• Move could have cost schools millions in low wealth funds.

By NICOLE CARTRETTE
Staff Writer

The Columbus County Board of Commissioners decided not to play chance with school funding and backed away from a suggestion that education be cut by $300,000 in order to save another penny in property tax.

Friday, the board adopted a $76 million budget and 5-cent tax increase for fiscal 2007-2008 but left education funded at fiscal 2006-2007 levels.

Commissioner Bill Memory had suggested the cut at a previous meeting.

After further discussion with the finance department this week and calls to Raleigh asking if it would in fact jeopardize low wealth funds, he withdrew the proposal.

Interim Finance Director Leo Hunt and staff contacted Raleigh to ask that the calculation be placed in a formula to determine if it would hurt low-wealth state funding.

“It was too close to call for that gentleman,” Memory declared, and went on to explain other efforts to see if it was a feasible cut failed.

“I believe what the paper (The News Reporter) stated was pretty close,” Commissioner James Prevatte said.

“In an effort not to lose low wealth money for our schools,” Memory announced education would not be cut. “I would like to ask that our boards of education be good citizens and monitor their spending – be good stewards,” Memory said.

“I appreciate the vote on this for what it’s worth,” City Schools Board Chairman Carlton Prince said.