By Jessie Burchette

Salisbury Post

County commissioners are expecting a marathon session Monday night focusing on several hot topics — schools, land-use planning, farmland values and more.

Newly elected Commissioner John Barber has added the previously mentioned topics to the agenda as well as discussions on the budget process, the board’s internal relationship and strategic planning.

Several of the items Barber wants discussed have tentatively been scheduled for the board’s annual retreat usually in mid to late February. In memos to the board, Barber contends the county can’t wait until the retreat to get started.

In his request, Barber asked that the discussion be recorded so it can be played on government-access cable TV channels.

Newly elected commissioner Tina Hall is going a step further, asking the board to discuss televising all commission meetings.

Hall wrote in an e-mail to commissioners that Randy Cress and David Boling from the county’s Information Systems Department will be on hand to discuss the technical feasibility of the project.

Here’s a summary of the issues proposed for discussion by Barber:

* A consensus from the board on moving forward with some type of land-use plan.

Specifically, he asks that the planning staff make a presentation to the board on different approaches to land-use planning, getting outside help if necessary.

Barber wrote that the board’s retreat is not until mid or late February, and the board “should not waste any time in addressing this issue.”

* Discussion of farmland values. Barber and a group of farmers met with County Assessor Jerry Rowland Thursday afternoon.

Apparently, some farmers are concerned about increases proposed in the recently adopted schedules to be used in the upcoming revaluation.

* The finance staff make a presentation in the next few weeks on various budgeting processes, including zero-based budgets.

* The school board and commissioners hold a joint meeting to improve the working relationship of the two boards. “Right now, the relationship is non-existent at best and confrontational at worst,” wrote Barber.

* A discussion on the interworkings of the Board of Commissioners, the board’s relationship with the county manager and the board’s interaction with county departments and department heads.

He suggests the county manager should attend any meeting involving a commissioner and county staff or department heads. Barber wrote ” … This is not a trust issue. It is just to ensure that all of the commissioners have all of the information available on all issues.”

* The Strategic Planing Commission, created several years ago by the county, should make a presentation on its work prior to the February retreat.

Commissioner Hall has asked for a discussion regarding the board’s liaison appointments.

Commissioner Jim Sides protested the manner of the appointments made last week by Chairman Arnold Chamberlain and questioned whether Chamberlain has the authority to make some of the appointments.

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The board is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. Monday in the J. Newton Cohen Sr. Meeting Room, County Administrative Offices Building, 130 W. Innes St.

Due to the expected length of the meeting, the meeting may be recessed and resumed at 4 p.m. Tuesday at the same location. A decision will be made Monday night.