THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 19, 1995 TAG: 9502160125
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 60 lines
As chairman of the Capital Improvements Committee (CIP), I would like to clarify several points regarding the proposed county government building.
The complex is not a NEW idea. In fact, the project was first proposed in 1961 and reviewed again in the late '80s.
The current effort was initiated by the present board of commissioners during a review of the efficiency of county government.
An inventory of facilities, which revealed an annual expenditure of $425,000 to rent office space in privately owned buildings, was astounding.
The CIP launched the latest round of discussions by posing two key questions: Is a new county government complex needed? And, can the county afford such a complex?
The answer to the first question is yes. Despite the elimination of several rental properties, the annual expenditure for renting buildings throughout the county is still $407,000.
The consolidation of these offices under one roof and the continued operation of the satellite offices would certainly enhance the county's ability to deliver essential services.
Also, the existing county buildings do not conform to the federally mandated standards of the American Disabilities Act nor the regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Administration.
The buildings are old, and the cost of repairs and maintenance is increasing each year. In addition, the buildings are not functional because they were not designed as government offices.
In an effort to answer the second, and perhaps, most important question, the CIP is currently negotiating with a Washington architectural firm. The cost of the project and the financial impact on the current tax rate will be a key factor in the final decision.
Finally, a new government complex - if it's built - will not be designed to enlarge county government. Rather, it will represent an investment in a more efficient, less-expensive county government that will benefit all of the citizens of Dare County.
On behalf of the CIP and the board of commissioners, I want to assure the citizens of the county that the proposed government complex will not be constructed unless there's a clear demonstration of public support for the project.
Before the final decision is made, the CIP will listen to the people during a series of public forums. The CIP is motivated by a genuine desire to improve the efficiency of county government.
Committee meetings have been open to the public and representatives of the news media. The coverage has been fair and balanced. This commitment to open government reflects the overall policy of the board of commissioners to conduct the public's business in public.
Clarence Skinner
Chairman
Capital Improvements Committee
Board of Commissioners by CNB