The Alleghany County Board of Commissioners met in special session on Friday, April 21, 2006, at 10:00am in the Conference Room of the County Office Building, 90 South Main Street, Sparta, North Carolina. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss legislative issues with Senator Don East and Representative Jim Harrell.

Present: Chair Eldon Edwards, Vice-Chair Warren Taylor, Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon, County Manager Don Adams, Social Services Director Sandy Ashley and Clerk to the Board Karen Evans. Commissioner Graylen Blevins, Commissioner Ken Richardson and County Attorney Donna Shumate were absent.

Chair Eldon Edwards called the meeting to order.

Chair Eldon Edwards and County Manager Don Adams thanked Senator East and Representative Harrell for attending this meeting, and stated their appreciation for scheduling this meeting promptly.

County Manager Don Adams explained the goals of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners in regards to the State providing Medicaid relief to the counties. He stated that it is his understanding that a bill will be introduced in the House that will place a cap on the Medicaid expenses. He gave everyone a PowerPoint presentation regarding Medicaid and how it impacts Alleghany County.

Senator East, Representative Harrell, Board of Commissioners and County Manager Don Adams discussed ways to reduce the Medicaid impact.

The Board of Commissioners explained some of the issues that the County is facing during the upcoming budget with the schools and the hospital.

Senator East, Representative Harrell, Board of Commissioners, County Manager Don Adams and Social Services Director Sandy Ashley continued discussing ways to reduce the Medicaid impact.

Commissioner Warren Taylor stated that the County will welcome any type of help that the State can provide.

Representative Harrell and Commissioner Warren Taylor discussed hiring a new surgeon for the hospital.

County Manager Don Adams reiterated that what is coming out of Medicaid subcommittee is a bill that will be introduced to provide $65,000,000 in Medicaid relief to counties this year by capping the costs. He explained that the goal for today’s meeting is to get the support of our legislators on this action. He further explained that this action will save the County between $80,000 and $120,000.

Representative Harrell and Chair Eldon Edwards discussed the issue of a land-transfer tax, and the issue must have the local support before it can be introduced in Raleigh.

Senator East and the Board of Commissioners discussed the land-transfer tax.

Commissioner Warren Taylor gave the legislators an update on the US Highway 21 project scheduled to be constructed in 2009. He explained the meeting that was provided by DOT on April 18. He stated that the Commissioners hope the State will be able to continue the project to the bottom of the mountain. He further stated that any support that could be offered would greatly be appreciated.

Representative Harrell explained his knowledge about the US Highway 21 project having no anticipated problems. He talked about gas taxes.

Representative Harrell and Chair Eldon Edwards continued discussing the land-transfer tax including that if the issue had local support, the issue wouldn’t pass because of the realtors.

Senator East stated that Alleghany County isn’t the only county interested in the land-transfer tax issue.

Commissioner Warren Taylor, Representative Harrell and Senator East discussed problems that the local license plate agency is experiencing caused by moving the office and the issue of collecting vehicle taxes when the tags are issued.

County Manager Don Adams reviewed four bills of concern to Alleghany County; exempting builders inventory, public/private solid waste collections, E-911 services and cable services. He explained how each bill could have real financial impacts to Alleghany County.

Senator East, Representative Harrell and County Manager Don Adams talked about Medicaid relief support.

The Board of Commissioners stated their appreciation to the legislators.

Chair Eldon Edwards adjourned the meeting at 11:50am.

Respectfully submitted,

Karen Evans

Clerk to the Board

Attest:

Eldon Edwards

Chairman