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10. PUBLIC ITEMS <br />10.A. PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE <br />10.B. PUBLIC DISCUSSION ITEMS <br />10.B.1. REQUEST TO SPEAK FROM ALTHEA D. MCKENZIE REGARDING UPDATE <br />OF GIFFORD NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN <br />Althea McKenzie, 2405 16th Avenue, addressed the Board regarding the update of the <br />Gifford Neighborhood Plan (GNP). She reported that at the GNP meeting on October 22, 2013, <br />the residents were advised that County staff would return with a specific plan in January 2014; <br />residents have now been advised that staff will not return until April 26, 2014. Ms. McKenzie <br />spoke to the urgent need for improvements (such as drainage and sidewalks) and urged the Board <br />to make a commitment to expedite the improvements, address poverty in Gifford and elsewhere <br />in the County, and put some solid figures behind the GNP. <br />Discussion followed, with input from County Administrator Joseph Baird, about the <br />County's annual budget process and timeline. <br />Ms. McKenzie distributed and reviewed data (copy on file) on the County's budget, <br />mentioning the ad valorem taxes that were paid by Gifford homeowners, and opined that the <br />funds allocated to Gifford are not equivalent to monies spent in other areas of the County. <br />Discussion ensued, with input from Director of Management and Budget Jason Brown <br />and Administrator Baird, about the County's budget, including the cost for operating expenses <br />for general government, such as law enforcement, fire safety, and road maintenance. <br />Commissioner Zorc suggested consolidating the figures on the capital side and the <br />operating sides of various projects, to get a more accurate picture of whether there is a disparity <br />in the amounts being spent in Gifford versus other areas in the County. <br />January 21, 2014 7 <br />