Honorable Douglas Stallard-Chairman

Honorable Betty Cornet - Vice-Chair

Honorable Douglas Mullins

Honorable Edgar Mullins

Honorable Robert Adkins

Honorable Jeffrey Salyers

Honorable Donnie Dowell- members of said Board and

Edward L. Sealover-County Administrator

Shannon C. Scott-Assistant County Administrator

Karen Mullins-County Attorney

Annette Underwood -Executive Secretary

ABSENT

Honorable Virginia Meador

IN RE:  SCHOOL BUDGET

Superintendent of Public Schools Dr. Mike Basham, addressed the Board regarding funding for the schools to provide better technology and a brighter future for our children.  Dr. Basham reviewed the past school years' accomplishments that were made possible from funding provided by the County.  These accomplishments included an increase in music and art in the elementary and middle school levels and other services and programs.  The Coeburn Primary School, the Adams Combined School and the Wise Primary School projects have all been completed and well accepted by the citizens.  He stated that in this year's budget, the major impact was the debt service for building projects for an amount of $651,300.00.  The School Board originally asked for $12.2 million to fund these projects but the projects were completed at $11.7 million. As in the past, the lottery and the school construction money will be used 50% for operations, 35% for capital outlay, and 15% for debt service.  He stressed the fact that there are many needs and upgrades in the schools.  With no word on the State Budget, no new initiatives have been instituted for this coming year.  Several adjustments within the budget was reviewed for which the School has absorbed the cost. 

The proposed budget reflects a 3% pay increase for all school employees, an increase for substitute teacher pay, an increase for beginner pay scale for bus drivers, and increased travel from 24 cents to 28 cents.  He asked for level funding of the school budget to enable the programs and services to continue for our children.  To continue these services and programs for the schools, will require an additional amount of money in local funds in the amount of $1,464,900.00 of which $813,600.00 is for operations.  The total proposed budget from all sources is  $58,686,200.00.

School Finance Advisor Greg Perry presented a detailed review by line item of the proposed school budget with brief comments from Board members.

IN RE:  REDISTRICTING

Edgar Mullins stated that he has changed his mind about the redistricting issue.  The change that he proposes would require swapping out Hamilton Town for Exeter and would only change district 1.  He asked whether or not there would be sufficient time to do another advertisement or whether or not both public hearings could be held at the same time.

Attorney Mullins advised that she had spoken to the Department of Justice yesterday and they encouraged the County to expedite its decision on the redistricting due to the time restraint on meeting the requirements if changes were to be made.

There was some discussion on the legality of making changes to a public hearing that has already been advertised. 

It was also noted that a member was absent from the meeting and a previous agreement was made that no action would be taken on a matter unless everyone was present.

Attorney Mullins noted that there would be sufficient time for another public hearing if the Board were to act at the next meeting.       

After further discussion, a motion was made by Betty Cornett, seconded by Jeff Salyers, to adjourn the meeting.  The motion was unanimously approved.

ATTEST:                  WISE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

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Clerk                                Chairman