Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1262915
WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM 22 UCW JUNE 24-30, 2020 Christian music station local your e Cumberland County Department of Public Health is offering drive-thru testing on Tuesdays and ursdays while supplies last and staffing is available. Visit our Testing and Collection page to schedule an appointment. Tuesdays Manna Church 5117 Cliffdale Road, Fayetteville 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ursdays Cumberland County Health Department 1235 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. COVID-19 Drive-Thru Test Collection Testing is free and available for any individual over the age of 13 who meets specific criteria including experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or anyone without symptoms who has been in close contact with someone who tested positive in the last 14 days. If you do not have symptoms, wait 6 days after your last exposure to get tested. To see a complete list of testing criteria, go to co.cumberland.nc.us/covid19. e Cumberland County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution against racial injustice during the June 11 meeting. e resolution calls for the creation of a Diversity and Equity Committee comprised of representatives from a cross section of internal County departments charged with developing recommendations, procedures and a strategic plan outlining goals to advance diversity, equity and inclusion within the organization. e group will focus on recruitment, training, internal operations, and community outreach. "is Board of Commissioners wanted to not only take a stand against racial injustice, but to put action behind our words. is is a start and we look forward to the strategic plan and recommendations that the Diversity and Equity committee will bring forth," said Chairman Marshall Faircloth. Resolution of the CumbeRland County boaRd of CommissioneRs against RaCial injustiCe WHEREAS, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners is deeply saddened by the horrific and senseless death of George Floyd, and WHEREAS, Mr. Floyd's death has resulted in an outcry from citizens across the nation and in our own community seeking acknowledgement of social injustice and calling for action to change systemic racism, and WHEREAS, Cumberland County Government is committed to our core value of treating all people with respect, dignity and understanding, and WHEREAS, County policies prohibit discrimination and harassment, the Board of Commissioners calls on the organization to take additional steps to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and WHEREAS, a County Diversity and Equity Committee comprised of representatives from a cross section of internal departments will be created and charged with developing recommendations, procedures and a strategic plan outlining goals to advance diversity, equity and inclusion within the organization while focusing on the areas of recruitment, training, internal operations, and community outreach. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners stands firmly against racial injustice and will work to bring lasting change by promoting a more equitable and inclusive community and workplace. Commissioners Approve Racial Injustice Resolution e Cumberland County Board of Commissioners approved the Fiscal Year 2021 annual budget during a work session June 15. e budget maintains the property tax rate at 79.9 cents per $100 valuation. Each one cent on the tax rate is projected to generate $2.3 million in real, personal and motor vehicle taxes. e balanced budget includes approximately $475 million in total expenditures across all funds, with a General Fund total of $328 million. e budget includes a realignment for Planning and Inspections fees that will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2021. Fees in the Planning and Inspections Department have not changed in 10 years and have not kept pace with the cost of providing services. e new fees, which were developed by analyzing fees charged by comparable counties and the City of Fayetteville, remain lower on average than fees charged by contiguous counties. Funding for Cumberland County Schools will total $80.7 million. Fayetteville Technical Community College is recommended to receive $12,283,629 for current expense funding. Expenditure Highlights • e budget did not include a cost of living adjustment for employees. However, the Board approved a one- time payment of $1,700 for all permanent full-time County employees hired before July 1, 2020. • e budget includes $772,074 for market adjustments for pay in high-turnover classifications. • e budget funds two positions (a Health Department social worker and a Deputy Register of Deeds); and replacement equipment at the Detention Center. • Funding for community agencies remains at current year levels with no cuts. • Based on a fleet management review, the budget includes $49,380 for a fleet management consultant to assist with addressing the recommendations in the study; $4,500 to implement a tool allowance for technicians; $5,400 to develop a technician training program and $3 million in fund balance from the Capital Investment Fund for future vehicle replacement after formal fleet management and replacement policies are developed. • A state-mandated $1.2 million increase to the county's employer contribution to the Local Government Employees' Retirement System is included in the budget. • e Solid Waste enterprise fund budget includes closing the Cliffdale Convenience Center, which sits in an annexed portion of the City of Fayetteville, on Oct. 1 for an estimated cost savings of $100,000 annually. All other convenience sites were established for residents in the unincorporated areas where municipal trash service is not provided. An additional $1.9 million in equipment replacement is also included in the budget. Budget information is available on the County's website at co.cumberland.nc.us under the Budget Division. Budget Approved for Fiscal Year 2021 News for Cumberland County Residents co.cumberland.nc.us