THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, March 28, 1995 TAG: 9503280251
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: MANTEO LENGTH: Medium: 80 lines
The Dare County Board of Commissioners completed day one of a three-day budget workshop Monday, and one theme emerged from almost eight hours of hearings: With the county facing a projected $2 million shortfall in general operating revenues in each of the next two years - before factoring in education - it's time to set priorities.
``We've got to go back to the drawing board,'' said Commissioner Shirley Hassell. ``We still have to include the Board of Education and we're $2 million shy. We're going to have to pull in the reins on spending.''
Cutbacks and priorities were on the minds of Hassell's colleagues. Chairman Robert V. ``Bobby'' Owens Jr. said that while each presentation made Monday was full of good ideas, not every budget wish would be granted.
``It would be nice if we had that golden egg,'' said Owens. ``But how much are we going to raise taxes, or how much are we going to cut spending? We're going to have to set priorities, or else we're going to catch some heat from the public.''
One of the major budget items that may come under scrutiny from the panel is the funding request for parks and recreation. In 1994-95, the county appropriated $436,735 for recreation. For 1995-96, the department is asking for $655,022, an increase of more than 50 percent. For fiscal 1996-97, the department wants $642,272.
Parks and Recreation Director Johnny Tillett told commissioners the increase in funding is needed because of growth in the number of participants. Tillett said more than 10,000 Dare County residents took part in activities ranging from youth sports, dances, arts and crafts. Tillett also pointed to a dramatic increase in revenues.
``The fact that revenues have doubled gives me an idea of the popularity of our parks and recreation program,'' said Commissioner Doug Langford. ``This is touching a whole lot of our community.''
Tillett is also requesting funding for the creation of a youth football program in the county. He said a number of citizens expressed interest in helping provide start-up funds for the sport. That drew a word of caution from Owens.
``It's kind of like pledging,'' he said. ``Everybody's for it until you start passing the bucket around.
``These are all good ideas that are beneficial to Dare County.'' Owens added. ``But we're going to have to establish priorities.''
Another major budget request came from the Dare County Sheriff's Office, which requested 16 new vehicles over the next two years.
``Mileage is killing us,'' said Sheriff Bert Austin. He added that the department has had some difficulties in the county maintenance shop.
``I don't mean to knock anybody, but we've had some problems,'' Austin said
Commissioner Joseph ``Mac'' Midgett responded, ``If we got the shop straightened out, we wouldn't have to have as many new cars.''
Austin also requested new security cameras for the Dare County Detention Center. The devices were eliminated when the building was originally constructed because of cost. Austin said the cameras are needed to assist jail personnel.
Also, the department requested an additional Youth Resource Officer for Dare County schools.
Commissioners heard requests from 30 department heads Monday.
Department requests will continue Tuesday and Wednesday. On the final day of hearings, education and social services will make their case for funding.
One commissioner said she will reserve judgment on what cuts will be made until after the hearings are completed.
``Everybody comes to you with worthy projects,'' said Commissioner Geneva Perry. ``As commissioners, it's up to us to see the big picture. We need to look at the rest of the presentations before we can decide where to go. We have to find ways to operate more efficiently, while still serving the needs of the public.''
Hassell, the board's newest commissioner, said she was ``excited to be part of her first budget workshop.'' She too, is uncertain of what cuts will be made.
``I'm only one commissioner,'' she said. ``But if it were up to me, I'd make the cuts and stick to that budget.''
Hearings resume at 8 a.m. this morning. by CNB