Garrison Provides Comparisons of the State’s Proposed Vs. Adopted Budget

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-Information courtesy the June 2018 newsletter of Rep. Terry E. Garrison (Dem)

SB 99 or the Appropriations Act of 2018 is the adjusted budget for the State of North Carolina. Every biennium, the General Assembly produces a budget for all North Carolina department divisions. The budget is a document that reflects the authorized expenditures for the department heads by which they determine their program allocations. Governor Cooper vetoed this bill because he felt the budget did not do enough to ensure the welfare of all North Carolinians.

The legislative short session typically has allowed all legislators an opportunity to review the budget and provide input for budget changes or adjustments. However, that did not happen this past session. Budget adjustments were made by a joint conference committee comprised of few Republicans from both the Senate and House. However, all Democrats and many Republicans were not involved with making budget adjustments. Thus, the general legislative body had but one option – to vote either “Yes” or “No” for approval of the budget.

This bill was vetoed by the Governor and his veto was overridden by the General Assembly on June 12, 2018.

Below are some comparisons of the budget that was put forth by the Governor and North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA):

Cooper’s Proposed Budget – Provided $20 million to expand broadband in underserved areas                                          NCGA’s Adopted Budget – Provides $10 million

Cooper’s Proposed Budget – Provided $12.2 million in rural economic development grants                                              NCGA’s Adopted Budget – Does not include statewide rural economic support grants

Cooper’s Proposed Budget – Provided $9 million in community mental health funding to fight opioid use disorders   NCGA’s Adopted Budget – Does not provide statewide funding to combat opioid use disorders

Cooper’s Proposed Budget – Recommended expanding Medicaid to cover 670,000 additional people                            NCGA’s Adopted Budget – Does not expand Medicaid eligibility to close health care coverage gap

Cooper’s Proposed Budget – Invested $28 million to improve safety & security of prison facilities                                    NCGA’s Adopted Budget – Provides $15 million w/no funding for correctional officer training

Cooper’s Proposed Budget – Provided $14.5 million to tackle water quality concerns                                                            NCGA’s Adopted Budget – Provides $10.3 million but spreads it around several entities

Cooper’s Proposed Budget – Provided an additional $2.5 million to our state’s HBCU’s                                                          NCGA’s Adopted Budget – This budget does not increase investment in HBCU’s

Oxford Police Dept

Oxford Police Dept. to Host ‘Coffee With a Cop’

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-Information courtesy the City of Oxford website

On Thursday, July 12, 2018, officers from the Oxford Police Department and community members will come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee. All community members are invited to attend. The event begins at 9 a.m. at McDonald’s, 106 East Industry Drive, Oxford, NC. Please contact Captain Ford with questions: (919) 693-3161, pford@oxfordncpd.org.

Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the department’s work in Oxford’s neighborhoods. The majority of contacts law enforcement has with the public happen during emergencies or emotional situations. Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship building with the community, and some community members may feel that officers are unapproachable on the street. Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction. “We hope that community members will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns, or simply get to know our officers,” said Police Chief Al Coley. “These interactions are the foundation of community partnerships.”

Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by The United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Similar events are being held across the county, as local police departments strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve.

The program aims to advance the practice of community policing through improving relationships between police officers and community members one cup of coffee at a time.

H-V Chamber Logo

Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce Announces Upcoming Ribbon-Cuttings

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-Information courtesy Sandra Wilkerson, Director of Admin and Events, Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce

The Law Office of Dysart Willis, 1108 Dabney Drive, Henderson, will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, July 12, 2018, at 4 p.m.

Home Decorator Shoppe, 521 Dabney Drive, Henderson, will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, July 24, 2018, at 10 a.m.

Ribbon-cuttings are held by the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce to welcome new Chamber members.

Granville Crime Stoppers

Burglary/Vandalism/Larceny on Gooch’s Mill Rd and NC Hwy 56

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-Press Release, Granville County Crime Stoppers

On Wednesday, June 27, 2018, an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon the private property of a residence located off Gooch’s Mill Road, Oxford, NC and criminally removed a Down to Earth utility trailer, black in color, from the yard. Also, a Simplicity Zero Turn lawn mower, red in color, and a Briggs and Stratton pressure washer, red and black in color, that were loaded onto the trailer were taken.

On Wednesday, June 27, 2018, an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon the private property of a residence located off NC Highway 56, Creedmoor, NC and forced entry of the residence, which caused criminal property damage, and unlawfully removed one 9mm handgun, newborn baby clothing, two gray lock boxes, numerous pieces of gold jewelry, medications and $170.00 in cash.

If you have information concerning these incidents, please contact the Granville County Sheriff’s Office at 919-693-3213 or call Crime Stoppers 919-693-3100.

THE GRANVILLE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS AUTHORIZED THE PAYMENT OF A REWARD OF UP TO $1,000 FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST/INDICTMENT(S) OF PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE CRIMES.  IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION CONCERNING THESE CRIMES OR ANY OTHER SERIOUS CRIME(S) IN GRANVILLE COUNTY, YOU ARE ASKED TO CALL THE GRANVILLE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS IN OXFORD AT 919-693-3100.

NC Coop Extension

Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland 07/09/18

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Town Talk 07/09/18

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News 07/09/18

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Vance County NC

Fox Tests Positive for Rabies in Vance Co.

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-Information courtesy the Vance County Animal Shelter

Vance County Animal Services responded to a call on July 2, 2018, in reference to a possibly rabid fox on Willie Currin Rd, off of Gun Club Rd, in Henderson. The fox was sent off for testing and has tested positive for rabies.

At this time, Animal Services is asking the public to please make sure that all cats and dogs are up-to-date on their rabies vaccine.

Vance County Logo

Consolidation of Kittrell Water Association Among Slated Topics at Specially-Called Commissioners’ Meeting

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-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Clerk to the Board, Vance County

This memorandum will serve as notice that Chairman Thomas S. Hester, Jr. has called a special meeting for Tuesday, July 10 at 5 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Conference Room, Vance County Administration Building, 122 Young Street, Henderson, NC.

The purpose of the special meeting is to:

1. Approve new Water Agreement with the City of Henderson as presented.

Staff Report – Board of Commissioners Water Agreement with the City of Henderson. The City and County have reached agreement on a new water purchase/sales agreement that provides for the following:

– Allows Kittrell Water Association System (KWA) to be consolidated into the Vance County Water District System (VCWD).

– Allows VCWD to utilize the existing water purchase rate from the City ($3.37 per $1,000 gallons) with increases as per the existing contract.

– Assigns the KWA allocation of 200,000 gallons per day to the VCWD and combines all VCWD allocations together (525,000 gpd) regardless of phase.

– Removes existing reservation fees for Phases 1A, 2A & 2B with no additional reservation fee for additional allocation.

KWA Phase 1B Funding. Kittrell Water Association received USDA funding in 2014 for construction of Phase 1B. With the consolidation, it is necessary for the county water district to seek USDA’s approval to reassign the funding to preserve the opportunity for constructing this phase. The project had a total cost of $3,196,201 with $1,740,000 in loan funds, $1,411,001 in grant funds, and $45,200 in owner contributions. According to records provided by KWA, a total of 350 signups have been obtained although approximately 200 are located along the planned waterlines. Phase 1B includes 23 miles of waterline and the engineer has obtained DEQ and DOT permits for construction to proceed.

2. Approve 2018 Amendment to City-County Agreement for Joint Funding of the Perry Memorial Library as presented.

The City and County have reached agreement on an amended joint funding agreement which increases the County’s portion of library funding from 75% to 85%. The increased percentage equates to an increase of $78,960 in county funds.

3. Approve budget amendments.

  • Budget Amendment #1 appropriates up to $250,000 from fund balance, as per the previously approved loan agreement, to the Kittrell Water Association.
  • Budget Amendment #2 appropriates $78,960 from fund balance to increase the County’s share of the library’s operating budget from 75% to 85% as per the revised funding agreement with the City of Henderson.
  • Budget Amendment #3 reduces the transfer from the General Fund to the Water Fund due to the revised water purchase agreement with the City of Henderson which removes the reservation fee charges.
  • Budget Amendment #4 amends the water fund budget to account for the removal of the reservation/capacity fee to the City of Henderson as per the revised water purchase agreement.

4. Convene the Vance County Water District Board to approve new Water Agreement with the City of Henderson and approve budget amendments.

5. Other items as necessary

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Eat Fresh, Shop Local at Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market This Weekend

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-Information courtesy Tracy Madigan, Market Manager, Vance County Regional Farmers Market

When you buy fresh and local produce at your Vance County Regional Farmers Market, you are supporting local food systems and promoting sustainable agriculture by connecting community consumers to fresh, locally grown and produced foods. This strengthens our local economy.

Your local farmers market facilitates personal connections and bonds of mutual benefits between farmers and shoppers. By cutting out middlemen, farmers receive more of our food dollars and shoppers receive the freshest and most flavorful food in our area.

Did you know that on average, farmers receive only 17.4 cents of every dollar we spend on food in traditional stores? At farmers markets, farmers receive upwards of 90 cents on the dollar.

Most of our vendors travel less than ten miles to sell at the VCRFM. Compare that to other food stores where seven to fourteen days can go by between the time produce is picked and when it becomes available to consumers. In that time, fruits and vegetables may travel more than 1,200 miles before reaching store shelves. Locally grown produce sold at the VCRFM is made available at the peak of freshness and nutrient content.

It is a source of pride to our vendors that the products available at the VCRFM represent the agricultural and craft talents of our area. Thus, you will find what is in season and grown in our area.

Besides, shopping at your VCRFM is a wholly unique experience where farmers and shoppers get to know each other. Meeting friends and neighbors at the VCRFM is fun!

This week, you will find beets, blueberries, butter beans, cabbage, cantaloupes, corn & cucumbers; eggs, eggplant, garlic, green beans, onions, peaches, peppers, pink eye purple hull peas, potatoes, squash, tomatoes (green, red & heirloom,) & zucchini.

We also have plenty of canned vegetables, honey, salsa, chow-chow, bbq sauces, jellies, jams, wine, soaps, bath salts, scented candles, cut sunflowers and unique handmade crafts.

 

Anticipated Vendors – Saturday, July 7:

Adcock Farm

Backroad Farm & Vineyard

Culver Farms Honey

Donation Station

Eclectic Peacock

Faulkner Family Farms

Honeyberry Hills Farm

Imperial Stitching

JW Creek Farms

Kelly Lynn Photography

LouMag Ent.

Pretty Tough Stuff

Short’s Family Farms

Woodwick Designs

VCRFM is located at 210 South Park Dr. in Henderson and is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

**VCRFM accepts and welcomes SNAP/EBT**

The Farmers Market building is available for rent. Contact Tracy Madigan, market manager, at (252) 598-0814for pricing and available dates.

(This is not a paid advertisement)