By NICOLE CARTRETTE
Staff Writer

A vote to redistrict has resulted in little to no action since cast earlier this year.

No money has been appropriated for redistricting the seven single-member county commissioner districts in Columbus County. They have not been adjusted for population purposes since their creation in the 90s after a lawsuit brought by citizens who questioned the ability of a minority to be elected under the old system.|

The Board of Commissioners, facing a tough budget crunch this year, decided against appropriating funds for redistricting that they approved 6 to 1 earlier this year. The $76 million budget, which included a 5-cent per $100 value tax increase, passed by a thin 4 to 3 margin.

“Let those people that really want (redistricting) come and pay for it,” Chairman Sammie Jacobs said at a commissioners meeting held June 25.

Commissioner James Prevatte brought up the subject, but Jacobs made it clear if Prevatte wasn’t willing to vote for a tax increase he wasn’t willing to listen to a request for money to redistrict.

Prevatte argued that money needed to be budgeted for redistricting and hinted that the county was open to a possible lawsuit.

“Whether somebody sues us or not, that’s their prerogative,” County Attorney Steve Fowler said.

Commissioner Bill Memory pressed Fowler for further details.

“In my opinion this is a continuing type thing,” Fowler said of the 1992 court order that created the districts. “We have to go back to federal court.”

The board asked what redistricting would cost.

Quotes range from $30,000 to $40,000, Fowler said of estimates that were provided to commissioners but not to the clerk to the board.

County Manager Jim Varner pointed out it would cost far more than $30,000 since federal court is involved.

“That’s the first step,” Fowler clarified.

In May the board questioned Fowler about redistricting that they had voted for nearly four months before.
Fowler, who was asked to investigate the situation in February, gave no specifics at the May meeting but was questioned as to why he did not have more information for the board.

Fowler said he had spoken with the UNC Center for Civil Rights but “didn’t want to obligate the county further.”

“I will do whatever is the will of the board,” Fowler said, pointing out it may be costly to start negotiations about money. “I did not want to start negotiating prices.”

Prevatte pressed Fowler for a legal opinion also at that time.

“Weren’t we bound by law?” Prevatte declared.

At that time Fowler said “probably.”

“We can or are required?” Prevatte insisted.

“Required,” County Manager Jim Varner answered.

“Find out what it will cost and we will appropriate it,” Prevatte said. “You can’t afford not to because you are opening yourselves up to a lawsuit because you are violating the law.”

“Are we violating the law? I don’t know,” Commissioner Bill Memory said. “We’re going to spend some money but for one election?”

Commissioner Amon McKenzie (the only commissioner who voted against redistricting) made it clear he didn’t want the board drawing the lines. “We simply can’t do it ourselves,” he insisted.

Earlier this year, the board was under pressure from local citizens who pointed out that several districts are in violation of federal law by having population deviations of more that 20 percent in some districts.

The county did not redistrict after the 2000 census, as required.

Many board members were uncertain of the effect a court order from 1992 had on its ability to redistrict. The order abolished at-large voting and created seven single member districts, two of which are minority districts.

On the night of the vote to redistrict, former Columbus County Citizens for Better Government President Harry Foley said it was likely board of commissioners would want to wait for the 2010 census. At that time, Foley said waiting until the 2010 census would be a mistake.

The 2008, 2010, and 2012 elections could all be decided with unbalanced districts if redistricting is put off, he added.