They requested several new position in this year=s budget. This included changing the Spanish Interpreter from a temporary position to a permanent one. There are no County funds needed for this position. The Board agreed to include this position in the budget. The Board discussed and approved a Health Educator position as a project employee and a Public Health Nurse contract for Blue Ridge Health Center. These positions are funded with Medicaid dollars.

Mr. Bridges also requested an additional four Public Health Nurses to work at the Middle Grade Schools. These new positions would be funded under a Duke Endowment Grant that Pardee Hospital had received for three years. These positions would require that Henderson County provide mobile units for the schools. The cost of the units could come from funds currently within the Health Department=s budget. The Chairman will check with Pardee Hospital concerning the grant and the staff is to check on the possibility of leasing the mobile units.

Mr. Bridges discussed the new requests in the Animal Control budget. They have requested a Secretary and an additional Animal Control Officer. These were not included in the County Manager=s budget and would have to be funded by local funds. They also requested several vehicle replacements in both Animal Control and Environmental Health. They also have received state funding for the majority of the purchase of a well camera. The County match of $3,600 could come from departmental savings and fees.

Liston Smith and Peggy Rutledge presented the Department of Social Services= requested budget. There were no county funds within their budget for the Interfaith Assistance Ministry=s Emergency Intervention program. However, they have a contract through the Work First Program to provide them funding. Mr. Smith updated the Board on several programs within his department including a wide-area network, services to aging, Child Support Enforcement and Services to Children. There were no new positions included in the budget request. However, there were a number of state bills that the General Assembly is considering that could require additional staffing.

Ms. Rutledge reviewed their Federal and State Program=s budget. These included the county=s match to Medicaid, Foster Care, Adoption Assistance and Work First.