Rutherford Revue

County Commissioners met on Friday March 6th and Saturday March 7th for their first Goals Setting Session for 2015-2016. Carl Classen, current County Manager, went over the completion and ongoing goals from last year with the Commissioners and new County Manager Steve Garrison. Items discussed were the Economic Development Project, the new Southeastern EMS/Library, and the Gateway West project. Some of last year’s goals had not been addressed and he mentioned that they would be carried over. Subjects discussed on Friday’s session were:

•Environment of trust

•Education

•Good jobs and business opportunities

•Being good stewards of the taxpayers’ money

•Improve internet services to county with possible study (study cost $50,000 -$70,000)

•Possibility of forming a County Police Force separate from the Sheriff’s Department

•Capital improvements for RCS and ICC

•Supporting the “Interstate 74” designation.

•Importance of job creation, educated work force and Trade education.

The Friday session ended with discussions of “pooling” our talent to streamline services and save time and money, systems to improve efficiency and determining proper number of staff positions.

The Saturday session was opened with Commissioner Lovelace discussing developing a 6-year plan for RCS, ICC, and the county along with developing a Bond Referendum team to perform community education regarding the importance of funding projects for this plan. Commissioner Holland commented on how the Commissioners had to be at two meetings as they were serving both as Commissioners and the Airport Authority and wanted to see about presenting a bill to the NC Legislature to dissolve the Airport Authority and place the airport under the direct control of the commissioners. Classen told the board that even if they could get a legislation action on this it could take up to two years to get all the  details worked out with the different local, state and federal entities involved. 

Audit and review of county departments were discussed along with letting the County Manager pick two departments for a 365 day review by outside professionals, citizens, department staff and other department heads. Improving communications with updating the county’s school phone services to meet County levels was a stated priority by the group. Multiple studies were discussed as well as looking at financial savings of a joint garage with the school system and diesel versus non-diesel vehicles.

This was the first of multiple sessions where the Commissioners discuss goals and plans to improve current and future systems in Rutherford County so as to be fiscally responsible in sustaining and improving the quality of life for Rutherford County and its citizens. These sessions are open to the public.