General discussion about long-term plans for the county took place during the Richmond County Board of Commissioners’ retreat at the Richmond County Airport on Monday.
Those discussions included topics like new locations for the Board of Elections and Emergency Services, maintenance needs of county buildings, contract and agreement renewals and other projects.
The discussion was broad and open to questions, with representatives standing by to answer them. According to County Manager Rick Sago, no decisions were made. Having had the discussion, the commissioners will receive a list of the items discussed to prioritize for further discussion.
A public hearing was held to take comments on a proposed contract to refinance an outstanding installment financing agreement for the Richmond County Judicial Center.
“Interest rates have dropped low enough to where we can save money,” said Sago.
According to Bond Counsel Bob Jessup, the county will save $1.4 million in interest payments through the term of the loan.
The board agreed to approve an agreement with EMS between Richmond County and FirstHealth of the Carolinas, Inc. to continue as emergency medical service provider.
The board reviewed requests by Richmond Community College for repairs and renovations, starting with those projects needing immediate attention to those that will need addressing in the next two or three years. The Condor Building needs a new roof as the current one is more than 20 years old, and that is estimated to cost $160,000. Sidewalks and concrete areas have raised cracks and are deteriorating, and that could cost $10,000. For $35,000 the college would like to be outfitted with facilities that would include a hiking trail, exterior volleyball court and spaces for fitness and exercise. Some long term repair requests include security camera upgrades, updated signs, and the upstairs carpet at the Condor Building needs replacing. The list does include other items, but totals $406,500. Long term plans could total $575,000 according to RCC’s projections.
County commissioners were informed of the City of Rockingham’s acquisition of property and planning for major recreational facilities that can enhance the quality of life in Richmond County. Commissioners discussed how the county may plan to support the city in developing those facilities.
— Staff Writer Dawn M. Kurry can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 15, or by email at dkurry@heartlandpublications.com.
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