Commissioner has a busy week

By Mike Cross
Posted Tuesday, February 27, 2007

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Chatham County, NC - Along with the usual county commission meetings, Mike Cross attended the NC Association of County Commissioners Board of Delegates, Chatham County Leadership Academy Graduation, NC Regional Council of Governments Legislative Reception, and the Triangle J Council of Governments Legislative Breakfast.

February 7, 2007: NC Association of County Commissioners Board of Delegates

This meeting was held at the Albert Coates Government Center, Raleigh

House speaker, Joe Hackney, addressed the delegates concerning the heavy and important work load ahead for our General Assembly.
Secretary Bill Ross of DENR also addressed the group concerning Air/Water Quality and Land for Tomorrow.
We had a lengthy discussion as to how best to approach our Legislators in our efforts for Revenue Options. This is an ongoing concern of many counties. I am working hard getting our 1% Land Transfer Tax information packet to all concerned. On January 24, I transmitted the packet electronically to all 100 individual BOC’s and County Managers. On February 7, I mailed packets to all 170 Legislators at their homes. It will be citizen letter writing time as soon.

February 5, 2007: Board of Commissioner meetings

BOC Regular Session

We made assignments to several county boards/committees. Hopefully, we will have all this straightened out soon.
We amended the Planning Board Ordinance such that Commissioners can make appointments congruent with our terms of office.

BOC Work Session

We established Certification Criteria for Non-Profit Agencies requesting county funding. They must prove themselves financially sound (audit/letter) before funds are released and there will also be an evaluation form to consider.
We gave the Chatham ABC Board approval to discuss possible consolidation with PBO ABC Board. We have a total of 5 ABC stores in Chatham and 3 ABC Boards!? – Chatham, PBO and Siler.
We voted 5-0 to retire the School Impact Fee if/when we are authorized and enact the 1% Land Transfer Tax. We don’t believe it fair or necessary to impose both either.

February 2, 2007: Chatham County Leadership Academy Graduation

This event was held at the Western Chatham Senior Center, Siler City

I enjoyed attending lunch and the Graduation Ceremony for 14 of our county staff members completing our Leadership Academy. This is a one year course covering all aspects of county government which is taught by our Department Heads and Staff. Graduates also become our Chatham County Ambassadors. I think this was the first time that the entire Board of Commissioners attended.

January 31, 2007: NC Regional Council of Governments Legislative Reception

This was held at the Cardinal Club, Wachovia Bank, Raleigh.

Approximately 125 Legislators and COG Delegates from around the state attended this event. Lots of smiling, hand shaking and “oh, by the way”, let’s take a good look at the 1% Land Transfer Tax !

January 24, 2007: Triangle J Council of Governments Legislative Breakfast

This was held at the Sheraton Imperial, in Durham.

Many of the Legislators representing the TJ-COG counties (Orange, Durham, Chatham, Wake, Lee, Johnston and Moore) attended. House Speaker, Joe Hackney, addressed the group and we enjoyed some one-on-one conversation with the various Representatives and Senators. Of course, I spent my time pushing for the 1% Land Transfer Tax.. I hope the day will come when I can talk about something else!

Related info:
Mike Cross' Weblog

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