveway, but primarily that area around your house. It's not going to take removed debris from those areas that may be close to or may be in that lot beside your house and the woods behind your house. All of those are not going to be qualifying areas that they can go into removed debris. So I think that's part of the challenge too. only only that debris that they can define that still within the immediate vicinity or proximity of the place where you live. So that's creating challenges as well. Then they have to go through a vetting process of applications to be submitted by those that have an interest in wanting to participate in the program. Some things they have to show such as insurance that denied it or that it's not eligible under their homeowner's insurance and some other qualifying factors that sometimes can be a little daunting. But anyway, we are trying. We're waiting to hopefully hear back on next day or two, as soon as we hear back from Mr. Stanton or from one of the folks from Army Corps, then that'll be great. We do appreciate all the hard work that the subcontractors are doing, working with the Army Corps, part of the challenge is that when they talk to some of the citizens in our county, they identify themselves as Army Corps, not the name of the company that they're actually working for. And I think that's where some of the miscommunications have occurred. I'm glad to answer any more questions you may have about that. Thank you, Paul. Thank you. And SER, thank you for spending the night with us. We appreciate that. Thank you for the work you've been doing in our community. It's really welcome to see the two reasons qualified local talent, which keeps funding in our community as well for those folks and Manila for continued working with you on these other projects Commissioners, there's a suggestive action before you right now I would ask you to take a look at that and provide me your will Is it here to the board? Yep The boards are requested to adopt the attached grant project ordinance and above and approve the attached budget amendment to establish a budget for projects and related to the hurricane disaster response as presented. Thank you. There's a motion to ask a. Second. Okay, motion to second. Any discussion? Commission, if you don't mind, I'll do the one to make one point here. This brings a total investment in the public-sense grants to $47,250 or $250,000. Okay, and where's this money coming from? This money will be reimbursed from FEMA that at the current time we will have to use, we'll have to use laws fund balance to So we're financing this with fund balance. $47,250,000. Okay. That's what I thought. This one makes sure it's clear. Okay. No motion second. We're still in discussion. Here you're going to call the question. I'll favor raise your right hand. Any opposed? Likewise. Terri, thank you. Thank you. I love him. Okay. Well, commissioners, next time it's 4-1-2-0. State cash flow. State cash flow loans were disaster response activities. I'd like to recognize our finance director, Director Rooch. And response to Helene. The state legislators appropriated $100 million in order to help those Western North Carolina counties to help with or cash flow issues. Based upon the damage inventory workbooks that were available mid-February, then those funds were portioned out to the respective towns and counties and our portion was $1.8 million. There's a resolution there for your consideration and alone agreement. What we'll do is we can hold the funds until such Tom FEMA reimburses us and then we have to pay it back. There's a payment plan in there, but there's also legislative consideration for maybe even a forgiveness of this. So that counties and cities can use those things, use these funds for things that FEMA did or didn't cover. So at this point in time, we would request the board to approve these resolutions and we pull down these funds and put them in a bank account until we get such further guidance as to their utilization. Thank you. Any questions from the board? Is there any cost associated with accessing these funds? No, it's an interest free loan and you actually hold the funds for the first year with a dollar payment due at the anniversary date. the payments thereafter are 10% the second year, 20, then 30, then 40, and then the balance due in 2029, or at such time FEMA fully reimburse the county. There is no guidance currently as to the investment earnings, as to whether or not they're restricted for the same purpose. So most of the time when there's no consideration or guidance as to that, then it wants to be in return restricted. I make a motion we adopt resolution. Second. We got a motion a second in discussion, in discussion among the Board of Commissioners. If we don't apply, we don't get. Correct. I think we've got to go for it. And then also the rumors through my contacts that this may be forgiven to certain counties. Yes. One side of the legislature is discussing forgiveness. The other side not currently, but there's hope. Okay. Thank you. Any further discussion? I need your extra here. Here's another call the question. I'll favor your right hand. You can put a lot of lines. Thank you. Commissioner Smith, time's 4-1-1-8 resolution to recognize, I sorry and approving in Ruff Academy official America 250 in C committee I'd like to recognize Mr. Nang Suresi-Dani welcome. Hello, ministers. Let's see. Semi-Quence Centennial is one of about four different phrases that describe the 250th anniversary of which will be celebrating July 4th, 2026. Our country will be 250 years old. North Carolina has incentivized counties across the state to be able to form a committee to help plan the celebration of such an event and they even are offering some grant funds to be able to do so. We have gotten Don Kason and our tourism crowd to start this effort at creating a planning committee. It's going to consist of a good cross section of other for campaigns, if that's such a word. And we're just excited to look forward to this plan. Tonight you have a resolution in your package in consideration of these grant funds available to be able to form a committee and to start making plans according. You've got any questions? I'll be glad to, um, for that to answer those. All right. Any questions? Sorry, sir. I'll answer those questions. I'll be glad to answer those. I'll be glad to answer those. Any questions? Sorry, sir. I'll answer those questions. I'll be glad to answer those. or it was in our agenda packet and was online regarding resolution was the will of the board. I make a motion, we approve the resolution. Thank you. the resolution before we was in our agenda packet and was online regarding resolution was the will of the board. I make a motion. We approve the resolution. Thank you. I got a motion second. Any discussion? We're going to call a question. All the papers are right in. Any bugs? Lot of what? You were out here. Thank you very much. Just real quick, this will be a special year for us next year because our courthouse also turns 100 years old. 100 years old. Yeah. Next year. Good party. Two zero two, seven, one, one, two, eight, I guess, service contract for the revaluation of commercial parkrives only. We're getting ready to go to reval again. We're looking at direction. It's like recognize Paul Bridges I'm fine, fine. Mr. Bridges. All right. Good evening again. I'm Paul Bridges with Revenue Department here tonight on behalf of Revenue Director Richard Lawson, who is out of town in the class. And we are seeking your approval of the service contract with Wompler-Eings, Praise will Group to perform the 2027 revaluation for the county's commercial real property. Okay. Commissioner contracts been in your. And it's before you do you have any questions at this time regarding the contract? Were these the same group that did the previous commercial violations? Yes, they did the 2023 commercial only, and then they did the 2019 full measuring list so they did everything in 2019. But we did the residential land and buildings in a house for 2023. And we'll do that again, 20 step. Make a motion, we approve the contract. Second. We've got a motion in a second. Thank you, Commissioner, any discussion? Hearing the question I will play raise your right hand. He posed lot wise. Okay, carries Next time is four one four Goals update review like to recognize Mr. Tony or my He is saying. Good evening Mr. Chairman. Thanks for having me tonight. Commissioner, thanks for having me tonight as well. Thanks just again for letting us do that. Let me be part of your goal setting, you know, kind of meetings. That was a lot of fun. It has a great conversation. We had some great discussion and kind of taken some time to write these up. And a little bit more detail. And like I said, part of that key goal setting was of course, presenting it publicly. I will try to be quick, as I know it is. It's going to be a more good night than good evening at this point. Priorities, we came to five different priorities together as a group. One of those, of course, was the capacity impacts from Hurricane Helene, just understanding about those revenue impacts and of course the economic impacts on our county. The clarity in the budget brought in information. capacity impacts from Hurricane Helene, just understanding about those, but it's revenue impacts, of course, the economic impacts are on our county. The clarity in the budget, provide information on funding sources, just we're transparent now, always just working towards being better, being the best we can be. School safety, emergency services, and economic development. This is the SWOT analysis. I'm not going to read this. I just wanted to make sure it's, Turn that little smaller, and I thought it would. I apologize. Don't worry this to you tonight. Please, in your... This is the SWOT analysis. I'm not going to read this. I just wanted to make sure it's turned out a little smaller than I thought it would. I apologize. Not going to read this to you tonight. Please, in your leisure, read that SWOT. You guys have some really good feedback there and some really good discussion. And it really came together in these goals. So the goal, of course, is I believe from Chairman King, which was determined that it impact of the lien on the economic health throughout the free county. Our governing body goal speaks for itself there. There's two kind of key components of this. The first one is of course, we need to understand what the potential revenue impacts of this is going to be. This is of course going to show up in your budget on a revenue plus Mr. Garrison will be providing that report to you guys in due time along along with kind of the budget message. The other kind of side of this is of course, what's the actual kind of wages employment? What's that long-term impact look like? And this is something we need to be thinking very seriously about, very strategically about, because that's going to impact that other first number, right? Revenue number. So one thing we recommend here is of course, for economic development, tourism to work together, of course with the North Carolina Department of Commerce, kind of analyze these numbers, do some projections about that information to you guys. Not easy when you're doing economic projections, I do them a decent amount. In my job day today, pretty challenging, but it's something that with commerce and with some folks that they have, they are working on this. I think Golden Leafs know a little bit of this as well right now. There's some opportunities here. Go to's of course, improving clarity and transparency in the budgeting process. Please, Mr. Hulks, primary goal. We want to provide an easy to read in the annual report, right? We want something clear, using good visuals, that kind of thing. The first recommendation I have on here is we really need to review current finance staff capacity and determine finance staff capacity needs. One of the major things to understand is when you're looking at staff, 90% or more of their time, 99% of their time is on existing programming. So anytime we add programming, we need to understand really what that capacity needs or going to be. Of course, this can look like any number of things, formal inquiries, conversations with Director Ray, or you know, with Mr. Garrison or the like. There's a lot of options available. What do you, but you do need to understand what those capacity constraints are and what capacity is going to be in long term. Because this is work, right? You know, let's not get into say it is work. It is additional time, additional staff hours. Right, and then of course after the fact, we want to provide in any financial report socation the revenue and expenditures and counting goals and it should be an image based document, right? We don't want something with walls of text. We want images that are easy to understand, perhaps, parts, so on and so forth. I said we don't want to burn out any value we don't know over where anyone on the director's edge where it's very different gently and very very hard for the community. All right school safety I believe this was Commissioner Haynes go one of the biggest two big portions of this one was of course Mr. Haynes was going to work within the community to create that task force for full-time school resource officers at every single school. Mr. Haines volunteered to take this on, so no staff work here. It's a commissioner work here to kind of set up these meetings, get these started, get these off the ground. around. I have those, you know, really July 2025, I think, was the day we start. We talked about could have been sooner. I'll be honest, I was thinking like right after the fiscal year perhaps, but, you know, happy to change that as well in your direction. Of course, the Rutherford County Commissioners also committed to really delineating those decisions in that budget for the fiscal year 26. I remember correctly, and that should be going in the budget, this is your budget. Finally, we're getting into emergency services infrastructure. This was a commissioner bid field goal. This was a fantastic goal about that new emergency management facility. We kind of talked about what Helene showed us in those needs there. Let's determine that feasibility. Let's continue working on that partnership with the town of Spendill potentially on the construction of that new facility. After that, let's get into funding sources and funding opportunities, right? We want to, I always tell folks we want to stretch it dollars, or as we can. So let's leverage every dollar we can, especially with a focus on Western with Theron and of course, disaster of course disaster recovery And then of course you had to do all your fun stuff like that Mr. Cersei does which procuring an Architect you have to design a facility you had to go out for construction bidding and all that good stuff Finally economic development of special chairman Tony's goal This is developing an industrial share building. It's kind of what we landed on here. Right at the end, right at the end of the meet, I was worried about us getting out on time. You know, we want to work with the EDC in partnership to determine that site of that new share building, determine the specifications. Does it need to be part of a new industrial port? Let's figure this out. Then we want to turn around funding sources, partnerships. Of course you have to have utilities so finding the right partners for utilities is really really key for this. And Then we want to turn around funding sources, partnerships, of course you have to have utilities, so finding the right partners for utilities is really really key for this. And then we want to get in very current procurement design and construction. You notice I put 24 months there, always subject to change. It's always a little fluid. It's always a little fluid. I know I spayed through those. Youall having questions or comments for me I do have my email in there if you think of something after the fact you did great, but are there any comments or anything from the board commission? It was I Well, I will speak to the board It was one of the first times that we all forgot a chance to sit down together as the new board It was insightful We learned from each other. And we also, and I'm personally thought about something I've thought about before. And so it was a great opportunity for us to go together. And these goals, I don't say they're fluid, now they're going to change, but this is always a fluid process. Things will come up that we will see as a new priority or priority that has come. So I appreciate that. There's no recommending action and then we have discussion, but from the other questions for the water. All right. Thank you for your time. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm happy to come back next year and do it again. I appreciate it. Ladies and gentlemen, the next item on our agenda is closed session under attorney client NCGS1433181183. We actually hold that meeting in here. There's simply members of the board of the ministers, our county attorney, our county manager, and our clerk. We're gonna ask our rest of our guests, if you may go home or you just waiting part a lot, we'll be out there in a few minutes. There will be no action taken after closed session. So thank you. At this time, we'll look for the Board of Motion to go into closed session. Is that okay? It's okay. in a moment. Second, get him in a second. He's a discussion. We're going to call it the question. There is in. So moved. Got a motion. Second. Got a motion to second. He had a discussion. We're gonna have to call it the question. There is your right hand. If I was a lot wise, we're going to close session. Thank you.