MINUTES
 
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
 
SPECIAL MEETING, THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2003
 
            The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a budget work session on Thursday, May 8, 2003, in the Administrative Conference Room, Watauga County Courthouse. Those present were: Chairman Coffey, Vice-Chairman Hodges, Commissioner Blust, Commissioner Honeycutt, Commissioner Trivette, County Manager Nelson, Assistant County Manager Geouque, and Finance Director Isaacs.
 
            Chairman Coffey called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.
 
            Mr. Stan Steury with the Blue Ridge Resource Conservation and Development Council discussed with the Board a proposal to pursue grant funds to utilize the methane gas from the County’s landfill. The methane gas was to be used to heat and provide electricity for the transfer station and maintenance building. An additional potential use for the methane gas was to develop an Energy Park adjacent to the landfill. Mr. Steury stated that the amount from this grant, if awarded, was approximately $129,241. Additional grant funding in the amount of $281,000 was to be sought as available.
 
            Commissioner Blust, seconded by Commissioner Honeycutt, made a motion to allow the Blue Ridge Resource Conservation and Development Council to apply for grant money to utilize the methane gas at the County’s landfill. 
 
VOTE:  Aye -5
              Nay -0
 
County Manager Nelson and Finance Director Isaacs reviewed the proposed Fiscal Year 2003/2004 budget. The Board requested information from the School Board on the current salaries and proposed increases for the Central Office Staff. The Board also directed staff to contact the School Board and the Sheriff to request their attendance at the next budget work session scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, 2003 at 1:00 PM.
 
            The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 P.M.
 
                                                                                    James Coffey
                                                                                    Chairman
 
ATTEST:
 
Robert E. Nelson, Jr.
County Manager