NEWBERRY COUNTY

CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING

Minutes for July 25, 2007

The Newberry County Citizens Advisory Committee met on Tuesday, July 25, 2007 at 7:00 pm at the Courthouse Annex Conference Room, 1309 College Street, Newberry, SC 29108

Present:

Citizens Advisory Committee: Vina Abrams, Jerry Wright, Vicki Mays, Mary Arrowood, Lisa Toland, Lynn Beasley, Larry DeHart, Mike Davenport, Ted Waites, Terry Koon, Stuart Peters (Others may have been present, but did not sign in.)

Others:

Wayne Adams, County Administrator

Debbie Cromer, Bob Beard

1. Call to Order and Welcome

Mike Davenport, Committee Chairman, called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. He welcomed all present.

2. Approval of Agenda

The agenda was approved by the body.

3. Approval of July 25, 2007 Minutes

The minutes were approved by the body with any necessary changes.

4. Report on Possible Site for Sheriff’s Department and Library

The Library has received a $1.3 million donation from an anonymous donor.

The old Wal-Mart Building is a good option for county/city government. It would get rid of an eyesore and will be able to provide many services in one area – Jerry Wright.

General Discussion:

• The pros and cons of purchasing the entire old Wal-Mart building or just the Winn-Dixie portion.
• The building does have good potential. There needs to be research done to see what all could be housed in a “Judicial Complex”. Possibly a small group study.
• What would be the impact on downtown to move some offices that are housed at the Courthouse?
• There needs to be some type of negotiating leverage to the owner.
• Joint ownership between the county and the city.
• The pros and cons of private development and lease of space.
• Let’s not make haste a waste!

5. Assessor’s Report

· Status of Appeals

Of the 3475 Appeals, (as of Monday) there are 874 appeals left. The office is on target for hearing all appeal. The goal is to have all appeals heard by the last day of September. There are between 50-70 appeals done per week. Of the 1, 074 Building Permits for the County 821 have been sketched and entered in.

· Status on Hirings

2 Listers have been hired

2 Appraisers – (1 is working and the other will be filled by July 30. Until then, temporary employees in the office will be used and the position will be re-advertised later.)

1 Clerical position should be filled by July 30

· GIS Report by Bob Beard

Bob Beard gave a demonstration of GIS (Geographic Information System). This is a database driven system. The ultimate goal is to give every appraiser the ability to pull up on a computer (or laptop in the field) print maps, studies of land, etc. Also, plans are to have a kiosk ready for the public in house and then later provide the information on the website for the public.

The Chairman stated that good progress has been made in the Assessor’s Office. This was a specific charge for the Committee and we are doing what has been asked of us.

6. Discussion

· Property Tax Refund – $1.2 million in refunds to homeowners. Checks and letters will be mailed on Friday & Saturday.

· Lynches Woods – There have been a broad range of perspectives from several groups. The pros and cons of timber clearing, rules for use and maintenance of the park, hours of operation, regular patrol, the creation of a Clemson Extension Office/Farm Services Building -- this has taken a back seat to other current county building projects.

· Referendum in November for extra penny sales tax to roll back property taxes.

o If it fails the millege would stay the same.

o If it passes how long would it be in effect? Until repealed?

o Is it earmarked specifically for tax relief?

o State operations for owner operated homes, school funding

7. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 pm by Mike Davenport, Chairman