By Staff
By DOUG GIBBS Daily News Correspondent
SWAN QUARTER -- The Hyde County Board of Commissioners on Monday approved part two of Tideland Mental Health Center's business plan. Linda Watkins, Tideland area director, and Barbara Moore, Tideland finance officer, discussed the plan with the board during the regular commissioners' meeting.
According to Watkins, the state hasn't provided information on how the new plan will be funded. Under the plan, the state wants more private providers to offer mental health services. The state also is looking to charitable organizations to provide more services.
Watkins told the board it is difficult to find these providers in rural areas.
In other business, Hal Scott, president of the Scott Group, presented to the board a new pay classification plan for county employees that would cost the county $70,435. According to Scott, there are 81 classes in the county's new pay plan. The study targets 45 of them.
In further business, the board agreed to reduce a water bill for Christian Moore because of a leak that had occurred at Moore's residence in Fairfield. Upon the recommendation of Utilities Director Jack Mason, the bill was reduced to $928.21 plus $7 to replace a lock that had been cut.
The commissioners also approved the purchase of new membranes for the water system, which will be purchased from Cooch Membranes in California for $25,584.
In another matter, Alan Crawford of Holland Planning and Consultants and County Planner Alice Keeney discussed the housing component of the Revitalization Strategies Grant for the Engelhard area.
The following homeowners will receive assistance during the current fiscal year: Margarette Gibbs, rehabilitation; Sarah Jennette, replacement; Hursie Spencer, rehabilitation; and Sarah Murray, replacement.
Dr. Brock Womble, superintendent of Hyde County Schools, met with the board to discuss the Academic Bond Program. Under the program, Hyde County Schools can borrow up to $1 million, interest free. If the loan is approved, the funds will be paid back over a 14-year period. The commissioners approved allowing the school system to apply for the funds, which the school board hopes to use for the following projects: renovations to Mattamuskeet Middle School and Mattamuskeet High School and the gym at O. A. Peay Schools.
If the loan is approved, some of the funds will be used to air-condition the Mattamuskeet School gym. Details of the loan will have to be approved by the commissioners.
The following times were set for the Board of Equalization and Review to meet:
During the meetings, the board will consider values assigned to real and personal property.
To schedule appointments, persons may call the Hyde County Tax Office at 926-4469.
In more business, the board voted to ask state Rep. Arthur Williams, D-Beaufort, to introduce a bill requiring that property taxes be paid before real property is sold in the county,
The board also voted to send a letter to state Sen. Marc Basnight, D-Dare, requesting that $12,000 be appropriated to repair a road at Hycendia Heights.
In addition, the board voted to write a letter requesting that Bill Moore be appointed to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.