THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, October 17, 1995 TAG: 9510170309
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: MANTEO LENGTH: Medium: 60 lines
A possible first step toward a new beach high school was taken Monday when the Dare County Board of Commissioners approved funding of about $100,000 for a facilities study of county schools.
The rest of the $182,500 appropriation will pay for two more buses at a cost of $83,000.
The study will evaluate not only the needs for a new high school, but also the needs of all of the county's schools.
The majority of the money is matching funds from the State Department of Public Instruction's capital building funds.
The state will provide $3 for every dollar provided by the county. The request by the Board of Education passed by a 5-1 vote.
Commissioner Shirley Hassell took the school board to task, and questioned the need for the study. She said that a 1992 study called for an expansion of Manteo High to accommodate 1,400 students.
``Rather than spend $100,000, I think we should go back and review the previous study,'' Hassell said.
School Superintendent Leon Holleman said it would not be appropriate to discuss the study. Last week, the School Board approved a resolution requesting funding for the facilities review.
Hassell also cast the lone opposition vote Monday on a general obligation bond proposal to pay for the school technology program.
Last summer, the commission allocated $750,000 annually in each of the next four years to pay for technology in schools. County finance officials asked for a bond of $990,000 bond, saying that would enable the county to pay for the program quicker, and at a long-term cost savings.
Finance Officer David Clawson told the board at its Oct. 3 meeting that the general obligation bond would mean lower interest payments, when compared to a lease- purchase arrangement.
However, Hassell argued that paying the $3 million at a faster rate would obligate future boards to the project. She argued that only $750,000 for 1995-96 was approved, the remainder was part of a proposed budget.
In other action, the commission voted 5-1 to add $10,000 to the Sheriff's Department's capital outlay fund for the purchase of six patrol cars as called for in the budget. Sheriff Bert Austin said the additional money became necessary because of higher costs than expected. Hassell voted against the increase.
Commissioner Clarence Skinner was out of town.
The commission also:
Passed a resolution asking the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to pass restrictions prohibiting vessels from traveling faster than no wake speed within the confines of Baum Bay Harbor. Residents have complained that boats traveling at higher speeds contribute to an erosion problem.
Approved a resolution asking the Division of Marine Fisheries to allow households to use two crab pots for personal use without requiring a license.
Agreed to a request by the town of Southern Shores, and passed a resolution to extend water lines on 11th and 12th avenues. by CNB