The Henderson County Board of Commissioners met for a special called meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the Commissioners' Conference Room of the Henderson County Office Building.

Those present were: Chairman Grady Hawkins, Vice-Chair Bill Moyer. Good, Commissioner Renee Kumor, Commissioner Don Ward, Commissioner Marilyn Gordon, County Manager David E. Nicholson, Assistant County Manager Angela S. Beeker, Finance Director J. Carey McLelland, Budget Analyst Selena Coffey and Fire Marshal Rocky Hyder.

Absent was: Clerk to the Board Elizabeth W. Corn.

Chairman Hawkins called the meeting to order and welcomed all in attendance. He explained that the main purpose of this meeting was to hear from the fire departments that are above revenue neutral. He informed those in attendance that the actual rates would not be set until the budget ordinance was adopted.

David Williams, former Chief of Dana Fire Department, presented their budget. They had requested 9 cents. However, the revenue neutral rate of 7.5 cents will meet their budget.

Chief Lowell Griffin of the Edneyville Fire Department requested 9 cents. This was based on their five-year plan and included a brush truck and some part-time personnel. The Board agreed to the 9 cents.

Mike Williams, Chief of Etowah-Horse Shoe Fire Department requested 7 cents. This included funding for paid staff. Based on their new lower valuation, the Board agreed to increase their rate to 7.3 cents.

Chief Gregg Garland and Board President Jay Platt appeared on behalf of Fletcher Fire Department. They updated the Board on the replacement of their building, caused by the widening of US Hwy# 25 North. They plan to add additional staff and requested an 8 cent tax rate. The Board agreed to that rate.

Todd McCrain, Chief of Green River stated that they could live with the revenue neutral rate of 6.5 cents. He did inform the Board that they plan to purchase a new multi-purpose truck this year.

Chief Jimmy Gasperson and Treasurer Michael Cochran requested a 9 cent tax rate for Mountain Home Fire Department. They plan to add staff and possibly an additional sub-station. The Board expressed concerned over the requested increase and on the effect of annexation by the City of Hendersonville. The Board agreed to an 8.5 cent tax rate for Mountain Home.

Chief Jerry Pace represented Saluda Fire Department. They requested an 8 cent rate due to the expense associated with the relocation of their building. The Board agreed to the requested rate of 8 cents.

Wayne Banks, Chief of Valley Hill, requested a rate of 7 cents for Valley Hill I and 6 cents for Valley Hill II. The Board agreed to these rates.

There being no further business to come before the Board, Chairman Hawkins adjourned the meeting at 9:25 p.m.

ATTEST:

Elizabeth W. Corn, Clerk Grady Hawkins, Chairman