Department Heads Complimented For Central Permit Plan
(Continued From Pigt !-A)
ship, the exact location and the zoning of the property
involved.
Then the applicant can expect to fill out the same in
formation several times on forms for numerous inspec
tions certificates before visiting the department of envi
ronmental health to apply for a septic tank permit.
"Part of the problem is that you can't give anyone a
firm answer about the exact process they will have to go
through." McGinnis said. "Different types of structures
and properties require different permits and a person
might have to go back to the same office several times
before he's through.
"Hopefully we'll be able to eliminate most of that,"
he said. "I'd say at least 9S percent of all permit applica
tions will be handled at one location, usually in one vis
it. You may not be able to begin work the same day. but
you won't have to run al! over the place and come back
over and over again."
The idea seems so simple ? to link all the computer
data banks at all the permitting agencies so the informa
tion, not the customer, can travel back and forth across
the complex. Making it happen turned out to be a much
more difficult undertaking.
First the government buildings had to be linked by a
system of state-of-the-art fiber optic cable. Next, com
puter software had to be custom designed to allow the
various data entry systems to communicate and ex
change information, TTien a central permitting office had
to be constructed and wired for the new computer termi
nals and telephone lines.
To get it done. McGinnis called together all the de
partment heads involved and instructed them to meet
regularly to plan and implement the system.
"I've got nothing but compliments for the staff here."
McGinnis said. "They really got on the fast track with
this. They had the skills. All they needed was a conduc
tor. I'm hoping the experience of working together on a
project like this will carry on into other areas."
Planning Director Wade Home agreed, praising his
staff for carrying on with regular planning and zoning
duties while taking on the additional burden of imple
menting the central permitting concept.
The new system will call for two full-time "property
development technicians" and a supervisor to assist the
public and to man the three computer terminals, which
will be used to initiate all the necessary permits a cus
tomer needs by filling out a single application. While it
won't exactly be "one-stop shopping," Home said it will
be about as close as you can get.
"There's no way you can do everything in one stop,
because some of the permits require inspections thai
have to be scheduled at another time. And you have to
come back to get your permits." Home said. "It might
even take a little bit longer from start to finish. But from
now on, we'll be doing all the work instead of the cus
tomer."
Home is already talking about a "phase two" of cen
tral permitting. He hopes the system can eventually be
expanded to handle utilities applications and to serve as
a collections office for taxes and fees.
"We're looking at becoming the most innovative sys
tem in the state," Home said. "I see it as just a begin
ning. It's already brought the department heads together
and gotten them to cooperate toward a common goal. I
think it's going to work."
The new central permitting office will have three reg
ular telephone lines that can be reached at (910) 253
4362, along with a toll-free number for long-distance
callers at (800) 621-0609.
Governor Praises Auditorium,
Benefactor During Ceremony
(Continued From Page 1-A)
will be."
The auditorium, which Hunt de
scribed as "one of the finest, pretti
est auditoriums there is to be found
anywhere in this state," reflects
community support for BCC and the
community college system in gener
al and a commitment to the children
of the community, and should be a
major asset in selling Brunswick
County to business and industrial
prospects and increase job possibili
ties at home for local young people.
"It says 'We arc going forward;
we believe in our children and we're
going to provide the best for them,'"
said Hunt. "I believe you are right
on the verge of springing off to a
high future, but not as good as it
ought to be for some.
"You need to reach out to every
one and thai requires leaders with
vision, leadens like Mr. Williamson.
Our state and this county need more
people like Odell Williamson."
Hunt, who appointed the World
War II veteran, former legislator and
Ocean Isle Beach developer to his
Economic Development Commis
sion during his last term as gover
nor. and to the Board of Trans
portation in this his third term,
praised Williamson's tenacity and
vision.
"This is a man of spirit ? not a tall
man, but full of drive and energy. He
has worked hard in his bulldog-like
way to sec that you in this county
and in this region have what you
need ? roads, jobs ? always pressing
for his people.
"I'm thankful and I think you're
fortunate that this is one of his caus
es and one dear to his heart."
BCC 1 4th Commencement
Set Friday In Auditorium
Related Articles, Pages 9 A, 4B
The 14th annual commencement exercises for Brunswick Com
munity College will take place Friday, Aug. 19, at 7:30 p.m. in the
Brunswick Community College Odell Williamson Auditorium.
Family and friends of BCC Class of 1994 are invited to attend the
ceremonies and reception following in the Student Center.
E. Rhone Sasser. chairman and CEO of United Carolina Bank, will
be commencement speaker. He will be introduced by BCC President W.
Michael Reaves.
Student awards will be presented by Beth McLean, vice president
for student development. Graduate equivalent diploma (GED) candi
dates will be presented by Jerry Thrift, vice president for community
and continuing education. - j
Candidates for degrees, diplomas and certificates will be presented
by Johnnie Simpson, vice president of instruction. The degrees, diplo
mas and certificates will be conferred by BCC Board of Trustees
Chairman David Kelly and Reaves.
There are 213 curriculum and 116 GED graduates eligible to partici
pate in the commencement program, according to Lynn Morgan, BCC
registrar.
Schools Open Tuesday
Brunswick County schools all
will open on Tuesday, Aug. 23, as
set out in the school board's calen
dar adopted earlier.
Teachers began work this week.
Students' hours have been slight
ly extended in some schools to make
room for early dismissals on Wed
nesdays to give teachers additional
meeting and planning time. The
half-day Wednesdays will begin in
September in some schools in the
Shall otte area; individual schocl
spokesmen contacted by The
Brunswick Beacon on Tuesday said
full plans will be announced at stu
dent/parent orientations scheduled
this week and on students' first day
of school.
The following school hours were
reported to the Beacon:
? Shallotte Middle School. 8 a.m.
until 3:15 p.m. except Wednesdays.
8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Orientation
scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 18.
? Supply Elementary School, 8
a.m. until 3:15 p.m. except Wed
nesdays, 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
? Union Elementary, 8:15 a.m.
until 3 p.m., except Wednesdays,
8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. No early
Wednesday dismissals in August
and December.
? West Brunswick High School.
8:15 a.m. until 3:05 p.m. Half-day
Wednesdays begin in September.
Students enrolled in early classes
begin at 7:15 a.m. Orientation for
freshmen scheduled for Wednesday,
Aug. 17, and Thursday, Aug. 18.
For more information, call the
schools.
Clarification
The Richard Frink whose name
appeared recently in a Brunswick
County District Court docket is not
the Richard Barry Frink of Shallotte,
owner of Coastal Tire Co.
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO
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SHALLOTTE. NORTH CAROUNA 28459
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t mc for disp.itch to out ot town jcrdresses th.it d.iy
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION RATES BY MAIL: Sc. CIU?n
In Brunswick County ?8.30 <_J5.30
N.C. Sates Tax 38 32
Postage Charge 3.88 3 68
TOTAL 10.36 9.30
Elsewhere in North Carolina J6 30 (J5.30
N.C. Sales Tax 38 .32
Postage Charge 8 18 a. 18
TOTAL 14JM 1X80
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Postage Charge _afi5 _?Lfi5
TOTAL 15.96 14.96
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Three Little Pigs
There's nothing like a sand sculpture to bring a family together at the beach. Or in this case, three
families. The Shieldses and Moores of Roanoke, \'a., and the Hummels of Kansas City, Mo., all had a
hand in creating this masterpiece at Holden Beach. It took the group about three hours to complete
" H olden Hog Heaven. " 'Pictured are John Whitaker (left) and Robert Moore.
County Says Board Of Education
Misled Public About Closing Schools
BY ERIC CARLSON
Brunswick School officials know
ingly released false information to
manipulate public opinion last week
bftcn they suggested schools might
have to be kept closed because of
court motions filed by the countf.
Interim County Manager Charles
McGinnis said Thursday (Aug. 11).
Schools Superintendent Ralph
Johnston last week told the Beacon
"the Brunswick County Schools do
not know what their budget is" until
a judge rules on the county's request
to set aside a July 28 jury verdict
that awarded the board of education
a S14 million budget, which is $4.8
million more than the county com
missioners planned to spend.
On Aug. 29, Superior Court Judge
Jack Thompson will hear both sides
argue over the county's request for a
new trial. If the motion is denied,
the board of commissioners will
have to decide whether to appeal the
case. A decision from the N.C.
Court of Appeals could take a year
or more.
The school board called a special
meeting last Thursday (Aug. 11) to
consider delaying the start of school
for two weeks due to uncertainty
over the budget, but decided not to
postpone school. McGinnis said talk
of postponing the first day of school
was unnecessary.
They absolutely don't have to
delay school for one day. We've
done nothing to stop it," McGinnis
said Thursday morning as the school
board was meeting to discuss the
proposed change. "They get all their
teacher salaries from the state. There
is absolutely no reason to do that ?
none whatsoever.
"It's becoming apparent that this
is an intimation to stimulate public
opinion so the board of commission
ers won't file an appeal," he said.
Until the matter is resolved, state
law requires that the board of educa
tion continue to receive the same
amount of county money it used to
operate the schools last year.
Even if the county decides not to
appeal the jury award, the additional
$4.8 million would not be available
to the schools until January, 1995,
McGinnis said. That's when the
county would begin receiving mon
ey from the 10-cent supplemental
property tax that will likely be im
plemented to pay the additional cost.
"They knew all that from the be
ginning I don't think there's any
doubt about it," McGinnis said. "All
this was discussed (in closed ses
sions) by the two boards before the
legal action began. They have attor
neys representing them. They have
an attorney on their board. I'm no
attorney and I understood it."
McGinnis said he was surprised
by news accounts in which educa
tion officials blamed the county for
putting the school system in a finan
cial bind. The interim manager said
he was not contacted by reporters to
inquire about the county's side of
the story, so he decided to issue an
official statement on the matter
Thursday afternoon.
"Statements or intimations by the
board of education that the actions
of the commissioners in appealing
the verdict ? or in not paying the
sum awarded immediately ? are re
sponsible for the delay in school
openings or teacher pay adjustments
are incorrect," the prepared state
ment said. "The delay of school
openings or not fully paying teach
ers are decisions made by the board
of education and are separate and
distinct from any action of the board
of commissioners relating to this le
gal matter."
McGinnis also questioned claims
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thai the school board has been
forced to draw down its unappropri
ated fund balance to keep the
schools running. He blamed the
shortfall on poor financial planning.
"They made a bad decision when
they dipped into their surplus to give
more money to teachers and admin
istrators," McGinnis said at his of
fice Thursday. "They did it in the
middle of the year, which committed
them to funding it the next year
without any guarantee that they
would have the money."
The school system has predicted a
fund balance level of $250,000 as of
June 30. That money, along with the
county's regular allocation to the
board of education, should be
enough to continue operating the
schools, McGinnis said.
The county pays its share of the
board of education budget in 12
monthly installments. McGinnis
said the school system's July alloca
tion included the additional money
approved in the newly adopted
1994-95 budget. But due to state
laws governing such court actions,
the August payment will have to be
reduced.
County Finance Officer Lithia
Hahn said Friday the schools re
ceived $772,046 in July (reflecting
the new 1994-95 budget). Beginning
this month, the schools will receive
regular payments of J 727 ,506 (fund
ed at the 1993-94 level).
If the county appeals and the
higher court upholds the verdict, the
county will be required to pay the
school system enough additional
money to make up the difference be
tween current allocations and the
$14 million awarded by the jury.
Commissioners say it is likely the
10-cent surtax will have to be in
cluded in this year's tax bill to make
sure the county has enough money
to pay the schools after a decision is
reached. The money could be re
funded to taxpayers if the county ap
peals and wins.
rat Kwst?ar#itACON
Established Nov. 1, 1962
Telephone 754-6890
Published Every Thursday
At 4709 Main Street
Shallotte, N.C 28459
SUBSCRIPTION RATES
IN BRUNSWICK COUNTY
One Year .$10.36
Six Months .$5.55
ELSEWHERE IN
NORTH CAROLINA
One Year $14.86
Six Months $7.90
ELSEWHERE IN U^A.
One Year $15.95
Six Months $8.35
Second class postage paid at
Shallotte. N.C. 28459. USPS 777
780. Postmaster, send address
changes to:
P.O. Bos 2558,
Shallotte, N.C. 28459-2558
Corps Funds
Go Toward
OIB Project
(Continued From Page 1-A)
Small said the corps is studying
possible sources of suitable material
both inland and as far as one to two
miles offshore.
"North Carolina is very strict
about what you can put on the beach
here," said Small. "It has to be
beach quality and there has to be
enough of it not just to construct the
project but to replenish it over a 50
year lifetime."
"It can run into a lot of money.
You have to factor in that cost in the
benefit/cost ratio."
According to U.S. Rep. Charlie
Rose's office, the final Energy and
Water Development Appropriations
bill for fiscal year 1995 included
nearly $34 million for corps projects
in the Seventh Congressional
District, $1.3 million more than in
cluded in President Clinton's origi
nal budget request.
The total includes S21.3 million
to continue construction on the
deepening of the Wilmington
Harbor entrance channel to allow
port access for larger vessels; $6.7
million for Wilmington Harbor op
eration and general maintenance, in
cluding $437,000 to study a protec
tion program for Bald Head Island;
$900,000 to begin construction a
seawall to protect Fort Fisher State
Historic Site; $2.8 million for a
beach protection project at Carolina
Beach; $560,000 to widen the
Wilmington Harbor channel;
$300,000 for a study involving the
Cape Fear and Northeast Cape Fear
River; and $714,000 for mainte
nance of the Cape Fear River above
Wilmington.
Forecast Calls
For Wet Stuff
During Week
The South Brunswick Islands area
should receive at least one inch of
rainfall over the next week, accord
ing to Shallotte Point amateur mete
orologist Jackson Canady.
Canady said Tuesday he expects
above average rainfall to go along
with normal temperatures, which
should range from the lower 70s at
night to the upper 80s during the
day.
For the period Aug. 9-15, Canady
did not measure any rain at his resi
dence. The maximum high tempera
ture during the period was 93 de
grees and the minimum low was 63
degrees.
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