Newspapers / The Brunswick Beacon (Shallotte, … / April 9, 1987, edition 1 / Page 2
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Page ^A—THE BRUNSWICK BEACON, Thursday, April 9, 1987 Audit Firm Withdraws Services BY SUSAN liSHEK The company that conducted oruiiswicK County's withdrew its services Monday night after county commissioners refused to reconsider an $8,000 adjustment in its bill for extra services rendered last summer. ‘‘No hard feelings,” said Rex Price of Touche Ross & Co, adding he was being forced into something he didn't want to do. “However, I don't really have any choice from the firm's standpoint. “I feel we must resign our services from the county,” he said. “I feel you can get an audit done for a lesser price, but there's a lot to be straightened out.” Because it was Touche Ross' first audit of the count>’'s books, the com pany’s proposal didn't reflect charges for the full time that would he retjuired. llowcvcr, said Price, because the county was without a finance director during most of the audit period and the county manager was away on sick leave part of that period, the time extended well beyond the company’s expectations and its work extended well beyond the realm of its contract. The new finance director, Utha Hahn, was un familiar with county records and other finance staff members had not previously been much involved in the audit process. In what was considered a “reasonable" arrangement by the parties involved—the county manager, the county’s new finance officer and the audit firm, the audit firm agreed to absorb 60 percent of the added cost, with the expectation that it would have no problem obtain ing the remaining 40 percent, or $8,000 from the county, which would bring the company's pay to more than $38,000. However, when the item was first Then in February, to the constema- tion of CounK* MAfUffPr BUlv Cgrtpr^ commissioners voted against the re quest. Under Touche Ross’ contract. Price said, the county was to have completed rcccRcili8tio.ns of ledgers, trial balances and budget amend ments. Also, insurance and invest ment papers and other documents needed during an audit were to be available. Instead, his staff took care of many routine bookkeeping duties as well as identifying problems such as non- compliance with the county’s water bond ordinance. "Nobody was monitoring it proper ly,” he said. In all, he said, auditors found IS non-compliance items, with multiple instances in several casra, and over 100 year-end adjustments had to be iimde. Third Bidder A third agency came before com missioners Mon^y night with an in terest in taking over administration of programs previously handled by Sencland Community Action in Brunswick County. Director Sherman Davis said the Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) in New Hanover County is interested in operating weatheriza- tion assistance, block grant (job training, housing reimbiutaiion, etc.) and Head Start programs here. Two county rcsiuents, Eugene Gore and Rev. Winston Brown, serve on OIC’s board. Commissioners said they would review that proposal and those of two other agencies before making a deci sion at their April 21 meeting. Four County Community Service of Laurinburg, the largest agency of its type in the state, has offered to take over administration of the programs established to serve Brunswick, Col- iimhiM find Pender counties, the area previously served by Sencland. New Hanover Community Services has also asked to be considered as a provider for all three programs. Commissioners in Pender and Col umbus counties Monday endorsed Four County as their agency of choice for assuming administration of the programs. Both boards designated Four County as their count’s community action agency to receive block grant funds. Commissioners were urged by former Head Start employees Peggy Limos of Leland and Faye Gore of Columbus County to act quickly, so that Head Start grant applications could be prepared for submission by June 1, the deadline if classes are to resume in September. Drainage Issue Commiasisners told Ljiui Peteh of Farwinds Stables at Thomasboro that their answer remains the same regarding the former CawCaw drainage district. James Bellamy, chairman of the Brunswick County Soil and Water Consen’ation District, has asked the county to assume maintenance of the fonner district, which served what is now one of the more heavily developed areas of the county. More recently, in a letter commissioners received Monday, he threatened to seek an injunction to stop develop ment in that area. The county, in turn, has recom mended that Bellamy’s board take steps to have the district re established. “There are only two ways we can help from the county conunissioners,” Chappell said. "One the people in our area would not like—forget C!awCaw and set up a new district and assess the propert>- owners. I don't think any commis- !t's Not Just Any Old Job It's not your usual Help Wanted ad, but then it's not an ordinary sort of job. Monday night, Brunswidc County Commissianers voted to begin advertising immediately for a new coun- . ty manager to succeed Billy Carter. ' ; His eight-year term officially ended March 21, ,.v(hcn he took disabUlty retiren^t, though to is ex pected to continue to woHc pai^time tm' a conralting' basis to help prepare the 19OT-88 budget According to the ad, the new manager will be ex pected to administer a $20 million budget supervise a 200-pIus work force that includes employees of a county water system, and provide administrative skills for the Slate's "fastest growing” county, Abastcrcqi^eniait is three years experience in public administration and' an appropriate educational tockground. The application deadline is May 11 for the job, wich pays lietween $38,0(X) and $42,000, depending on the can didate’s experience. ‘‘We hope to have someone in place in June,” Com missioner (Tiris Chappell said Tuesday. The board will hire tlie new manager, but will rely on Robert Hester, field representative for the N.C Association of County Managers, to help in screening applicants' backgrounds. With the pay scale offered and the county's growth record, he continued, “Hester said it was probably the best job to come available in a good while. He thought we'd get some of the top applicants in the state.” Chappell said the conunissioners are looking for an energetic candidate "who has Brunswick County at heart and can continue us on a growth pattern. We need someone to make us more aware of what we need to do and where to go,” ‘ ■“llMnwhile, Tlie toftiier county mana^ff’wlir be available to work as a cansultant for the county at a proposed salary of $25 an hour. Chappell said commis- sioiiers would consult with David Clegg as to what areas Carter’s help would be needed, such as budget preparation. He e:q>ected this to come up Wednesday, April 8, diiiriiig-an S;X sSi. Condiiuaiion c^Mtstdbiy’s commissioners meeting. Carter had been asked to sit in on that session. Clegg, county attorney and as^tant county _ manager, was appointed acting county manager Mon- day night in addition to his duties as counseL He receiv ed no pay increase, having received a larger increase earlier this year to reflect his added responsibilities of assistant county manager, said Chappell. With Hester in attendimce, commissioners met iii executive session to discuss personnel one hour prior to Monday's regular meeting. They also met for two hours afterwards to discuss personnel and attorney- client matters with Clegg and Carter. Former Sheriff To Be ^99 Hunt Released August 15 Easter BY ETTA SMITH A former Brunswick County sheriff convicted in 1983 of participating in drug smuggling operations is scheduled for release from a Wilm ington halfway house in August. Herman Strong, who was the sheriff here from 1974 until his con viction, is scheduled for release from the Bannon House in Wilmington on August 15, according to a spokesman at Butner Federal Correctional In stitute. According to Bill Willingham, Strong was transferred from Butner to Wilmington on Feb 17. Strong was convicted in 1983 for conspiracy to possess, witli Intent to distribute, controlled substances. The Bannon House is a private work release facility that contracts with the federal government, accor ding to Director Kathy Swain. She said the facility has 24-hour supervi sion and persons spend the last six months of their sentence there. Strong could not be reached for comment Swain said he is employed at this time, but woidd not say where. Strong was one (tf several public of ficials convicted in 1983 for drug- related offenses, following a joint FBI and Federal Drug Enforcement Administration Investigation named "Operation Gateway.” American Legion Post 247 in Shallotte will hold its annual Easter egg hunt on Sunday, April 19, at 2 p.m. at Shallotte Towaship Park. Local children through age 10 are invited to participate, said Duncan R. St. Clair H, Post entertainment chairman. Prizes to be awarded in each of three age groups are as follows: ages up to 6, a tricycle; ages 6-8, a 16-inch bicycle; and ages 8-10, a 20-inch bicy cle. Courtesy of the Brunswick County Parks and Recreation Department, the “Easter Bunny” will be on hand to award prizes. The park is located about IW mile south of Shallotte on U.S. 17. HOW IO SUBSCRIBE lO THE K*T UhUCt hOx 2558 SHALLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28459 For Award-Winning News Coverage ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION RATES BY MAIL: In Brunswick County □ 7.50 Elsewhere in North Carolina □ 10.00 Sf. Citix«n □ 6.50 □ 9.00 nil tin THE BRU\ISWICK£6EAC0N Complete And Return To Above Address Nome Address City, Stole Zip Established Nov. 1,1962 Telephone 754-6890 Published Every Thursday At Main Street Shallotte, N. C. 28459 SUBSCRIPTION RATES IN mUNtWICK COUNTY One Year $7.50 Six Months $4.00 EISEWHERE IN NORTH aUOllNA One Yeer .$10.00 Six Months $6.00 IISEWHEREINU.S.A. One Yeor $12.50 Six Months $7.(X) Second class postage paid at the Post Office In Shaliolto, N. C. 28459. USPS 777-780. siuncr here ionighi is ready lo go iiiat step.” Rnther. he thinks reorganization is the best answer. Then the district could either assess its residents or even seek a contribution from the county. Only someone with the legal right to do so, such as James Bellamy, can petition the Clerk of Brunswick Coun ty Superior Court to rc-cslabllsh the district, said County Attorney David Clegg. Chappell said the parties concern ed should be working togetiKr to find a solution, rather than “everyone trying to run in different directions.” Before Chappell reiterated the board’s stance. District 2 Commis sioner Benny f.udtiun .said he thought the board should take action "one way or the other" Monday night. “f don't think we should jeopardize building in Shingletrce and CawCaw.” he explained. Other Business In other business, the board: •Authorized contributing $500 from contingency to a Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway project along 1-85 between Greensboro and Lexington wliich includes planting u tree and erecting a plaque identifying the county, as well as general momuments to all veterans who died or were missing inaction in Vietnam. •Approved a reduction in retainage from 5 percent to 3 percent for Bryant Electric, now co:'.ducting pres.surc te.sts on the countv water mams. •Approved bid specifications for a horizontal bore machine, which would aUow the water department to t)ore holes up to 14 inches in diametEr under roadways. •Approved budget amendments to accept $16,900 in three grants for three community-based alternative programs, a $21,900 increase in the planning and building inspections department to come from permit revenues; and to establish a book keeping system to monitor expen ditures of $4.09 million in Brunswick Technical College construction bonds. •Authorized the operations ser vices department to advertise bids for a backhoe loader instead of an end loader and to informally bid for a trailer. •Subject to approval of the U.S. Ar my Corps of Engiiteers, approved a major drainage project in the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church community near 'Town Creek that Operation .^rvices Manager Dairy Somersett said "needs to be done bad,” as well as six minor maintenance drainage projects scat tered across the county. •Accepted $84,800 in additional funds from the state for Uie Depart ment of Social Services. •Approved a change in the bad debt write-oft policy for the Health Department so that the health board receives a list of the total amount written off in each program rather than an itemized list. •Agreed to allow one year's educa tional leave without pay for foster care social worker Mildred Bellamy, who is pursuing a master’s degree in social work and had asked for paid leave. Said Commissioner Frankie Rabon, who is cliairman of the social services board, “I don’t want to deny anyone the right to get an education, but I don’t think it’s fair to the citizens of Brunswick County to pay for it.” Zoning Killed TALKING PARTY BUSINESS are (in the foreground) Democratic State l-.xcruiive Committee member LuDalie Buliuixtuii, wiiO is consiucriag a run for Uie lieutenant governor’s scat, and Sandra Robinson, outgoing county party officer. Rep. Redwine Responds To Horrelson Speech (Continued From Page 1-A) "get tilings done” approach. Delegates re-elected ImmedintD past chairman Rex Gore of Shaiioiic and IjiDanc BuUbigton of Ocean fsic Beach to the State Democratic Ex ecutive Committee. Chairman Stanley will serve on it autoinatical- •Support for a continued emphasis on recreational use of the Southport Small Boat Harbor and its possible acquisition froni the Rt.-ste P?!r*! Other resolutions adopted by the delegates were as follows, in brief: •Support of a speeded-up, December 1988 completion date for the Shallotte bypass and the four- laning of U.S. 17 from Bell Swamp to the South Carolina state line. •Support of Sen. Terry Sanford's eiiuTLs lO uuuiiri a niuac equitaule return of highway tax dollars to North Carolina. •On a called vote, support of legislation to allow law enforcement agencies to request medical facilities for urinalysis and blood tests for sub jects whose driving appears im paired by controlled substances, but do not register as intoxicated on breath analysis. In discussion, Grissettown Precinct member Odell Williamson noted that the proposal would be costly and time-consuming. •A request of Rep. David Redwine and Sen. R.C. Soles Jr. to represent the interests of the county’s low- income citizens before the North Carolina Utilities Commission regar ding rate increases and similar issues. Spring's In The Air Authority by tlie City of Southport. Rep. Redwine will introduce legisla tion seeking iis transfer to the city, he said. •Dedication of the Brunswick County Democratic Women's cookbook to a past member, the late Sally Long. Congressman CHiarles Rose will be the guest speaker at a fundraising event in Southport on May 1, at 7:30 p.m. at the Ship’s Chandler Restaurant. Tickets for the dinner are $10 per person. Also, tickets are available from Rex Gore for events slated in connec tion with the annual Jefferson- Jackson Day on April 25 in Raleigli. Tickets are $50 per couple for an April 24 dinner honoring Commis sioner of Agriculture Jim Graham, while tickets are $100 per couple for the Jefferson-Jackson Day seminar and dinner April ‘25 at the Raleigh Civic and Convention Center. The seminar will be led by Sen. Dale Bumpers of Arkansas and Sen. Terry Sanford. Bumpers is also the dinner speaker. The Wake County Democratic Women’s breakfast on Saturday at the Brownestone Hotel is $15 person. Two events are free, a reception by the Council of State and Speaker of the House Liston Ramsey at the Goodwin House from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and a 5 p.m. reception by Lt. Gov. Bob Jordan and his wife Sarah at the civic center. (Continued From Page 1-A) He said he thought most responsi ble developers favor zoning, which he suggested would protect county residents from “con artist” types who move into the county to buy, develop and sell property and then move on. After a chilling start for April, near-normal temperatures ’>iid precipitation are in the forecast for the next several days, local meteorologist Jackson Canady said Monday. Temperatures should range from the upper 40s at night into the upper 60s during the day, with about one- half inch of rain. For the period March 31 through April 5, Canady recorded a max imum high of 68 degrees on the 3rd and a minimum low of 28 degrees on April 1st. An average daily high of 60 degrees combined with an average daily low of 36 degrees for an average daily temperature of 48 degrees, about 10 degrees below normal. Canady recorded 0.38 inch of rain fall, just a hair below normal. HOLDEN BEACH GROCERY FISHING TACKLE GIFTS & NOVELTIES Telephone 842-6388 HOLDEN BEACH OROCERY JEFF CONAWAY SAYS: "if we please you, tell others. If not, teil us." I won’t leave you alone with your diet. At Diet Center, you don’t have to face weight loss alone. You work with a'counselor, one-on-one. Every day of your diet. You get all the advice and encouragement you need to reach your ideal weight. And stay there. Call for your first consultation. It’s absolutely free. Diet Center Spring spotlight! April 6-10 is Medical Personnel Week! Call today for our Introductory Special Dl6t49 Center WILMINGTON 754-6516 SOUTHPORT 457-4777 You’re going to make it this time.
The Brunswick Beacon (Shallotte, N.C.)
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April 9, 1987, edition 1
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