By Jessie Burchette
jburchette@salisburypost.com
County residents have saved more than $250,000 on prescription drugs using a discount card available from the county.
Jon Barber, vice chairman of the Rowan County Board of Commissioners, will update commissioners Monday on the use of the card.
The Rowan County Board of Commissioners will meet an hour earlier than usual to accommodate an expected large crowd at a public hearing on land use.
The report on the discount drug card and other business will be in the session starting at 6 p.m.
Barber led the effort in 2007 to get the county to join the program sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo). The discount cards are available to all residents, regardless of age, income, or existing health care coverage.
In a press release, Barber said the card is having a tremendous effect on the citizens of Rowan County.
Barber will also update the board on the new efficiency suggestion form available on the county’s Web site.
In other matters, the board will:
– Consider an offer to buy a county-owned house at 6205 Mooresville Highway. The house, formerly used as a group home, has been appraised at a value range of $225,000 to $280,000.
A Charlotte business is offering $225,000.
– Consider approving a contract with Church Outlet to provide and install courtroom seating and furniture in new new courtrooms at the low bid price of $40,254.
The courtrooms on the third floor of the Justice Center are nearing completion.
– Consider awarding a three-year contract for auditing services to Martin Starnes & Associates. The firm’s proposal is around $7,000 less than Potter & Company, the firm that has done the county audits for the past decade.
– Consider approval of budget amendments including a $4,200 cut in state funds to purchase library books.
Commissioners will meet at 6 p.m. Monday in the Cohen Administrative Offices Building, 130 W. Innes St.