THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, December 19, 1995 TAG: 9512190259
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: MANTEO LENGTH: Medium: 71 lines
Dare County is in solid fiscal shape, according to an independent audit released Monday by a local accounting firm.
Richard B. Mizelle, an accountant with Johnson, Burgess and Co., told the Board of Commissioners that the county's financial outlook, based on the 1994-95 audit, looks bright.
``The county is in good financial shape,'' Mizelle said. ``Overall we found no instances of non-compliance with accepted financial practices.''
Mizelle, however, did point to two areas of concern. He said better controls are needed on receipts for fees paid by participants in parks and recreation programs.
Also, the audit called for the addition of personnel in the water department to increase controls over billing practices.
The audit was approved 6-1, with Commissioner Shirley Hassell casting the negative vote. She said she was unable to vote for a report she had just received.
``I guess we have no choice but to accept this,'' said Hassell. ``But I can't support something I haven't read.''
In other business, Dare County Board of Commissioners Chairman Robert V. ``Bobby'' Owens Jr. criticized the Board of Education for delays in putting five computer work stations in each Dare County classroom. Those computers are not expected to be placed until next fall.
Last summer, the commission approved a 3-cent increase in property taxes to help pay for new technology for schools.
``Somebody needs to get on the Board of Education for dragging their feet.'' Owens said. ``It's typical of a lot of things over there.
In other action, commissioners:
Heard a presentation from Rhett White, director of the North Aquarium on Roanoke Island, concerning an expansion of the state's three aquariums. The commission unanimously passed a resolution in support of the project. A request for $10 million for the project is expected to be voted on by the General Assembly in its short session next spring.
By a 6-1 vote, passed a series of resolutions dealing with the $990,000 general obligation bond issue for school technology. Also, they passed a resolution in support of a lease-purchase agreement for a group of county vehicles. Both resolutions were passed in one motion. Hassell, citing her opposition to the general obligation bond issue, voted against the package of resolutions.
Unanimously endorsed the idea of a countywide conference on growth management in the county. Involving county leaders and officials from the five county municipalities, the meeting will focus on issues facing Dare County in the coming decades.
Heard from Duck residents who are opposed to Duck Station, a combination gas station, restaurant, and convenience store to be located across from Duck United Methodist Church. Last week, the Dare County Planning Board granted a conditional use permit for the project.
Set a public hearing on Feb. 5 concerning the extension of county water lines for Ridge Road and Midgett Road in Kitty Hawk.
The commission also voted down a motion by Commissioner Geneva Perry, which would have required citizens who videotape meetings to use a tripod or place their equipment in plain view.
Perry said that while she was in no way trying to limit the public's ability to tape meetings, she felt anyone taping them should do so openly.
However, the majority of the panel agreed with Commissioner Doug Langford, who said he was concerned over any attempt to limit the public's right to record a meeting in any way they see fit.
Perry's motion failed 4-3, with Commissioners Sammy Smith, Owens, Langford and Hassell voting in the majority. by CNB