The Moore County Board of Commissioners Tuesday conducted their first regular meeting of 2019. First order of business was to recognize two firefighters who had served the county for over 50 years each.
Adrian Allred has served the citizens of Moore County for 57 years most recently with the Aberdeen Fire Department. Recently retired Joseph Rorie was honored for 56 years of service. Both men were presented with a plaque commentating their service.
Adrian Allred receiving plaque. Photos courtesy of Aberdeen Fire Department.
The commissioners received a report on a new resource opening in Moore County to help victims of child abuse. Until recently, victims were forced to see a myriad of agencies often either being forced to repeat many times the story of their abuse or struggle to obtain the help and resources they needed. The new Moore County Child Advocacy Center opening this month is intended to remedy that situation.
According to Director Stacy Carven-Gatling, the center will provide a forensic investigator, medical professionals as well as therapists to intercede for victims in a child-friendly environment and to coordinate the efforts of the various agencies involved. The center will have a soft opening this month with an open house being scheduled later this year.
The annual financial report for 2018 showed a 5.4 million dollar increase from last year with a 30 percent spendable balance. The North Carolina standard is for counties to have an 8 percent spendable balance.
Property taxes make up the bulk of total revenues with a 2.3 percent increase and a 99.48 percent collection rate. Nationally, North Carolina property tax rates are among the lowest in the country. The larges budget areas for last year was 42 percent for education and 18 percent for public safety.
The financial report should help the county save money on the upcoming school bonds in that next month Moody’s Investor Services (a debt rating service) is expected to review and increase Moore County’s credit rating which will decrease the interest rate and fees associated with the issuance of new bonds.
A report on the progress of the parks and recreation planned expansion of Hillcrest Park was made. The existing facilities will be expanded by the addition of a recreation center and splash pad.
Indoor basketball courts that will be available for sports and other activities will be a central part of the new facility. The $280,000 contract for the splash pad was awarded last October with a scheduled completion of June of this year.
The next regular commissioners meeting will be held January 22.
Feature Photo: Joseph Rorie receiving his honor plaque.
Written by Sandhills Sentinel Reporter Chris Prentice.
